THE DOS AND DON’TS OF SAVVY SHOPPING

DO BE LOYAL

Christmas is the ideal time to use loyalty cards, such as your Nectar, Boots Advantage and Tesco Clubcard, as there are often bonus offers and boosts available to make points go further. If your purse is full to the brim with cards, download the app Stocard – it stores cards virtually for easy scanning at the checkout.

DO BE PATIENT

If you fill your online shopping basket but don’t complete the purchase, retailers may email you a discount code or offer free delivery so you finish your shopping. But check stock availability – you don’t want to miss out!

DO GET UP EARLY

Planning to visit the shops on Black Friday? Make an early start. Many of the best deals are gone by lunchtime. While online, Amazon and other retailers release deals throughout the day, so it’s worth revisiting the sites to check for new reductions.

DON’T BE TEMPTED BY BUY NOW, PAY LATER

Psychologists say we’re usually too optimistic about our ability to pay it all off in the timescale, so avoid it in the run-up to Christmas.

DON’T MAKE IT ALL ABOUT THE MONEY

Taking pride in buying thoughtful presents isn’t a bad thing, but don’t feel judged on the price of your gifts. Sometimes, the best presents are home-made.