Casey von Einem, pictured with mum Michelle, has bought Christmas presents online. Pic: Sam Wundke

Whether it’s spending on gifts, food or entertainment, raising extra cash or trying to stop slamming your credit card, financial experts say thinking differently today can help consumers avoid big money problems in the new year.

Sort My Money founder David Rankin said research found that less than half of us set and stick to a Christmas budget.

“Even though Christmas is an annual event, many people don’t prepare themselves financially,” he said.

Here are 12 fresh ways set free some festive season cash.

1. SELL YOUR STUFF

There are still three weeks until Christmas Day and plenty of willing bargain hunters out there, so think about putting some of your unwanted goods online for a quick cash boost.

Toys, clothes, books, games and baby items are popular among buyers, and something you put up for sale online tonight on Gumtree or eBay may be sold by tomorrow afternoon.

2. DIVE IN WHILE ONLINE

Goods sold on second-hand online marketplaces are often still new. Gumtree spokeswoman Kirsty Dunn says 40 per cent of clothing and jewellery sold on the website was new, with tags attached.

“Spend time researching what’s out there and the average price of similar items,” she said.

“Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. Sellers expect this. I always like asking about the condition of the item and why it’s for sale, as well as if there are receipts or warranties available.”

3. FOOD FOR THOUGHT

French hens, turtle doves, partridges … Plenty of birds are named in The Twelve Days of Christmas but unfortunately no turkey, so you’ll have to buy that yourself along with other feast food.

IGA Fresh retailer John Naylor said now was the time to draw up your food shopping list so you could “shop around to find savings on long life pantry items and frozen foods”.

“Wherever possible, buy home brand products then add to them with fresh local produce,” he said.

“And don’t let leftovers go to waste. Re-use or repurpose these for Boxing Day and beyond.”

4. CALLING ALL KRINGLES

“If your family still spends up big at Christmas, it’s time to introduce them to the delights of Kris Kringle,” Mr Rankin said.

“Not only does it have an element of surprise but it also helps to considerably reduce the cost of gifts for everyone. Kris Kringle involves buying one significant gift of meaning for one person, rather than lots of little obligatory presents that people either don’t need or don’t want.”

5. GET CREATIVE

Gifts are not about how much money you spend — they are about you understanding the recipient, says ipac financial planner Patrick Canion.

“Thinking creatively tells them that you care about them but can also save money,” Mr Canion said.

You can make or bake presents, and Mr Canion suggests choosing thoughtful gifts that encourage others to explore their creativity — such as journals or art equipment.

Personalising presents is easier than ever before through online printing companies that let you put images on calendars, mugs, clothing and much more.

Wouldn’t mum love a giant picture of you on a T-shirt?

6. LAY DOWN YOUR PLANS ON PAPER

Don’t be a goose when it comes to shopping, whether for food, drink, gifts or decorations.

At this time of year, never head to the shops without a written list. Shoppers that don’t have a list are likely to make expensive impulse purchases because they worry they won’t have enough.

7. EXPECT TO SPEND EXTRA

To avoid swimming in debt later, create a present plan. “Set an individual limit per person, total it up and then add 10 per cent onto it,” Mr Canion said.

“Then ask yourself ‘can I afford that amount or be able to pay it back off my credit card by the end of February?’ If the answer is not, revisit the list. Otherwise in June you will still be paying interest on interest on interest.”

Catalogues that might go straight from your letterbox to the bin during the year can be a great source of bargains and gift ideas in December.

8. MILK SOME REWARDS

Many Australians are continually collecting reward points through spending on credit cards, retailers and flights, and People’s Choice Credit Union spokesman Stuart Symons said now was the time to collect by making points pay.

“Redeem points for presents, or stock up on gift cards to spend, to reduce your festive shopping costs,” he said.

9. PLAN FOR THE PARTY

If a late night of dancing is on the cards post Christmas party, plan how you will get home before you go.

“Arrange carpooling with designated drivers or plan to use public transport ahead of time to save on cab fares or Ubers — which can really add up,” Mr Symons said.

10. PLAY YOUR CARD RIGHT

For many Christmas shoppers, loading up the credit card is inevitable, so find ways to reduce the pain of repaying the debt.

Seek low-interest or balance transfer credit cards that charge a much lower rate than the current average of 17 per cent a year. ME says you also should “look for a card with a generous serve of interest-free days”.

“It means more time to pay off festive purchases before interest applies,” ME said.

11. WAIT TO DECORATE

Christmas decorations often sell for less than half price when the Boxing Day sales start, so think about making do with what you currently have until after Christmas Day.

Then you can snap up great deals when everyone else is packing their more expensive stuff away.

12. DRUM UP NEXT YEAR’S SAVINGS

It may be too late for this year but adding automation can make next Christmas much easier.

Acorns Australia managing director George Lucas suggests setting up an account separate to your main bank to receive regular savings that will quickly add up over a year.

Just $20 a week — two bought lunches — will become more than $1000 by next December.

“Using direct debit to automatically deduct 10 per cent of your monthly pay when it comes in means you won’t even know the money is missing and you’ll adjust your spending habits to match your new pay balance,” Mr Lucas said.

“Money is like gas — it fills the space given — and if you have cash sitting there you will spend it.”

Michelle von Einem with her daughter Casey, 23. Finding new items being sold online as second-hand is a real saver, Casey says. Photo Sam WundkeSource:News Limited

CASE STUDY

CASEY von Einem has saved hundreds of dollars bypassing retail shops and buying gifts through online marketplace Gumtree.

The 23-year-old from Adelaide said she often bought second-hand items online for less than half the price of wholesale but also finds new products for sale.

“I’ve bought a brand new coffee machine on Gumtree as a Christmas gift for mum, and in the past I’ve bought and gifted a cross trainer, high end clothing, and jewellery,” she said.

The cross trainer alone was a $500 saving.

“The amount of new and high quality items being sold on online sites as second-hand is always surprising.”

Ms von Einem also has sold plenty of second-hand stuff online to raise extra cash.

“I’ve successfully sold shoes, bunk beds, shelves, two cars, a treadmill, toys, and appliances. I’m currently trying to sell two projector lamps and a stereo,” she said.

“There’s enough ‘stuff’ that goes to waste and landfill, and as they say ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure’. The horrible gift someone receives at Christmas could be just the cool new thing you’ve been looking for.”