How to spend less in the New Year? 

You may find yourself a little strapped for cash after Christmas. Hosting the dinner, planning gifts, and decorating the home consume almost all the household budget. One is hardly left with anything to support the New Year preparations. Your account may be looking weak like the weather. 

Thus, you need to act a little consciously while planning New Year celebrations. You don’t have to skip the desires or spend without planning. The blog states how to plan affordable New Year’s celebrations. It will help you save money for important events like tax payments in January.  

Tips to ensure an affordable New Year celebration  

New Year celebrations are more about recreating the old traditions by upholding the very essence with a new touch. Thus, you don’t need to go overboard as you emptied your purse during Christmas. Here is how you ensure an affordable New Year’s celebration:  

Set a strict budget  

Predict the expenses on travelling, drinks, snacks, decorations, and new clothes. You can create a spreadsheet highlighting the essential expenses for the new year. Write the approximate cost of each parameter.  

Make sure the expenses do not exceed 20% of the basic household income. Always prioritise groceries first and use cash only to reduce overspending. You can also incorporate Budget 2026 benefits, like reduced VAT and hospitality, to spot some of the best deals.  

Opt for home celebrations  

You can host a potluck party where the guests bring one of the signature dishes. You can also decide what you can prepare for the day. It helps you save money on hosting a full-fledged dinner. Moreover, you can have the best of every world in there.  

You can also try to decorate the home with the existing stuff. Check whether you have some spare lights that you used for Christmas. Check thrift finds by skipping fireworks or club nights. You can also stream free countdown shows from RTE or relish the board games. Check and revise music playlists instead of paid venues.  

However, sometimes things don’t end up as you plan. You may encounter more guests than expected. Therefore, you must be ready with more stuff. 

 If you have a limited seating arrangement, rent the furniture. Don’t worry if you don’t have enough cash. Get quick loans for emergency and rent it smoothly. You may get a decent amount to cover the rent. It helps you create a comfortable seating space for all.  

Save on snacks and drinks 

Plan your menu for the day and stick to your shopping list for that only.  You may not know this, but you can save €200 per month by batch cooking. Check chains like Aldi and Lidl for the New Year’s Staples. You can buy non-perishables early. You can also limit alcohol by making simple cocktails with home spirits. Alternatively, choose non-alcoholic items that are more budget-friendly.  

Identify free local events  

If you don’t want to spend more on roaming about the city, don’t worry. You may explore the city on foot by checking the walking tours. Moreover, it allows you to spend more time with your friends. You may even snap at some of the best locations in the city. Such moments are memorable. Just before the party, explore the best walking tours from your place. Identify the best and cheapest eating options nearby.  

You may check Dublin Dame Street or Cork’s Grand Parade. It helps you avoid paid tickets for fireworks and concerts. Identify and check the local council for community events. You may not believe it, but you may spot family events with light and music shows for free! You can also join Parish hall gatherings or GAA social clubs. It features an affordable entry.  

Cut utility and décor costs 

Dim lights and use fairly lights powered with LED for low electricity bills. You may save 10-20 per event amid the rising energy prices. You can reuse Christmas decorations and create something new from the waste material. 

Check whether you can find anything decorative in your child’s study room. Children usually have such stuff that may help you decorate your home. Also, schedule the party after mid-afternoon. It enables you to save money on evening utility peaks. You may even qualify for a cheaper daytime tariff.  

DIY entertainment and Attire 

Yes, you cannot repeat the same dress that you wore to the Christmas party. Well, women can especially relate to this. Well, you don’t need to. Why not try something interesting? You can instead swap clothes with your best friend! It may seem insane, but it may work if your body types are almost similar.  

You may get something new to wear, and she, too! That too without spending a penny! If not, check thrift stores, online discounts, and the marketplace during late hours. You may spot some good stuff at low prices.  

Check Community sharing hacks  

If you want to save money on party supplies, rule out community sharing meet. It may help you swap unused party items for the things that you need. It eventually helps you save money on buying new stuff. You can also share your needs via Facebook group, GumTree, NextDoor, etc.  It helps you bring the decoration costs to nil. 

Pre-event planning is always a winner  

You must book any necessary passes a week early via the TFI application. Check Leap Card discount up to 20% on off-peak NYE buses and trams. You can also freeze homemade drinks like mulled wine.  You can do so using a cheap supermarket fruit. It helps you avoid the last-minute markup and festive booze. Here is what else you can do to free up some cash:  

• Sell unwanted items on Facebook 

• Cancel Subscriptions that you don’t use often 

• Plan your savings goals 

• Automate savings by setting automatic transfers.  

Bottom line 

These are some important tips to speed less in the New Year. Identify the wishlist and the budget. Check how much you can spend given the next year’s taxes and other bills. Make sure your party list does not affect immediate goals like paying taxes. Identify the best aspects of hosting a potluck, and book events in advance to fetch cheap tickets.