With Easter just around the corner, many of us are looking forward to some well-deserved downtime (or maybe some extra shifts or even budgeting catch up!)

If you’re worried about how the holiday will affect your spending plan, these tips may help.

1. Enjoy a staycation (or pocket the extra cash at work)

Like any holiday season, Easter tends to go hand-in-hand with higher costs, including accommodation, flights, petrol and food. One way to keep a lid on costs is to delay travel plans to another time of year. Instead, you could catch up on binge-watching that series you’ve been planning to see, enjoy some relaxed reading or go to the beach with friends.

If you’re a casual or shift worker, it’s also a good time to pick up some additional cash – especially if your employer pays holiday rates.

2. Have a bring-a-plate lunch or picnic

To cut down on dining costs, consider having an Easter lunch where everyone brings a plate. Not only will you get a variety of different food, but you’ll only have to pay for one plate.

3. Swap Easter gifts for an egg hunt

If you’re one to splash out on Easter eggs, consider staging an egg hunt instead. One bag of Easter eggs goes a lot further than individual gifts and it may be more fun as well.

4. Shop early

Prices tend to swell close to public holidays, with more people hitting the shops to buy things. Even though we’re only a week out, getting a list together as soon as possible and shopping the specials may help to avoid overspending.

5. Get petrol, if needed, before the rush

Much like groceries, petrol prices often go up over long weekends. If you need to fill up, earlier is often better. You can also use price saving petrol apps to find a deal near you.

Happy Easter!

Like every article on this website, this is not personal financial advice.