Day 13 Advent Calendar: Budgeting for Christmas Food Shopping

Christmas food shopping can quickly go over budget.

Today’s Skill that Counts shows how to track spending and stay within a fixed amount using simple addition and checking techniques.

You have set a budget of £60 for Christmas food.

Your basket contains:

Turkey joint £22.50

Vegetables £8.40

Desserts £12.75

Snacks £6.30

Drinks £9.20

"CHUNKING" is helpful to break down longer lists into easier-to-handle chunks.

Keep your numbers in clear columns and pay attention to the placement of the decimal point.

Turkey joint £22.50

Vegetables + £8.40

Desserts + £12.75

= £43.65

Snacks £6.30

Drinks + £9.20

= £15.50

£43.65 + £15.50 = £59.15

Remember, you usually have a few methods when working with maths.

Find a way you like to use and stick to it.

Right is right, no matter how you get there.

Step 1: 

Add the main items

22.50 + 8.40 = 30.90

30.90 + 12.75 = 43.65

If you need any resources to build this skill, drop me an email or leave a comment for FREE RESOURCES ON BUDGETING.

Step 2: 

Add the remaining items

43.65 + 6.30 = 49.95

49.95 + 9.20 = 59.15

Step 3: 

Compare with your budget

Budget: £60

Total spend: £59.15

Money left: £60 − £59.15 = 0.85p

If you need any resources to build this skill, drop me an email or leave a comment for FREE RESOURCES ON BUDGETING.

Step 4: 

Make a quick decision

Straightforward addition has shown you are within your budget.

You could add a small item costing up to 85p or keep the change.

Skills that Count Check

Add as you shop, not at the till.

Round amounts to check your total quickly.

Always compare your final figure with the budget set.

The Skills that Count

Budgeting skills help you stay in control, reduce stress and avoid overspending during busy Christmas shopping trips.

Shopping and budgeting questions are common in Functional Skills exams.

Get a recent receipt, practice rounding and addition, and share your Skill that Counts in the comments.