The festive season has a way of sneaking up on us. One moment you’re enjoying the first signs of spring, and before you know it, December is here – along with packed malls, endless queues, sold-out shelves, and the dreaded January credit card bill.
Here’s the truth: South Africans consistently overspend during the month of December. According to recent data, festive season splurges increase household expenses by as much as 20%, with many shoppers turning to high-interest credit to cover costs. That means holiday cheer often carries over into the New Year as lingering debt.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. The smartest shoppers are already preparing for Christmas – today. And with LayUp, planning early means you can secure the gifts you want, pay them off in manageable instalments, and walk into December debt-free.
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Why September and October Are Worth Prioritising
Think of lay-by as your built-in financial planner. By starting in September or October, you give yourself at least three months to spread out payments before the end of the year. Here’s what that timeline looks like:
- September: Pay your deposit and secure your gifts while supplies last.
- October: Stay on track with smaller weekly or monthly instalments, stress-free.
- November: Wrap up your payments ahead of the festive rush.
- December: Collect your fully paid-off items and enjoy a debt-free holiday.
Instead of scrambling for last-minute sales or maxing out your credit card, you’ve already ticked off your shopping list – and your budget remains intact.
Gift Planning Hacks for a Stress-Free December
1. Make a list and stick to it.
Decide who you’re buying for and set a budget per person.
2. Start with big-ticket items
Secure the high-value gifts first with a small deposit – such as phones, sofas, and beds – then spread out your payments.
3. Bundle gifts
One larger family item (like a smart TV or couch) can be a shared present, reducing individual costs.
4. Track payments online
With LayUp’s digital dashboard, you’ll always know where you stand.
5. Wrap as you go
Once items are collected, wrap them early to avoid the December rush.
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Merchant Highlights: Gifts Worth Planning For
LayUp partners with trusted retailers to bring you quality gifts and essentials that fit every budget. Here are a few festive fa
By starting now, you can secure these big-ticket items with a small deposit, pay them off interest-free, and collect them just in time for Christmas.
The Takeaway
The festive season is about joy, not debt. By starting early with LayUp, you can skip the mad rush through crowded malls, avoid overspending, and unwrap your December without financial strain.
Start now. Pay your way. Unwrap without the stress.
