WE SHOPPING BUT...

❉ Tempted by interest-free credit? Psychologists say we’re usually too optimistic about our ability to pay it all off in the timescale, so don’t go there in the run up to Christmas. ❉ Don’t assume it’s a good deal without doing the maths – everyone has a calculator on their phones these days. ❉ Enjoy the ambience, the music, the lighting and layout of a store, but remember that it’s all designed to encourage you to buy – so be strong! ❉ Champagne bars are there for a reason, too – you’re more likely to spend more as you float round the shops. If you’re on a serious mission, avoid lunchtime drinking! ❉ When you’re trying to economise, remember the mantra of money guru Martin Lewis: Do I need it, can I afford it and can I get it cheaper elsewhere? ❉ Consider that not everything on sale in the shops will be a too-good-to-miss opportunity. Ask yourself this: how do you know that Tv/bag/oven you’ve just spotted and decided to buy is definitely the best one around at the best price available unless you’ve done some homework beforehand? Or, to put it another way, a bargain isn’t a bargain if you didn’t intend to buy it in the first place – it’s just an impulse buy. So check out our Tried & Tested product reviews first at goodhousekeeping.co.uk.