Buying local can be difficult, we're all on a budget and carefully watching where our money is spent, as utilities, rates and other costs rise around us.

Weighing up whether to buy an item in Ararat or a similar but cheaper item in another town can be a struggle.

We can't always afford to 'buy local', but even if we start to spend just a little of our hard earned dollar in our own town at some of our smaller businesses, it will collectively help keep these businesses alive.

This winter has been a tough one for many businesses in Ararat, you would only have had to take a walk down Barkly Street over the past few weeks to see how quiet the street can be at times.

So give these businesses some thought when next deciding on a birthday present for a friend, or a Christmas present for your mum.

You might actually be surprised at how cost effective it is to 'buy local' and how much better the quality is too.