MARTIN’S 10 FESTIVE CASH-SAVING TIPS
MARTIN Lewis hosted a Christmas edition of The Money Show Live and gave viewers tips on how to spend wisely this festive season.
The consumer expert offered d sobering advice about sticking to a budget.
He said: “Sadly, in the money world, Christmas means debt. It’s what I think of first when it comes to Christmas because off the back of it, so many people get themselves in trouble.”
Martin offered 10 top tips that could help you save money this Christmas: 1 Abandon online shopping baskets and you might bag a discount Sign in somewhere you’re registered, add an item then walk away (virtually). In the next few days, you might get an emailem with a code to entice you back to complete the purchase. pu 2 Haven’t used it since last Christmas? Flog it Facebook, Fa Gumtree and eBay eBa are good for selling on unwanunwanted items. 3 3Look Look for department store discounts If you can’t find the discounted item you’re after direct from a retailer, look for deals at department stores.. 4 Cashback credit cards Get five per cent back on spending with an American Express Everyday credit card. Martin advises setting up a direct debit to pay the card off in full every month. 5Get
free delivery Many retailers offer free delivery li with a minimum spend: John Lewis – £50, Asos – £35, M&S – £50, Amazon - £20. 6Cash
for kids – savings accounts Ideal for anyone thinking about giving kids money. Try looking for account deals with banks such as the Halifax, Barclays, Santander or TSB. 7No cash? Give your time This could be something like cooking, giving a massage m or babysitting. 8Use 8 charity gift catalogues Help He others by using charities char such as Centrepoint, Macmillan, Macmil Refuge. 9F9Free “£180”18 case of wines Switch account to Virgin Money and you’ll get 15 bottles of wine. 10Gift card warning Martin said: “People lose gift cards, forget they’ve got them and many have expiry dates.” Go to MoneySavingExpert.com