If you are struggling with your finances, retail therapy can result in retail misery. New shoes or a good book might take your mind off the markets, but shopping without planning means you will lose out big time. If you are considering a trip to the shops before Christmas, remember the following tips:
1. Prepare yourself
Work out a budget before you leave the house and only buy what you need. Shopping with a list and strict budget makes much more financial sense than shopping on impulse.
2. Cheaper online shopping
Compare prices for online shopping and you can save a small fortune. Also save the inconvenience of having to trawl round the shops, and the goods will be delivered to your house. To make sure you are protected, read the precautions and guidelines about online shopping on www.getsafeonline.org.
3. Compare prices
Online prices are not automatically cheaper, so compare prices of goods you want to buy with the website of a high street retailer and see where you can save the most money.
4. Claim cashback
Cashback websites make commission by referring users to retailers and then pass on the savings to members. www.quidco.co.uk is worth checking out.
5. Loyalty cards
Free loyalty schemes can entitle you to points which can be redeemed in store and online. Check out the best ones, and you can save points and air miles.
6. Unseasonal sales
Unseasonal sales on the high street can offer some great bargains. Keep your eye on retailer websites and pick up any promotional information in store to keep you up to date with any new sale launches.
7. Buy second-hand and use e-bay
You can bag some great second-hand bargains from charity shops and from e-bay. Use the internet to look for great value gifts, particularly books, furniture and clothes. And if you need to clear out any clutter, sell it at a car boot market or on e-bay.
8. Buy in volume
Most products work out cheaper when you buy them in bulk. If you are planning for Christmas, buy a case of wine instead of individual bottles and look out for multi-purchase promotions in-store, where you can share the shopping with family members to save even more money.
9. Talk costs nothing
Haggling can work. Many high street stores are suffering the effects of the recession, and a straight request for a discount can work in your favour. Also, if you find the same product cheaper elsewhere, you are more likely to get money off in the store you are purchasing from.
10. Why pay when you can get it free?
Why pay for goods when you can get them free? If you become a member of the Freecycle network, you can list and obtain goods free of charge. Items range from sofas to cars to carpets. Not only can you furnish a house from Freecycle, but you will also save on
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