Christmas is a time for connection, celebration and generosity. All this takes energy, time and money.
Whether you're hosting a big family gathering or buying gifts, it's easy to overspend.
To help make choices that feel right for you, your family and your goals, we have put together some information to assist with avoiding high-interest debt and where to find support if things feel tight.
We share budgeting tips, downloadable trackers, and practical advice to help you stay in control.
Quick credit options like payday loans, credit cards and BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later) can seem tempting but they often come with high fees. There may be alternatives that suit your needs better and can assist with managing your money during this festive season.
You don’t need to spend big to give something meaningful.
No-cost / low-cost gift ideas
- Cook a favourite meal or treat and gift it in a reusable container
- Create a photo collage or memory book using printed photos and stories
- Write a letter or poem to someone you care about
- Make a playlist of songs that mean something to your relationship
🖤 Support First Nations Businesses
- Buy small items like soaps, teas, art prints, or jewellery from Indigenous-owned stores
- Gift a voucher to a local First Nations café, artist, or service provider
- Choose culturally grounded gifts like bush food products, oils, crafts, or books by First Nations authors.
First Nations marketplace
- Welcome to Country: A not-for-profit marketplace offering gifts, art, homewares, books, food, beauty, and cultural experiences.
- First Nations gifts: Aboriginal-owned marketplace specialising in unique gifts, souvenirs, art, fashion, and hampers created by First Nations businesses.
Experience-based gifts
- Offer your time – babysitting, help with errands, or a day out together
- Create a “gift of care” card such as “A coffee and a yarn on me,” “Help with the garden,” etc
- Organise a group activity like a picnic, beach day, or movie night
🧡 Community & Connection
- Donate in someone’s name to a First Nations charity or cause
- Host a shared meal where everyone brings something small
- Swap or re-gift gently used items with meaning
And finally, if you’re feeling the pinch, you’re not alone. We’ve gathered resources that can help from budgeting tools to financial counselling and support services. Reach out. Help is available.
Workshops
Register for one (or both) of our 1 hour online workshops
Budgeting Workshop
This session is designed to help you feel empowered about your money choices this season.
4 December 2025
5:30pm – 6:30pm AEDT
We will go over things like:
- tips on how to change habits, and
- we’ll provide information about resources and tools available if you need assistance.
Register here: Event registration page
Exploring Loan and Credit Workshop
We’ll share practical info to help you avoid debt and make informed decisions.
11 December 2025
5:30pm – 6:30pm AEDT
We’ll discuss:
- different types of credit / loans including secured and unsecured debts
- what you need to know to make informed decisions; and will
- provide information about resources and tools available if you need assistance.
Register here: Event registration page
Helplines
- Mob Strong Debt Help is a free national service that can provide advice about money matters.
- You can call 13 YARN (13 92 76) anytime for a free, confidential chat with a First Nations support worker.
