Six-step plan to make sure you don't blow your budget at Christmas

Laura Linden

Christmas can quickly turn from fun to financial nightmare if you’re not careful, with overspending on gifts, food and nights out piling up faster than you expect. Laura Linden, a top financial strategist and founder of Feisty FD , knows exactly how to stop you blowing your budget over the festive season.

“ Christmas should be about fun and connection with loved ones but it can be a time of stress and worry (and I don’t mean about dry turkey or soggy sprouts),” said Laura, the author of bestseller UnF*ck Your Business Finances: Unlearn the Shame, Reclaim the Power and Change the Game.

“We’ve all been there. You promise yourself you’ll keep it sensible this year and not break the bank. Then December appears, the invitations come in thick and fast, the kids hand you anoth