Christmas shopping season is well and truly upon us, and while it’s fun to see our loved ones unwrap shiny packages on Christmas morning, there’s one gift that nobody can put a price on – financial freedom.

So, when you’re considering what to give to your nearest and dearest this year, here are some options that could provide life changing benefits for years to come. 

Help Youngsters Build Strong Financial Foundations

We would never suggest entirely swapping out your child’s toys for stocks and shares - Santa’s reputation would never recover! But allocating a little cash now could provide a life changing gift later down the road. 

Your child may not notice one or two fewer packages under the tree this year, but if you choose to invest that money instead in a Junior ISA, and keep up the habit each year, they could enjoy a substantial contribution to education fees or a travel fund once they reach the age of 18.

Another option you might choose is to open a long-term savings plan on their behalf, to be in a position to help with a deposit on their first home.

With so many families looking to cut down on both household clutter and over-consumption, swapping a toy or two for an investment in your child’s future could make for a Christmas gift that means so much more.

Leave a Legacy That Lasts

Christmas is a time of giving, and many give special thought to supporting charities and causes close to their hearts at this time of year.

If you’d like to maximise the impact of the legacy you can leave, we can help you incorporate charitable giving into your estate planning process. 

Careful, proactive estate planning can not only maximise the value of the assets you can pass on to family and friends but can also make sure that the charities and causes you care about receive valuable support to help them continue their work in your name. 

Make Time For Financial Self-Care

We’re often guilty of putting ourselves at the bottom of our own lists, and never more so than at Christmas, when we invest so much time and expense in looking after others.

But taking some time to consider the life we’d like to be living, and establishing the financial goals than can help make that dream a reality, could be the treat you deserve this year – and a far more valuable investment long term than stocking up on bargains in the January sales!

Making a commitment to strategic financial planning can help you identify your priorities, from a new home or early retirement to once in a lifetime travel, a wedding fund, business exit planning and anything in between. Working with a trusted independent financial adviser like the team at McCrea can make it easy to chart a course to achieving your financial goals. 

So why not give the gift of financial freedom this year - combined with a pack of chocolate coins in their stocking, it could be the most impactful gift you ever give!

We offer free, no obligation chats to help establish your priorities and demonstrate how we can help. Check out our 2024 festive opening hours or find out how to reach us here – we look forward to hearing from you, and happy holidays! 

McCrea Financial Services is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.