Celebrating on a tight budget

Emma Lamont with her 6-month-old baby Sophia Lamont-Francis says although money is tight, spending time with loved ones is always the best gift at Christmas. Photo / Stephen Parker

Christmas is approaching and while it's supposed to be a time of celebration, for many families in Rotorua it's a struggle.

Those on a fixed, tight budget each week have told the Rotorua Daily Post that being able to afford the bare minimum is a challenge let alone stretching their finances for anything extra.

It's a reality Grant McNee of Western Heights is experiencing. He receives the sickness benefit, now known as the Jobseeker Support, which he and his wife use to support their two teenage children. They receive help from Working for Families but after their expenses, such as mortgage and power, they are usually left with a maximum of $100 for groceries. Mr McNee said this was the first year he was without work and was keen to find employment.

"We've just had to cut corners sometimes, instead of putting in $30 petrol a week just stick in $20. Sometimes I stop automatic payments just to boost up our grocery money. The ideal amount for the four of us would be $180 to $200 a week but quite often it's not there.

"We've definitely been through a bit as a family this year and it won't be a big flash Christmas, I think the children know that anyway and understand. As long as we're all together, that's the main thing."

Readers on Facebook have also shared how they're celebrating Christmas on their limited budgets. Tips offered have included being part of a grocery Christmas club, lay-bying presents, Secret Santa and purchasing presents when on sale throughout the year.

Single mum Emma Lamont said she grew up in a family of seven siblings and as children they usually received items they needed for the year ahead, like school shoes. She receives the sole parent benefit for her and 6-month-old daughter Sophia Lamont-Francis.

"To save money I only buy meat when it's on special and I buy an entire chicken or a roast rather than small cuts as it also works out cheaper and goes further," she said.

"I also buy my fruit and vegetables from the local markets rather than at the supermarket as that is a cheaper way to shop and I grow a lot of my own."

Miss Lamont said she wanted to pass on to her daughter the value of being with loved ones for Christmas.

"My family this year is having a secret Santa - that way you only buy one present and everyone gets something. For my daughter I want her to learn at a young age that my time is of more value than a room full of presents, she will have a few presents but the main thing I will do when she gets older will be to go camping or find things we can do that are age-appropriate.

"There's no need to show them how much you love them with presents, take the time to spend it with them."