Christmas party (office edition): Spending tips.

It’s that time of year again - Christmas lights are twinkling, the office is buzzing with excitement, and the drinks are flowing faster than you can say “Secret Santa.” Office Christmas parties are a great chance to let loose and celebrate the year, but they can also sneakily derail your budget if you're not careful.

Don’t worry; we’re here to help you navigate the festive fun without burning through your savings. Here’s how to enjoy the Christmas party season while staying on track with your financial goals (and avoiding that dreaded post-party bank statement shock).

 

1. Set a Party Budget (and Actually Stick to It)

Before the first cocktail is poured at your xmas party, decide how much you’re willing to spend on the night. Consider everything: pre-drinks, travel, food, and those inevitable late-night snacks. By setting a limit, you’ll avoid waking up to a financial hangover.

Pro Tip: Use our app’s Spending Insights to see how much you usually spend on nights out. If you’re regularly splashing £50, challenge yourself to cut that in half for the Christmas party. It’s not about being boring; it’s about being smart.

 

2. Avoid the “Round Trap”

Ah, the dreaded round. One minute you’re buying drinks for three people, and the next, you’re funding the entire office’s espresso martinis. Rounds are great for bonding, but they can seriously hurt your wallet.

What to Do Instead:

• Buy your own drinks to keep control of your spending.

• If rounds are unavoidable, suggest smaller groups or set a limit for yourself.

Your future homeowner self will thank you for making wiser choices at this year’s xmas party.

 

3. Plan Your Travel in Advance

It’s easy to forget about how you’re getting to and from the Christmas party until you’re frantically hailing an overpriced taxi at 1 a.m. Save yourself the stress and expense by planning ahead:

• Check train or bus schedules and buy tickets in advance.

• Share a ride with colleagues to split the cost.

• Use a cab app and set a spending limit so you don’t end up shelling out for a luxury ride home.

Smart travel planning ensures you’ll get home safely without breaking the bank after your office xmas party.

 

4. Eat Before You Party

You don’t want to show up starving and end up splurging on expensive nibbles at your Christmas party that barely touch the sides. Have a meal before heading out - it’s affordable, fills you up, and helps slow down the effects of those festive beverages.

If food is included at the office party, great! Just be mindful of how much you’re spending on extra snacks later in the night.

 

5. Watch Out for “Festive FOMO”

The Christmas party atmosphere can make you feel like you need to go all out, whether that’s ordering fancy cocktails, joining every round, or staying out until the bitter end. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to splurge to have fun.

Set boundaries for your spending and stick to them. Remember, the memories of a great office Christmas party don’t come from your bank statement - they come from the laughs you had with your colleagues.

 

6. Keep Track in Real Time

Ever wondered how much you really spend during the holiday season? Our app’s Spending Insights feature breaks down your usual spend on bars, restaurants, and other discretionary items. Use it to set a realistic budget for the Christmas party season, then track how you’re doing throughout the month.

Bonus Tip: Every time you save on a night out, transfer that money directly into your deposit fund. Even if it’s just £10, it adds up. Use our Home Goal feature to see how those small savings can bring you closer to your dream home.

 

7. Reward Yourself with Savings Wins

When you manage to stick to your budget, give yourself a small treat. Maybe it’s your favourite takeaway the day after the xmas party, or a new book to curl up with over the holidays. These little rewards make budgeting feel less like a chore and more like a challenge you’ve conquered.

Better yet, take that leftover party money and add it to your deposit fund. Imagine looking back in a year and knowing your night of restraint helped you get the keys to your first home.

 

Enjoy the Party Without the Regret

Office Christmas parties are all about celebrating the year and having fun with your colleagues. By planning ahead, staying mindful of your spending, and using tools to track your budget, you can enjoy the festivities without derailing your savings goals.

Ready to take control of your finances this party season? Download the app today to track your spending, set your savings goals, and make 2025 the year you step onto the property ladder.