Money matters

Just 23 sleeps until the big day – make sure you’re not wasting cash in the run-up to Xmas. Financial strategist Laura Linden, of Feisty FD (feistyfd. com), shares some savvy reminders...

Q I’ve tried the 50/30/20 method of budgeting, but found it too difficult. Is there an alternative? A50/30/20 budgeting involves allocating 50% of your income to essential spending like rent and food,

IDEAL HOME’S COLUMNIST AND EDITOR OF MONEYWEEK.COM KALPANA FITZPATRICK SHARES HER FINANCIAL WISDOM

HOW TO CLAIM FOR FLIGHT DELAYS

Q I’d like to help others this Christmas but my budget is limited. Do you have any tips? A There are lots of ways to help others that don’t involve money. Are there any local charities near you lookin

Start right now! It’s the best way to keep calm, make informed choices, allow a little flexibility and spread the cost. You’ll be able to reap the rewards of being super-organised nearer the time. Set