Citizens Advice Guildford Gives 12 Top Tips For Saving Money This Christmas

Published on: 1 Dec, 2016
Updated on: 28 Nov, 2016

Citizens Advice Guildford has issued 12 tips for saving money this Christmas:

1. Be clever with your Christmas cards.

Cards longer than 25cm, wider than 16.5cm, thicker than 5mm or heavier than 100g need a costlier large letter stamp. If you use the wrong stamp the recipient may have to pay a surcharge for incorrect postage. Check the size of your Christmas Cards before buying them to avoid extra postage charges.

2. Plan ahead – create a budget and stick to it.

Plan ahead to avoid overspending at Christmas. Think about how much you can afford to spend, create a budget and stick to it. Do this for presents, food, travel and parties to keep an eye on your money. Once you know what your total budget is, you can start to figure out how much you can afford to spend on each person before you buy them gifts.

3. Don’t leave posting to the last minute.

Second class post is more cost effective and has a better delivery record at Christmas . If you plan ahead, second class is far more likely to be delivered in three working days than first class is in one working day. If you send 100 cards using letter stamps this will save you £9.

4. Search for the best deals on gifts.

When you’ve found the perfect gift, don’t buy it from the first place you find it because, chances are, you can find it somewhere else. Use the internet to compare prices on the gifts you’re buying and you might be able to save money.

5. Make use of unused loyalty points.

If you have a loyalty card with Tesco, Nectar, Boots or anywhere else you may well have racked up points over the past year. When buying presents, food, or alcohol check whether you can purchase them with loyalty points.

6. Be careful buying from online sellers.

If you’re buying from an individual seller on an online marketplace, many of your consumer rights don’t apply. Items should be as described, but a private individual has no legal duty to inform you of any faults or to offer a cancellation period. Read the product description and the seller’s return policy carefully.

7. Be careful sending money.

Use a cheque or postal order instead of sending cash. Send vouchers and valuables by an insured service such as Royal Mail Special Delivery in order to claim compensation if your item is lost or damaged.

8. Return faulty items within 30 days.

The short term “right to reject” enables you to return goods to a trader within a 30-day period for a full refund if your core rights have been breached. The burden of proof will be on you to prove that the goods are not satisfactory, fit for purpose or as described.

9. Be frugal with your food shop.

Christmas dinner can be expensive, especially when you’re having lots of people round. Shop around for the best price and deals on food and alcohol. Buy your meat, vegetables, and alcohol from different supermarkets if it’s cheaper. There are always left-overs at Christmas, so save money by being realistic about how much you will eat. If you do have left-overs, don’t waste them. Get creative with them and save money on dinner for the next few days.

10. Reduce phone bills by catching up with relatives over the internet.

Christmas is a time where we like to catch up with distant loved ones. Save money on long distance telephone calls by using free video chat services like Skype or Facetime. Not only will this save you money, but you will be able to see the face of your loved- one, as well as hearing their voice.

11. Book travel tickets in advance.

Many of us travel to be with our loved-ones at Christmas. Book your train, bus or plane tickets far in advance to save money. Look around at different providers to check that you’re getting the best deal.

12. Use the services of Citizens Advice Guildford.

Sometimes we try our best to save money at Christmas but still run into debt afterwards. If you face debt after Christmas do not hesitate to visit Citizens Advice Guildford who can help you to manage your debt.

If you need more advice on how to save money this Christmas, about your consumer rights, or on any other issue get in contact with Citizens Advice Guildford for free impartial advice.

Citizens Advice Guildford’s office is at 15-21 Haydon Place Guildford GU1 4LL. Call 01483 576699 or visit guildfordcab.org.uk

Residents in the Ash area can also contact Citizens Advice Ash, at the rear of the Ash Centre, Ash Hill Road GU12 5DP on 01252 315569, or visit www.ashcab.org.uk