How do people manage?

Question

I am always amazed by the number of people who literally, just after Christmas, are looking to book holiday's (I mostly see them in the Travel Agents when I'm out shopping). I don't spend a fortune at Christmas but it still takes quite a few months to recover (not taking into account the unexpected expenses I always seem to have). Are you one of those fortunates who can do this. Incidently I am not able to save as I only just make enough money to cover the monthly expenditure!!

Just like to add that I don't buy Christmas stuff on credit and manage household stuff to the best of my ability. I just don't seem to have that endless surplus of money like most people.

Answer 1

I manage by staying in hostels that only cost about £10 a night...that way I have more money to spend on a flight, or to stay longer travelling to different cities...

it's a choice, if you want a 5 star hotel and a beach, you pay.
if you want to travel rather than be a tourist, you can go further, see more, meet more people, and stay longer for less money.

My 5 week trip from Moscow to SW China on the Trans-Siberian Express via Lake Baikal and Ulan Batoor cost me only about £1200 to £1400 ... and I saw a lot more than anyone spending £1500 on a two week trip to the beach in the Carribean!

One good reason for booking early is the deals you can get on long haul flghts - I got a return flight to China with BA for half-price by booking in February...

Answer 2

I can never manage to afford a holiday right after Xmas but wait until summer and get a last minute deal that way we've saved some cash and know what we can afford.Have you ever thought of saving up the tokens In the sun newspaper and get away to a caravan park for £7.50 per person that's how we spend our May holiday great value for money and the kids really love it.

Answer 3

It's a case of needs must for most people. After all that Christmas shopping stress they absolutely have to go to Goa/the Bahamas/Spain/Portsmouth or else the next year won't be worth living. Pay a deposit and deal with the rest later. Or be on a £100.000 pa income in the first place, which helps.

Answer 4

I agree with the man who said it is "all about managing your money." I have a husband, and 2 kids still living at home. I am a stay-at-home mother (SAHM) (not sham, sahm) and we do not buy new stuff, hardly ever.

Teflon, food, shoes, and TP are meant to be bought new, but furniture, clothes and cars should be bought second (third+ even) hand. Saves a LOT of money. And turn out the lights when the room is empty. Use those curly fluorescent.

Answer 5

Well I have booked and paid for my holiday.

It's all about managing your monry. Do not buy christmas on credit, by it in the months leading up to it. Cut down what your paying out if you struggle.

I get paid monthly and pay very little amount of that out, and Holidays can be secured with low deposits as well. And flight from the internet, you quids in at end of the day :P

Answer 6

You are surprised how people managed to spend so much for some occassions in general also. Well ! First of accumulating wealth is the grace of God. Money which comes through positive and right hard work. Also Some money comes through grace of God through some easy business and patnerships. You need to have good karma record to have good amount of money and wealth. Most people take birth in poor family and then they struggle. It is not their parents problem. Spiritually, it is individual responsibilty for having anything or not having. So help people and do good things and pray to God for the betterment of all people rather than selfish prayers. Ultimately good thoughts should by spiritual principles, should attract good Karma and there by good wealth. And then you will realise, that the reltions you get also good positive people and wealthy people. Also one must know how to spend the wealth positively. Only to those people only God gives wealth and money.

Answer 7

Most people are probably buying these holidays on credit - i.e with their credit card or dipping into their overdraft.

You would be amazed at how many people are buying things these days when they don't have the money to do it.

Last year I managed to book flights and accomodation and go on a three week holiday all while having absolutely no money to my name and a £1,000 overdraft.

Answer 8

A lot of people i know... me included... start christmas shopping in like April..!!.... if we see something for that person... we buy it. instead of wating until Nov, Dec...

If you want to book a holiday for christmas... book it months in advance...

That way it's spread out.. It's a lot easier.

It is ALL down to managing money.

You make out you don't have that much money anyway.. sell stuff on ebay..!... I can make up to £400 a month.. which no isn't that much.. but for me a student - it's great!!! And say that £400 on top of your wage - You're laughing!

Answer 9

Not all of us get ourselves into debt by spending at Christmas. We decided many years ago that Christmas was getting way out of hand and now only buy a very small amount of SMALL gifts for a few people, we usually have a meal/buffet and invite everyone over. I refuse to get myself into debt buying presents for people who couldn't give a stuff what they get as long as it costs money people can't afford....and we don't expect others to get into debt to buy us presents either.

By doing this, we have plenty of money for holidays and such...and we manage one one income as well.

Bah Humbug!!!

Answer 10

The wonders of Credit Cards!!!!!

People are not managing they are getting themselves further and further into debt.Just look at all the debt management companies that are popping up and all the TV and radio adverts advertising on how to manage your debt. This is showing us how bad consumer debt is.

More people are now re-mortgaging to pay off debts but this is not a solution they are just increasing the debt. Ok we all have to start being a bit more aware of our finances, but if you ask me its the cost of living that is to blame!