It's amazing how time flies – it seems like just yesterday we were wrapping up for winter. But we're already nearing the end of the year, with summer and the festive season coming up fast. Instead of waiting for the December rush, now is the time to get your seasonal shopping started. When everyone is battling long queues and stressing over rising prices, you'll be free to chill and make the most of your end-of-year break.

Read on to find out how to make this holiday season a breeze – and how Nedbank can help you save money while keeping the season festive.

Stock up early and save

You don't want to be rushing through crowded shops in mid-December, frantically grabbing overpriced braai charcoal and fighting for the last box of crackers. Start shopping for your seasonal necessities now.

Keep an eye out for sales on non-perishable goods like canned food, snacks, drinks, decorations, cards and gift wrap. If you’ve got extra freezer space, buy your meat over the next few weeks, whenever the cuts you need are on special. As demand increases in December, prices could skyrocket, so take advantage of savings whenever you can. Christmas dinner tastes even better when you know it didn't break the bank.

Make the most of Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Black Friday and Cyber Monday aren't just for people snapping up the latest gadgets. They're also the perfect opportunity to save on gifts, seasonal decor, and even the ingredients for your festive feast.

You need a game plan, so you don't buy on impulse and end up with a cart full of things you didn't need. First, make a list – and yes, check it twice. What do you need? Gifts for the family? A new pair of shoes for the office party? Stick to the list, and you'll avoid unnecessary 'specials' that tempt you into overspending.

To help you manage all these expenses, you can enjoy up to 55 days of interest-free credit by paying with your Nedbank credit card. If you spend only as much as you know you can pay back at the end of the month, you can still score those big savings without blowing your budget.

Plan your holiday gatherings early

Family holiday gatherings can be magical, but the planning can leave you sympathising with Disney villains. Don't leave it to the last minute – start by sending out invitations and getting RSVPs early. Knowing how many people to cater for helps you plan, whether it's a full Christmas feast, a laid-back braai, or a festive brunch.

Try to rope in your family to a 'bring and share' setup. You can decide who will contribute which dishes in advance, so that they can start their own shopping whenever there are sales. No one likes the pressure of last-minute shopping, but no one likes showing up empty-handed either. You can ask anyone who doesn't cook to bring the salad or a pre-made dessert.

It helps to break down your party planning into chunks. One week, buy non-perishables. The next, grab decor or snacks. The week after that, sort out frozen foods. That way, it's all done bit by bit without any last-minute panic.

Festive shopping made easy with Nedbank

At this time of year, you want to enjoy the sun and festivities, not worry about your bank balance. Nedbank makes it easier for you to save while you still manage to do all your festive shopping. The Money app helps you stick to your budget with the MoneyTracker tool, enabling you to welcome the new year in full control of your financial management.

You'll find exclusive deals on everything from kitchen gadgets to home decor on Avo SuperShop, so you can tick off your shopping list without having to deal with a Janu-worry financial hangover. Simply tap Shop on your Money app dashboard to access Avo immediately. And if you're a Greenbacks member, you can use them to buy gifts and other Christmas treats – and score extra promotional deals on Avo that are exclusive to Greenbacks members.

At the end of the day, the festive season is meant to be fun, not filled with financial headaches. By prepping early with Nedbank at your side, you'll be able to enjoy more time with your family, feast on delicious food, and give thoughtful gifts without financial stress.

Start now. Make your shopping list, scout out the sales, and get everything sorted before the December rush is upon us.