5 tips on being a smarter shopper
NEW YEAR IS PERFECT POINT TO TAKE STOCK OF THOSE SPENDING HABITS
HE start of a new year is an ideal time to take stock of your spending habits and see how you can make your money go further.
For those who want to get a head start before 2018, here are five top tips on becoming a shrewder shopper.
KEEP A CALENDAR Research from American Express found guests in 2017 spent £432 on average to attend a wedding. Creating a calendar of the major events and commitments you have coming up, such as summer holidays and wedding invites, can help you plan your budget for big spends. REVIEW EMAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS If you’ve a favourite place for shopping, make sure you sign-up to email updates about upcoming sales or offers. American Express research found more than two thirds (67%) of people start buying things for a holiday a month before they go away, so finding those extra offers is a handy way to cut costs.
CHECK REWARDS POINTS The start of the year is the perfect time to check if you have any rewards points to spend on loyalty cards or credit cards. Savvy Brits save £60 each on average by redeeming their rewards or points, so check now to see if you can redeem points against big purchases in 2018. CONSIDER CASHBACK
If you do not currently earn cashback on your purchases, there is no time like the present to look into this as part of your financial planning. The American Express Platinum Cashback Everyday Credit Card gives you up to 5% cashback on your spending in the first three months (up to £100 cashback). A new year means new purchases – whether that’s school uniforms, a washing machine or a holiday – so you might as well earn while you spend.
TRY SUPPLEMENTARY
CARDS
A supplementary card gives you the ability to earn points and rewards from all your family spending. With just one account, you can earn rewards whenever a card member uses their card and then put the total towards a treat for everyone in 2018.