Most of us guys are useless at Christmas shopping. Here's a few tips I've picked up over the years.

Ladies, you might want to share this with the men in your family to avoid getting an undesirable and badly wrapped present this Christmas.

Buying your Christmas presents at a petrol station or dairy on Christmas morning really isn't the done thing - apparently not everyone wants a funnel, box of biscuits or a car care kit. Don't do it.

Get started early, no not on Christmas Eve, yesterday was already too late.

First thing in the morning is the best time to Christmas shop, and I mean first thing, teenagers are still in bed.

It's not the thought that counts, it's how MUCH thought that counts.

Cash is a GREAT present for teenagers - and me.

If you must give gift vouchers make sure they are from a shop the recipient actually shops in and try and avoid those with an expiry date.

Wrapping and cards are important, you and I know it's just paper but for some reason they are important.

Before you start browsing in a shop check that it does gift wrapping and accept the service - wait if necessary. If the shop doesn't do gift wrapping move on to the next. Unless you are an expert present wrapper - Yeah Right!

Even if every present you buy is gift wrapped, buy plenty of wrapping paper and sellotape. You are going to need it because dairy's and petrol stations don't gift wrap and being a bloke you'll probably ignore number 1.

Guys ignore the above at your peril and have a wonderful Christmas.

Posted in Saving Schemes.

Top Three Causes of Budget Failure

Many make an honest attempt to run a budget but become discouraged and give up before they're able to accomplish any significant financial gain.

The top three causes of budget failure come into play before you even begin to set up your budget. Awareness of these is your first line of defence in the Battle of the Budget.

If you need help budgeting please call one of advisers on 07 578 3863.

1. Negative Attitude

It can't be emphasized enough - a positive attitude about budgeting is essential to your success. If you think of budgeting in negative terms (such as a financial diet, financial handcuffs, restrictive, penny-pinching, a sacrifice, etc.), you're sure to fail unless you're a martyr or a masochist who finds some strange reward in a punishing experience.

A positive attitude means you think of a budget as a means to an end - a way to achieve your dreams and goals - and that postponing the instant gratification of spending all the money you earn is worth the rewards you'll earn in the long run.

If you're thinking about starting a budget, do the attitude check first.

2. Lack of Motivation

What's your motivation for budgeting. Are you trying to appease a nagging partner or a heavy debt repayment plan. These are not bad motivations, but they're external pressures and will probably not be easy to maintain over time. The best motivations are internally generated: do you honestly believe that budgeting can help you meet your goals?

3. Unrealistic Expectations

What do you expect to gain from following a budget? Do you think that setting up a budget will reveal large caches of hidden cash, or that the budget fairy will sprinkle fairy dust over your budget and magically transform your spending habits after a month or two of tracking expenses. The reality is that budgeting is an endurance event - those who stick with it through thick and thin will come out ahead financially. Don't expect miracles though. What you will see if you stick with it is steady, measurable progress towards the goals that really matter to you.

Starting a budget without having a positive attitude, internal motivation, and realistic expectations will probably set you up for failure. You can greatly increase your chances of success by ruling out the three biggest budget busters before you begin – go for it!