6 ways to plan ahead for Christmas to help you save
Ready to sleigh Christmas spending this year? While the festive season is quickly creeping in on us, getting ahead of holiday planning is the best way to avoid budget blowouts and it could mean more cash for all the things you want to enjoy.
From clever budgeting tricks to early-bird gift strategies, here’s how to get festive without losing sight of your financial goals.
1. Start a Christmas budget asap!
Create a budget that includes everything from gifts and travel to Christmas dinner and those little extras, like decorations. Aim to set aside a small amount weekly, so when the festive fun arrives, you’ve got a nice cushion ready to go. Need a hand? Our budgeting tool can help map out a spending plan in a flash.
2. Lock in your travel early
December is peak travel season, so the sooner you book, the better. Whether it's flights, accommodation, or a car hire, securing travel plans early can help you avoid hefty last-minute fees. Even setting alerts for fare deals can mean snagging cheaper rates! And don’t forget travel insurance; compare policies early to cover your bases without overspending.
3. Create a gift list and start sale searching
Instead of braving the holiday rush, list everyone you’ll need gifts for, along with some present ideas. Then, keep an eye out for pre-Christmas sales, like Black Friday or Cyber Monday, and start ticking off your list without the December scramble.
4. Avoid holiday debt with a dedicated savings account
A great way to steer clear of debt is to set up a savings account just for holiday spending. Consider a high-interest account to get a little boost on your savings and pop in regular deposits so you’ll be ready when it’s time to spend.
5. Go DIY for décor and gifts
Embrace the magic of a handmade Christmas! From DIY decorations to baked treats as gifts, a little creativity can go a long way. Pinterest and YouTube are your best friends here, loaded with ideas that look just as good as the store-bought versions without the price tag. Plus, a personalised, handmade touch can be more meaningful than anything you can buy.
6. Keep track of spending to avoid surprises
It’s easy to get swept up in Christmas shopping and forget your budget. Keep a running list of expenses, whether it’s a spreadsheet or a simple note on your phone. This helps you stay on top of costs and avoid any nasty surprises come January, when we’re all nursing that dreaded Christmas spending hangover.
A little planning can go a long way in keeping the festive cheer alive without stretching your budget. So this year, why not make a list, check it twice, and compare savings accounts below to help you get there?
Promoted
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Savings+Bonus
- Standard rate
-
2.00
%
p.a.
(for $1 to $250,000)
- Maximum rate
-
5.00
%
p.a.
(for $1 to $250,000)
Enjoy bonus interest when you deposit $100 or more per month and make no withdrawals. Access your money at any time via internet banking or our mobile app. Maximum balance $250,000 to receive bonus interest.
- Standard rate
-
Balances from $1: 2.00% p.a.
Balances from $250,000: 0.40% p.a.
- Maximum rate
-
Balances from $1: 5.00% p.a.
Balances from $250,000: 3.40% p.a.
- Maximum rate conditions
-
Minimum $100 monthly deposit and no withdrawals to earn bonus interest each month.
- Interest paid
-
Monthly
- Account fee per month
-
$5.00- Monthly membership fee is waived if total balance exceeds $1000, or has a loan or credit card with bank.
- Access
-
-
- Kids ages
-
-
- Minimum balance
-
$1.00
- Other restrictions
-
Must become a First Option Bank member to open an account.
- Other benefits
-
-
Read reviews and learn more about First Option Bank savings accounts
Go to site -
Online Savings Account
- Standard rate
-
1.00
%
p.a.
(for $0 and over)
- Maximum rate
-
5.20
%
p.a.
(for $0 and over)
Complement your banking with an introductory bonus rate offer. Earn additional bonus interest for the first 3 months. No minimum monthly deposit required to earn interest. No account keeping fees. No minimum opening balance. Manage your account 24/7 using the app.
- Standard rate
-
Balances from $0: 1.00% p.a.
- Maximum rate
-
Balances from $0: 5.20% p.a.
- Maximum rate conditions
-
Bonus rate for the first 3 months from account opening.
- Interest paid
-
Monthly
- Account fee per month
-
$0.00
- Access
-
BPay, Branch access, Internet banking
- Kids ages
-
-
- Minimum balance
-
$0.00
- Other restrictions
-
Branch access is for deposits only. Must be linked to an Everyday Account, Home Loan or Credit Facility with this provider.
- Other benefits
-
-
Read reviews and learn more about Newcastle Permanent savings accounts
Go to site -
Savings Accelerator
- Standard rate
-
2.85
%
p.a.
(for $0 to $50,000)
- Maximum rate
-
5.40
%
p.a.
(for $150,000 to $500,000)
Enjoy the flexibility to access your funds with no monthly deposit requirements or lock-in terms. No ING fees to pay. Mozo Experts Choice Awards Everyday & Savings Bank of the Year winner for 2024.^
- Standard rate
-
Balances from $0: 2.85% p.a.
Balances from $50,000: 3.75% p.a.
Balances from $150,000: 4.70% p.a.
Balances from $5,000,000: 0.00% p.a.
- Maximum rate
-
Balances from $0: 3.55% p.a.
Balances from $50,000: 4.45% p.a.
Balances from $150,000: 5.40% p.a.
Balances from $500,000: 4.70% p.a.
Balances from $5,000,000: 0.00% p.a.
- Maximum rate conditions
-
New ING personal savings customers receive an introductory bonus 0.70% p.a. variable kick starter rate for the first 4 months on balances up to $500,000. Reverts to variable ongoing rate.
- Interest paid
-
Monthly
- Account fee per month
-
$0.00
- Access
-
Phone banking, Internet banking
- Kids ages
-
-
- Minimum balance
-
$0.00
- Other restrictions
-
Must link to a transaction account
- Other benefits
-
-
Read reviews and learn more about ING savings accounts
Go to site -
Reward Saver Account
- Standard rate
-
0.00
%
p.a.
(for $0 and over)
- Maximum rate
-
5.25
%
p.a.
(for $0 to $1,000,000)
Introductory bonus rate for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals. Start your account online in under 10 minutes and earn interest on balances up to $1,000,000 (T&Cs apply). No monthly account fees, helping you save smarter and faster.
- Standard rate
-
Balances from $0: 0.00% p.a.
- Maximum rate
-
Balances from $0: 5.25% p.a.
Balances from $1,000,000: 0.00% p.a.
- Maximum rate conditions
-
Intro bonus rate of 5.25% for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months, reverting to 3.25%. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals.
- Interest paid
-
Monthly
- Account fee per month
-
$0.00
- Access
-
ATM, EFTPOS, Visa Debit, Cheque book, BPay, Branch access, Phone banking, Internet banking, Bank@Post
- Kids ages
-
-
- Minimum balance
-
$0.00
- Other restrictions
-
-
- Other benefits
-
-
Read reviews and learn more about IMB Bank savings accounts
Go to site
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Savings Maximiser
- Standard rate
-
0.55
%
p.a.
(for $0 and over)
- Maximum rate
-
5.50
%
p.a.
(for $0 to $100,000)
Great variable rate every month when you grow your balance each month in addition to other eligibility criteria. No ING fees to pay. Save even more with ING Everyday Round Up. Mozo Experts Choice Awards Everyday & Savings Bank of the Year winner for 2024.^
- Standard rate
-
Balances from $0: 0.55% p.a.
- Maximum rate
-
Balances from $0: 5.50% p.a.
Balances from $100,000: 0.55% p.a.
- Maximum rate conditions
-
For customers who deposit $1000 from an external source into a personal ING account (excluding Orange One and Living Super), make 5 eligible transactions and grow their nominated Savings Maximiser account each month so there is more in the account at the end of the month than there was at the start of each month (excluding interest). The total bonus interest rate is available on balances up to $100,000 on one Savings Maximiser the next month after meeting eligibility.
- Interest paid
-
Monthly
- Account fee per month
-
$0.00
- Access
-
Phone banking, Internet banking
- Kids ages
-
-
- Minimum balance
-
$0.00
- Other restrictions
-
Must be linked to an Orange Everyday transaction account to receive the bonus rate. Where multiple Savings Maximiser Accounts are held, the bonus rate is only applied to one nominated account.
- Other benefits
-
No minimum deposits or transactions needed to receive bonus rate when linked with Orange Everyday Youth Account
Read reviews and learn more about ING savings accounts
Go to site -
PremiumSaver
- Standard rate
-
1.45
%
p.a.
(for $0 and over)
- Maximum rate
-
5.35
%
p.a.
(for $0 to $250,001)
Reward yourself with a higher rate for your good savings habits. Rabobanks’s PremiumSaver is simple - receive the maximum rate when you grow your balance by at least $200 each month (T&Cs apply). Plus, your savings help our Aussie farmers produce the food we love to enjoy.
- Standard rate
-
Balances from $0: 1.45% p.a.
- Maximum rate
-
Balances from $0: 5.35% p.a.
Balances from $250,001: 3.70% p.a.
Balances from $1,000,000.01: 3.70% p.a.
- Maximum rate conditions
-
Maximum rates apply when your closing balance on the last day of the month is at least $200 more than it was at the beginning of the first day of the month (excluding interest earned).
- Interest paid
-
Monthly
- Account fee per month
-
$0.00
- Access
-
Internet banking
- Kids ages
-
-
- Minimum balance
-
$0.00
- Other restrictions
-
Must link to a transaction account. Must hold and maintain a HISA.
- Other benefits
-
-
Read reviews and learn more about Rabobank savings accounts
Go to site -
Reward Saver Account
- Standard rate
-
0.00
%
p.a.
(for $0 and over)
- Maximum rate
-
5.25
%
p.a.
(for $0 to $1,000,000)
Introductory bonus rate for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals. Start your account online in under 10 minutes and earn interest on balances up to $1,000,000 (T&Cs apply). No monthly account fees, helping you save smarter and faster.
- Standard rate
-
Balances from $0: 0.00% p.a.
- Maximum rate
-
Balances from $0: 5.25% p.a.
Balances from $1,000,000: 0.00% p.a.
- Maximum rate conditions
-
Intro bonus rate of 5.25% for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months, reverting to 3.25%. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals.
- Interest paid
-
Monthly
- Account fee per month
-
$0.00
- Access
-
ATM, EFTPOS, Visa Debit, Cheque book, BPay, Branch access, Phone banking, Internet banking, Bank@Post
- Kids ages
-
-
- Minimum balance
-
$0.00
- Other restrictions
-
-
- Other benefits
-
-
Read reviews and learn more about IMB Bank savings accounts
Go to site -
Online Savings Account
- Standard rate
-
1.00
%
p.a.
(for $0 and over)
- Maximum rate
-
5.20
%
p.a.
(for $0 and over)
Complement your banking with an introductory bonus rate offer. Earn additional bonus interest for the first 3 months. No minimum monthly deposit required to earn interest. No account keeping fees. No minimum opening balance. Manage your account 24/7 using the app.
- Standard rate
-
Balances from $0: 1.00% p.a.
- Maximum rate
-
Balances from $0: 5.20% p.a.
- Maximum rate conditions
-
Bonus rate for the first 3 months from account opening.
- Interest paid
-
Monthly
- Account fee per month
-
$0.00
- Access
-
BPay, Branch access, Internet banking
- Kids ages
-
-
- Minimum balance
-
$0.00
- Other restrictions
-
Branch access is for deposits only. Must be linked to an Everyday Account, Home Loan or Credit Facility with this provider.
- Other benefits
-
-
Read reviews and learn more about Newcastle Permanent savings accounts
Go to site -
Savings+Bonus
- Standard rate
-
2.00
%
p.a.
(for $1 to $250,000)
- Maximum rate
-
5.00
%
p.a.
(for $1 to $250,000)
Enjoy bonus interest when you deposit $100 or more per month and make no withdrawals. Access your money at any time via internet banking or our mobile app. Maximum balance $250,000 to receive bonus interest.
- Standard rate
-
Balances from $1: 2.00% p.a.
Balances from $250,000: 0.40% p.a.
- Maximum rate
-
Balances from $1: 5.00% p.a.
Balances from $250,000: 3.40% p.a.
- Maximum rate conditions
-
Minimum $100 monthly deposit and no withdrawals to earn bonus interest each month.
- Interest paid
-
Monthly
- Account fee per month
-
$5.00- Monthly membership fee is waived if total balance exceeds $1000, or has a loan or credit card with bank.
- Access
-
-
- Kids ages
-
-
- Minimum balance
-
$1.00
- Other restrictions
-
Must become a First Option Bank member to open an account.
- Other benefits
-
-
Read reviews and learn more about First Option Bank savings accounts
Go to site -
Bonus Saver
- Standard rate
-
1.00
%
p.a.
(for $0 and over)
- Maximum rate
-
5.00
%
p.a.
(for $0 and over)
Bonus interest for the first four months from the account opened date. No minimum balance required. No monthly or ongoing fees or withdrawal penalties. Manage your money easily via phone or online banking or via the BCU Bank app.
- Standard rate
-
Balances from $0: 1.00% p.a.
- Maximum rate
-
Balances from $0: 5.00% p.a.
- Maximum rate conditions
-
Bonus rate for the first 4 months from account opening.
- Interest paid
-
Monthly
- Account fee per month
-
$0.00
- Access
-
BPay, Branch access, Phone banking, Internet banking
- Kids ages
-
-
- Minimum balance
-
$0.00
- Other restrictions
-
-
- Other benefits
-
-
Read reviews and learn more about BCU Bank savings accounts
Go to site -
Bonus Saver Account
- Standard rate
-
0.05
%
p.a.
(for $0 and over)
- Maximum rate
-
5.00
%
p.a.
(for $0 to $250,000)
Open a Bonus Saver Account in under 5 minutes. There are no fees to pay or penalties for withdrawing money. Get a seamless personalised insights and online statements via the My State Bank app.
- Standard rate
-
Balances from $0: 0.05% p.a.
- Maximum rate
-
Balances from $0: 5.00% p.a.
Balances from $250,000: 0.05% p.a.
- Maximum rate conditions
-
Bonus rate when at least $20 is deposited each month and five Visa Debit transactions are made each month using linked Glide transaction account.
- Interest paid
-
Monthly
- Account fee per month
-
$0.00
- Access
-
Internet banking
- Kids ages
-
-
- Minimum balance
-
$0.00
- Other restrictions
-
Must link to a transaction account
- Other benefits
-
-
Read reviews and learn more about MyState Bank savings accounts
Go to site -
MoneyMAX Account
- Standard rate
-
4.70
%
p.a.
(for $1 and over)
- Maximum rate
-
4.70
%
p.a.
(for $1 and over)
Unlimited access 24/7 via Banking App, Phone & Internet Banking. Interest is calculated daily and paid monthly. No transaction fees or monthly service fees. No minimum balance or withdrawal restrictions. Online access only.
- Standard rate
-
Balances from $1: 4.70% p.a.
- Maximum rate
-
-
- Maximum rate conditions
-
n/a
- Interest paid
-
Monthly
- Account fee per month
-
$0.00
- Access
-
BPay, Internet banking
- Kids ages
-
-
- Minimum balance
-
$0.00
- Other restrictions
-
Branch access for deposits only.
- Other benefits
-
-
Read reviews and learn more about Unity Bank savings accounts
Go to site -
Smart Saver Account
- Standard rate
-
0.05
%
p.a.
(for $0 and over)
- Maximum rate
-
4.50
%
p.a.
(for $0 and over)
Work towards your savings goals with this account. Earn bonus interest when you grow your balance and make no more than 2 withdrawals each month. Earn a guaranteed standard rate of interest each month on your savings. No monthly account keeping fees to pay. Use the app or internet banking to manage your account 24/7.
- Standard rate
-
Balances from $0: 0.05% p.a.
- Maximum rate
-
Balances from $0: 4.50% p.a.
- Maximum rate conditions
-
Increase account balance by any amount (excluding interest) and make no more than two withdrawals in the month
- Interest paid
-
Monthly
- Account fee per month
-
$0.00
- Access
-
BPay, Branch access, Internet banking
- Kids ages
-
-
- Minimum balance
-
$0.00
- Other restrictions
-
-
- Other benefits
-
-
Read reviews and learn more about Newcastle Permanent savings accounts
Go to site -
Savings Accelerator
- Standard rate
-
2.85
%
p.a.
(for $0 to $50,000)
- Maximum rate
-
5.40
%
p.a.
(for $150,000 to $500,000)
Enjoy the flexibility to access your funds with no monthly deposit requirements or lock-in terms. No ING fees to pay. Mozo Experts Choice Awards Everyday & Savings Bank of the Year winner for 2024.^
- Standard rate
-
Balances from $0: 2.85% p.a.
Balances from $50,000: 3.75% p.a.
Balances from $150,000: 4.70% p.a.
Balances from $5,000,000: 0.00% p.a.
- Maximum rate
-
Balances from $0: 3.55% p.a.
Balances from $50,000: 4.45% p.a.
Balances from $150,000: 5.40% p.a.
Balances from $500,000: 4.70% p.a.
Balances from $5,000,000: 0.00% p.a.
- Maximum rate conditions
-
New ING personal savings customers receive an introductory bonus 0.70% p.a. variable kick starter rate for the first 4 months on balances up to $500,000. Reverts to variable ongoing rate.
- Interest paid
-
Monthly
- Account fee per month
-
$0.00
- Access
-
Phone banking, Internet banking
- Kids ages
-
-
- Minimum balance
-
$0.00
- Other restrictions
-
Must link to a transaction account
- Other benefits
-
-
Read reviews and learn more about ING savings accounts
Go to site
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