6 ways to plan ahead for Christmas to help you save

By Gabriella Margerison · · 2 min read
Fact Checked
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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.

Compare Travel Insurance

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?

Mozo may receive payment if you click products on our site. We don’t compare the entire market, but you can search our database of 255 savings accounts using the filters.
Last updated 5 December 2025 Important disclosures
  • Promoted

    Boss Saver

    Maximum rate
    4.65 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $100,001)
    Minimum $500 deposited into linked transaction account, and 5 Visa Card transactions from that account
    Standard rate
    0.20 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Ongoing bonus interest when you meet conditions
    • No minimum balance, ongoing fees or withdrawal penalties
    • Manage your money easily on the BCU Bank app
  • Promoted

    AMP Bank GO Save

    Maximum rate
    4.25 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,001)
    Standard rate
    4.25 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,001)
    Go to site
    • No deposit or withdrawal conditions
    • No minimum balance or monthly account fees
    • All you need is an AMP Bank GO Everyday Account to open a Save account in the AMP Bank GO app.
  • Promoted

    Reward Saver Account

    Maximum rate
    4.50 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $1,000,000)
    Intro bonus rate of 4.50% for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months, reverting to 2.50%. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals.
    Standard rate
    0.00 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Earn bonus rate by depositing $50 a month and making no withdrawals
    • Introductory rate for first 4 months
    • No monthly account fees

  • High Interest Savings Account

    Maximum rate
    5.00 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,001)
    Bonus rate for the first 4 months from account opening
    Standard rate
    3.45 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,001)
    Go to site
    • Easy set up, online and mobile banking app
    • No fees, no minimum balance, no minimum monthly deposit and no minimum term
    • Kick start your savings with the 4 month introductory variable rate

  • Reward Saver Kick Start Account - Up to 30 years old

    Maximum rate
    4.75 % p.a.
    (for $5,000 to $100,000)
    Minimum deposit of $20 and no withdrawals in the month.
    Standard rate
    0.00 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Earn bonus rates by depositing $20 a month and making no withdrawals
    • Mozo Experts Choice Awards winner for Teen High Interest Savings in 2025
    • No monthly account fees

  • Boss Saver

    Maximum rate
    4.65 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $100,001)
    Minimum $500 deposited into linked transaction account, and 5 Visa Card transactions from that account
    Standard rate
    0.20 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Ongoing bonus interest when you meet conditions
    • No minimum balance, ongoing fees or withdrawal penalties
    • Manage your money easily on the BCU Bank app

  • Savvy Saver Account

    Maximum rate
    4.65 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $100,001)
    Minimum $500 deposited into linked transaction account, and 5 Visa Card transactions from that account
    Standard rate
    0.20 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • No minimum balance required
    • Move money in and out and still earn interest
    • Transfer or make payments using the mobile app

  • Reward Saver Account

    Maximum rate
    4.50 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $1,000,000)
    Intro bonus rate of 4.50% for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months, reverting to 2.50%. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals.
    Standard rate
    0.00 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Earn bonus rate by depositing $50 a month and making no withdrawals
    • Introductory rate for first 4 months
    • No monthly account fees

  • Smart Saver Account

    Maximum rate
    4.45 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,000)
    Minimum deposit of $100 and no withdrawals in the month
    Standard rate
    0.50 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Earn bonus interest each month (T&Cs apply)
    • Open up to five accounts
    • No monthly fees or minimum balance

  • Power Saver

    Maximum rate
    4.35 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,000)
    Minimum of $100 deposited into account, and no withdrawals made.
    Standard rate
    0.50 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Bonus interest for the first four months
    • No minimum balance, ongoing fees or withdrawal penalties
    • Manage your money easily on the BCU Bank app

  • AMP Bank GO Save

    Maximum rate
    4.25 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,001)
    Standard rate
    4.25 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,001)
    Go to site
    • No deposit or withdrawal conditions
    • No minimum balance or monthly account fees
    • All you need is an AMP Bank GO Everyday Account to open a Save account in the AMP Bank GO app.

  • Savings+Bonus

    Maximum rate
    4.25 % p.a.
    (for $1 to $250,000)
    Minimum $100 monthly deposit and no withdrawals to earn bonus interest each month.
    Standard rate
    1.75 % p.a.
    (for $1 to $250,000)
    Go to site
    • Enjoy bonus interest when you meet criteria
    • Access your money at any time via app
    • $250K maximum balance

  • Bonus Saver

    Maximum rate
    4.25 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Standard rate
    0.05 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Bonus interest for the first four months
    • No minimum balance, ongoing fees or withdrawal penalties
    • Manage your money easily on the BCU Bank app

  • Hi Saver

    Maximum rate
    4.25 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Bonus rate for the first 4 months from account opening
    Standard rate
    0.05 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Earn bonus interest for the first four months
    • No Minimum balance required
    • Transfer or make payments using the mobile app
Showing 11 results from 255 savings accounts. Use the filters to see more

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