How to put the brakes on holiday budget blow outs

Surveys, surveys, surveys. There have been lots recently, so we thought we would recap on what they tell us about our spending habits.
The good news is we Kiwis are spending less. The bad news is that we are still buying stuff we can't afford. Statistics NZ has said on average, over the past five years, households have spent $1.06 for every $1 of income.
According to Research New Zealand, 35 per cent of consumers were planning to spend less on Christmas this year than they did last year, compared with 54 per cent who were planning to spend about the same and only 8 per cent who planned to spend more.
They also asked people whether they were going to spend more or less on holidays this year. Almost one-third said they were planning to spend less, compared with 52 per cent who were planning to spend about the same and 14 per cent who planned to spend more.
We think spending less on Christmas is a good thing, and doubt that people will find the event any less joyous as a result. How do you rate on the Christmas spendometer? Let us know by visiting www.oilyrag.co.nz.
The other major consumer "event" is the rising price of petrol - now creeping up to the $2-a-litre level. The AA says the new emissions trading levy and GST are responsible for 10c of a net 20c price increase since January. Ironically, it's global cooling in the Northern Hemisphere that accounts for the other 10c - the escalating demand for fuel for heating has forced up the price of oil.
The AA's website has some useful advice, including 10 ways to save fuel:
Avoid short trips: About a third of New Zealand car trips are less than 2km.
Drive smoothly: Lay off the pedals when driving around town. If you drive an automatic, allow the transmission to change up early by accelerating on a light throttle.
Look ahead: Check what's happening, maintain a safe following distance and you'll keep a more constant speed.
Corner smoothly: Slow gently, round and exit the corner on a light throttle.
Make hills work for you: Lift off the throttle as you crest the hill and use the car's momentum to get you over the top. Build up speed before an uphill stretch.
Love your car: Regular servicing, the right tyres, tyre pressure and wheel alignment make a difference. A well-maintained car can use 10 to 20 per cent less fuel than a poorly maintained one.
Watch your air con: Air conditioning eats up to 8 per cent more fuel. Other features such as the rear window de-mist can also be a drain, so switch them off when they've done their job.
Keep your load down: A heavier vehicle makes the engine work harder.
Reduce idling time: Don't park for long periods with your engine idling. Avoid peak-hour traffic if possible.
Don't speed: By travelling at 100km/h instead of 110km/h, you can cut about 10 per cent off your fuel bill.
Frank and Muriel Newman are the authors of Living Off the Smell of an Oily Rag in NZ. Readers can submit their oily rag tips online at www.oilyrag.co.nz