{"id":133773,"date":"2023-11-15T17:15:32","date_gmt":"2023-11-15T17:15:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bluemull.com\/?p=133773"},"modified":"2023-11-15T17:15:32","modified_gmt":"2023-11-15T17:15:32","slug":"angellica-bell-christmas-is-about-making-memories-not-debt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bluemull.com\/tv-and-movies\/angellica-bell-christmas-is-about-making-memories-not-debt\/","title":{"rendered":"Angellica Bell: Christmas is about making memories, not debt"},"content":{"rendered":"

A familiar face on our telly since the early noughties, Angellica Bell knows her stuff when it comes to saving money.<\/p>\n

The 47 year old, who co-hosts Shop Smart Save Money on Channel 5, is sure about one thing this Christmas, it should be all about "making memories, not debt." <\/p>\n

The mum of two is a huge fan of the festive season but believes that experiences and love should overshadow endless spending in the run up to the big day.<\/p>\n

She told us: "We\u2019re in a cost of living crisis in the UK. Families could consider not buying gifts and just being together, and eating. You really need to live for the moment and enjoy yourself."<\/p>\n

From as far back as 2001 Angellica has felt passionately about educating others on taking a sensible approach to money. She hosted Short Change on CBBC alongside The Gadget Show\u2019s Ortis Deley – a show that empowered young people on saving, money spending and getting value – and most recently joined forces with money expert Martin Lewis on his show, prompting the nation into paying their credit card balances off in full each month.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Angellica feels strongly about taking on debt – and said: "in a nutshell, don\u2019t."<\/p>\n

"What we don\u2019t want is families to feel that pressure to get into unnecessary debt just to create this magical day. Then New Year creeps in – and so do the bills.<\/p>\n

"We can get a little excited at this time of the year but tracking what you spend is vital. Choose time over money every time and just say no to gifts. Just be together."<\/p>\n

But what if passing on the presents isn\u2019t an option? "Be realistic. Just say, 'we\u2019re all going to spend this amount of money on everybody,' then that way, everyone has a gift but no-one\u2019s under pressure."<\/p>\n

Memories of Christmas and the tradition and nostalgic touches are things that Angellica believes are the best bits about the festive period anyway.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

"Doing a jigsaw together, the Christmas music playing in the background, just the memories and laughter sitting around the TV. Marking the Radio Times to make sure you catch your telly faves – those are valuable experiences that money can\u2019t buy.<\/p>\n

"Conversations over clutter, I say."<\/p>\n

In the run up to Christmas, some might be tempted to push the boat out for their families no matter the cost and make some worrying financial decisions. Interest-free credit cards, short term loans and store cards are dangled like carrots in front of us, and it can be easy to go for a quick fix.<\/p>\n

"I\u2019m not a fan of credit cards," said Angellica. "It\u2019s a difficult one and people can get themselves into a lot of trouble.<\/p>\n

"You have to know how disciplined you are and make sure you work in those parameters – and not many- people can.<\/p>\n

"I would never recommend a credit card but it\u2019s about being realistic with who you are and your goals. I\u2019d much rather advise to budget in the first place and plan before the big day."<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Angellica also advises "budgeting, tracking income and expenditure" as much as possible.<\/p>\n

"Maybe use January to take stock of all sorts of payments and cut them – have a financial clear out. Subscriptions you don\u2019t use and other things that can be cancelled."<\/p>\n

Looking further ahead into 2024, the star has plans for more relaxation, with some very homely pursuits on the cards.<\/p>\n

"I\u2019ve always wanted to crochet. My gran taught me when I was little and I haven\u2019t done it since, then about two Christmases ago I got a crochet book and needle. I haven\u2019t picked it up yet – but I will.<\/p>\n

"Next year is about ticking off the things I really want to do."<\/p>\n

Adding plans to study for a Masters degree "in history, politics or media", Angellica might have relaxing in mind but in reality, it sounds like she\u2019ll be busier than ever.<\/p>\n

"I love meeting people and my job allows me to do this – I\u2019m very grateful – but I want to expand on my personal growth too. Going out and clubbing, just fun things.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

"I want to meet more friends for lunch and enjoy renovating my house – which for now, is crazy!"<\/p>\n

Angellica has just moved into her new home with husband and fellow TV presenter Michael Underwood and their two children, who she prefers to keep out of the limelight. It was built in 1860 and, she told us, needs "floor to ceiling" modernisation.<\/p>\n

"They even found asbestos under the floorboards but it\u2019s my dream home. I watch all those interior shows and it never seems so bad, until you\u2019re living in it. But I\u2019m determined to because I saved every penny for this and I don\u2019t want to pay for a second home to live in.<\/p>\n

"I\u2019m not wasting those savings," she told us with a smile. <\/p>\n

You\u2019re an inspiration, Angellica!<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Angellica\u2019s top ways to save this Christmas<\/h2>\n

Food & drink<\/b><\/p>\n

\u2022 If you have an air fryer, use it often to save electricity.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Use frozen or canned food wherever possible.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Look out for special offers \u2013 my local butcher already has a great price on meat so buy when you see a deal, then freeze.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Batch cook to use every last bit of meat and veg. I love turkey soup or Christmas leftover hash.<\/p>\n

Decor<\/b><\/p>\n

\u2022 Buy cards and wrapping paper in the January sales for the following Christmas.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Go reusable \u2013 pretty gift bags can be recycled every year.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Make it traditional \u2013 bring out the same decorations year after year.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Get crafting. There are brilliant ideas online \u2013 and get the kids and grandkids involved.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Put aside spare change all year for a Christmas decor fund \u2013 it really adds up.<\/p>\n

Gifts<\/b><\/p>\n

\u2022 Don\u2019t wait for Black Friday or Cyber Monday \u2013 there are always deals to be found.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Homemade gifts are the best. People love a thoughtful, personal present.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Consider your store points for gifts. Cash pots, money back vouchers and points can be redeemed.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Buy second hand \u2013 Vinted, eBay and Etsy offer great preloved gifts.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Don\u2019t shy away from regifting. It\u2019s better to pass on the love than to waste the money.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n