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Christmas Present Tips for Guys

Christmas Shopping Tips for Guys

giftgreen1Most 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.

  1. 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.
  2. Get started early, no not on Christmas Eve, yesterday was already too late.
  3. First thing in the morning is the best time to Christmas shop, and I mean first thing, teenagers are still in bed.
  4. It's not the thought that counts, it's how MUCH thought that counts.
  5. Cash is a GREAT present for teenagers - and me.
  6. 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.
  7. Wrapping and cards are important, you and I know it's just paper but for some reason they are important.
  8. 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!
  9. 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.

Where you can get good advice

Managing your money can be hard and not all of us have the skills, experience or inclination to sort out our own finances.

That's why a professional adviser can be a great help, whether you need a day-to-day budget or are looking for investment advice.

Good financial advice should focus on your goals and current financial situation and balance your short, medium and long term needs.

Budgeting help

Tip: Ask your budget adviser to check if you are eligible for any government help such as Working for Families tax credits.

The New Zealand Federation of Family Budgeting Services provides free, confidential and personalised budgeting advice from trained budget advisers. They're a good place to start.

They can give you advice about government support, debt consolidation and bankruptcy.

You can find a budget adviser at the Federation of Family Budgeting Services.

Borrowing help

For advice on reducing debt you could talk to a budget adviser, your bank, a mortgage broker or financial planner. Talk to your bank to make sure your bank accounts and services are right for you. Some have budgeting tools to help you put money aside for bills, debt repayment or saving.
Budget advisers can sometimes deal with lenders like your bank on your behalf.

Mortgage brokers sell home loans and independent brokers offer products from a number of lenders. Many are willing to look at your overall financial position and may be able to help with budgeting.

Insurance help

Not sure what types of insurance, or how much, will meet your needs and budget? You can get help from an insurance broker or financial adviser, or by talking directly to an insurance company.

An independent insurance broker will be able to offer the widest variety of products. They may also be able to help you with making claims on your insurance.

Investing advice

Financial advisers and sharebrokers give advice about investing in shares, bonds and sometimes property. They are able to help you build a portfolio of investments that best suits you. Some people also use financial coaches and mentors to help them get ahead.
Find out more about how to choose an financial or investment adviser.

Legal advice

If your tax situation is complex or you need legal advice, you may need to talk to an accountant or lawyer. Community Law Centres provide free legal advice.
You will need an experienced lawyer or accountant to help you set up a family trust

For help with making a will, talk to a lawyer or a trustee company such as the Public Trust.

You can find a lawyer on the New Zealand Law Society website.

Source: https://www.sorted.org.nz/a-z-guides/getting-advice

 

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