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
Savings Account
- Maximum rate
-
5.35
%
p.a.
(for $0 to $250,000)
- Standard rate
-
5.00
%
p.a.
(for $0 to $1,000,000)
Enjoy a high interest savings account with no account keeping fees to pay. Save up to 10% on eGift cards at over 50 retailers with Macquarie Marketplace. Multiple 2024 Mozo Experts Choice Award winner.
- Standard rate
-
Balances from $0: 5.00% p.a.
Balances from $1,000,000.01: 2.75% p.a.
- Maximum rate
-
Balances from $0: 5.35% p.a.
Balances from $250,000.01: 5.00% p.a.
Balances from $1,000,000.01: 2.75% p.a.
- Maximum rate conditions
-
Bonus variable rate is available for the first 4 months.
- 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
-
Must have a Macquarie Transaction Account to link with.
- Other benefits
-
Purchase retail discounts.
Read reviews and learn more about Macquarie savings accounts
Go to site -
Promoted
Savings Accelerator
- Maximum rate
-
5.40
%
p.a.
(for $150,000 to $500,000)
- Standard rate
-
2.85
%
p.a.
(for $0 to $50,000)
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 -
Promoted
Savings+Bonus
- Maximum rate
-
5.00
%
p.a.
(for $1 to $250,000)
- Standard rate
-
2.00
%
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 -
Promoted
Smart Saver Account
- Maximum rate
-
4.50
%
p.a.
(for $0 and over)
- Standard rate
-
0.05
%
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 Maximiser
- Maximum rate
-
5.50
%
p.a.
(for $0 to $100,000)
- Standard rate
-
0.55
%
p.a.
(for $0 and over)
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 -
Savings Accelerator
- Maximum rate
-
5.40
%
p.a.
(for $150,000 to $500,000)
- Standard rate
-
2.85
%
p.a.
(for $0 to $50,000)
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 -
Savings Account
- Maximum rate
-
5.35
%
p.a.
(for $0 to $250,000)
- Standard rate
-
5.00
%
p.a.
(for $0 to $1,000,000)
Enjoy a high interest savings account with no account keeping fees to pay. Save up to 10% on eGift cards at over 50 retailers with Macquarie Marketplace. Multiple 2024 Mozo Experts Choice Award winner.
- Standard rate
-
Balances from $0: 5.00% p.a.
Balances from $1,000,000.01: 2.75% p.a.
- Maximum rate
-
Balances from $0: 5.35% p.a.
Balances from $250,000.01: 5.00% p.a.
Balances from $1,000,000.01: 2.75% p.a.
- Maximum rate conditions
-
Bonus variable rate is available for the first 4 months.
- 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
-
Must have a Macquarie Transaction Account to link with.
- Other benefits
-
Purchase retail discounts.
Read reviews and learn more about Macquarie savings accounts
Go to site -
Savvy Saver Account
- Maximum rate
-
5.10
%
p.a.
(for $0 to $100,001)
- Standard rate
-
0.55
%
p.a.
(for $0 and over)
Earn a great variable rate each month when you meet the criteria. No need to lock your savings away. Move your money in and out and still earn interest. Transfer or make payments using our mobile app or internet banking. No minimum balance required. Rest easy knowing total deposits up to $250,000 are protected by the Financial Claims Scheme.
- Standard rate
-
Balances from $0: 0.55% p.a.
- Maximum rate
-
Balances from $0: 5.10% p.a.
Balances from $100,001: 0.55% p.a.
- Maximum rate conditions
-
Minimum of $500 deposited into a linked P&N & Transaction Account, and at least 5 eligible Visa Card transactions made from that linked account.
- Interest paid
-
Monthly
- Account fee per month
-
$0.00
- Access
-
BPay, Internet banking
- Kids ages
-
-
- Minimum balance
-
$0.00
- Other restrictions
-
Must link to a transaction account
- Other benefits
-
-
Read reviews and learn more about P&N Bank savings accounts
Go to site -
Savings+Bonus
- Maximum rate
-
5.00
%
p.a.
(for $1 to $250,000)
- Standard rate
-
2.00
%
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
- Maximum rate
-
5.00
%
p.a.
(for $0 and over)
- Standard rate
-
0.50
%
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: 0.50% 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, 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 -
Hi Saver
- Maximum rate
-
5.00
%
p.a.
(for $0 and over)
- Standard rate
-
0.50
%
p.a.
(for $0 and over)
Earn bonus interest on your savings for the first four months from the date you open the account, even if you make withdrawals. Transfer or make payments using our mobile app or internet banking. No minimum balance required. Rest easy knowing total deposits up to $250,000 are protected by the Financial Claims Scheme.
- Standard rate
-
Balances from $0: 0.50% 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, Internet banking
- Kids ages
-
-
- Minimum balance
-
$0.00
- Other restrictions
-
-
- Other benefits
-
-
Read reviews and learn more about P&N Bank savings accounts
Go to site -
Bonus Saver Account
- Maximum rate
-
5.00
%
p.a.
(for $0 to $250,000)
- Standard rate
-
0.05
%
p.a.
(for $0 and over)
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
- Maximum rate
-
4.70
%
p.a.
(for $1 and over)
- Standard 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
- Maximum rate
-
4.50
%
p.a.
(for $0 and over)
- Standard rate
-
0.05
%
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 -
SwiftSaver Account
- Maximum rate
-
4.50
%
p.a.
(for $0 to $250,000)
- Standard rate
-
0.05
%
p.a.
(for $0 and over)
Earn bonus interest each month by depositing $10 or more and making no withdrawals. A great on-going rate. No monthly fees to pay. Open up to five accounts to make saving for different goals simple. No minimum balance required. Rest easy knowing total deposits up to $250,000 are protected by the Financial Claims Scheme.
- Standard rate
-
Balances from $0: 0.05% p.a.
- Maximum rate
-
Balances from $0: 4.50% p.a.
Balances from $250,000: 0.05% p.a.
- Maximum rate conditions
-
Minimum deposit of $10 and no withdrawals in the month
- Interest paid
-
Monthly
- Account fee per month
-
$0.00
- Access
-
BPay, Internet banking
- Kids ages
-
-
- Minimum balance
-
$0.00
- Other restrictions
-
Must link to a transaction account
- Other benefits
-
-
Read reviews and learn more about P&N Bank savings accounts
Go to site
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