December 2023 Financial Checklist
“In the summertime, baby, in the summertime – that is where I’ll be!” It’s officially summer, folks! Which means that office Christmas parties, family events, and other end-of-year festivities are well underway.
So, as our holiday gift to you, here’s your final Financial Checklist for 2023 to help get you through the silly season:
1. Set your silly season budget
With Christmas right around the corner, you might be thinking about all of the extra expenses you might have this month. Christmas presents, workplace Secret Santa, event outfits – the list goes on. The key to not blowing the bank this festive season is to set a budget and shop sale items.
Didn’t get your Christmas shopping done this Black Friday? Don't worry; some stores are still offering deals! Aside from that, the next big sale event will be the Boxing Day sales on the 26th of December. So, if you can hold off on any big purchases until then, your wallet might thank you!
2. Avoid that summer energy bill burn
With the summer heat starting to set in, you might rely on the air conditioner more to keep you cool. Now’s a great time to check in with your current energy plan to see if you’ve still got a good deal.
It’s also a great time to cut down on your energy usage so you don’t wind up copping a big electricity bill at the end of the quarter. Simple things like keeping the blinds closed during the day can make all the difference in keeping the house cool, so you don’t need to rely on the AC as much.
3. Get the right cover for your holiday plans
Going away this holiday season? Whether you’re headed overseas or travelling locally, ensure you’ve got the right insurance coverage for your trip, just in case something goes wrong.
If travelling internationally, you’ll definitely want to get some solid travel insurance. If you’re keeping it local and heading on an Aussie summer road trip, before you hit the road, make sure your car insurance policy is all up to date and has adequate coverage for your trip.
If you’re after NRMA roadside assistance, keep in mind that you cannot use the service for at least 48 hours after starting or renewing your membership – so make sure to factor this in.
4. Strive for financial security this Sagittarius season
Sag! With Jupiter hanging out in money-motivated Taurus in the second half of 2023, this year, you’ll probably place greater focus on growing your finances.
You’ll likely value financial security and career stability more than ever during this time, Sag. Now might be a good time to revise your current budget and look for opportunities to expand your nest egg, perhaps by switching to a term deposit or a high-interest savings account.
5. What to stream in December 2023
Whether you’re after some Christmas movie classics to get you into the festive spirit or some good shows to binge while you’ve got some downtime, here’s what’s new on streaming in December 2023:
Well, folks. That’s your very last Financial Checklist for 2023, done and dusted. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We’ll see you back here in the new year for your first Checklist of 2024. For now, you can go and check out the content in our life and money hub.