Making Cents: Making a list and checking it twice is essential to saving money at Christmas

WITH just a little over six weeks left until Christmas thrifty shoppers should be planning their budget. Carefully managed spending now is the key to a financially happy New Year, says  Gráinne McGuinness

FOOD and drink form a key part of the Christmas celebrations and households can spend serious money arranging suitably festive feasts for families and friends. But with a little planning and forethought, a very merry Christmas can be had on a reasonable budget.

Dubliner Caitríona Redmond lost her job at the height of the recession, and has since rebuilt a new career working from home as a food writer who specialises in wholesome family food on a budget, making her the perfect person to ask for tips on thrifty holiday shopping.