Christmas is a wonderful time of the year, but it can be costly.

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Posted on Dec 15, 2008

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year, but it can be costly.  Here are the Consumer Council’s top twelve tips for Christmas to help you get the most for your money this festive season: Rein in your spending. Make a list, set a budget and stick to it. Use the Consumer Council’s Christmas Budget Planner to help you. Be a smart shopper and know your shoppers’ rights and responsibilities. Keep your free Consumer Council Shoppers’ Rights Card in your purse or wallet.   Variety is the spice of Christmas life. Shop around to compare prices in different stores and online.  It could save you money in the long run. Be a savvy shopper at the checkouts. Some shops change their returns policy at Christmas so ask before you buy. Keep receipts safe in your free Consumer Council receipt wallet.   Think twice before you pay the price. Think twice before saying yes to a Store Card.  You might get a discount on purchases but the interest on these cards can be a lot higher than normal credit cards.   Safeguard your savings. If you are saving in advance for presents or food by buying £1 stamps - keep them safe and treat them like cash.  Some stores don’t keep a record of your savings so if your card is lost, stolen or damaged, you lose your cash.   Share the cost of Christmas. Take advantage of 3 for 2 gift offers and split the gifts and cost with friends and family.  If you’re having the family over for Christmas dinner, why not share the cost and ask everyone to bring a dish?  Small is beautiful. Postage on Christmas cards now depends on size.  Most cards will say whether to post as a small or large letter (it’s cheaper to post smaller cards).  Get your cards written on time and post them 2nd class instead of 1st.   Ssh! It’s a secret! Cut the cost of buying lots of presents and add an element of surprise by organising a Secret Santa with family or friends. Put everyone’s name in a hat, agree on a set limit to spend and only buy a present for the name you pick out.  Paint the town red not your bank account. If you’re heading out this Christmas travel in groups to cut the cost of taxis or take turns being a designated driver.  Always pre-book taxis and check the fare up-front - prices can vary over the festive period.  Check out our Guide to Taking Taxis for more information.  Stock up in the New Year sales. If you have any money left over, pick up reduced gifts, cards and wrapping paper in the sales.  You can use bargain gifts as birthday presents. Don’t forget your vouchers. Treat gift vouchers like cash and make sure to use them before they go out of date. For more information, a Christmas budget planner, Shoppers’ Rights Card, receipt wallet or our Guide to Taking Taxis call 028 9067 2488 or visit www.consumercouncil.org.uk.