Christmas money-saving tips

Save money at Christmas with our handy tips | Money-saving Xmas ideas

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According to a recent poll on goodtoknow, loads of you are thinking about Christmas already.

We've all had to tighten our purse strings a bit this year, but a credit crunch Christmas doesn't have to be painful. Follow these clever tips to make your cash go further!

Once you've read our advice - email your top tips to us at goodtoknow@ipcmedia.com and we'll publish the best ones.

1. Budget
Set yourself a realistic budget, and stick to it. Rather than adding it all up on a scrap of paper, use our budget calculator to keep a record of everything you spend in the run-up to Christmas so you always know where you are with your cash.
2. Don't leave it to the last minute
Shopping in a rush means you're more likely to put pressure over price and pay over the odds.
3. Use the internet
Avoid the crush-hour crowds and save money by comparing prices on lots of websites.
4. Store card scrooges
Stay away from expensive store cards. They'll charge you around 8% more than you would pay on an average credit card.
5. Get the right credit card
Getting the right credit card can save you cash so compare deals and make sure you're not paying too much interest on yours.
6. Guard your Christmas gifts
The number of house burglaries soars over Christmas, so take precautions, lock up carefully when you go out and check that you're insured.
7. Get out and walk
Deliver as many cards as possible by hand instead of spending money on stamps and petrol. It'll help burn off those mince pies, wine and chocolate.
8. Keep a cool head
It's easy to get carried away in the run-up to Christmas. Twinkling lights, jolly jingles and the general air of cheer in stores are all designed to help part you from your cash and it can be a hard balancing act between being generous and knowing when to stop. Stay focused and don't get distracted from the task at hand.
9. Don't fall for the January sales trick
Bargain-hunters heading for the sales often buy things that don't fit or aren't useful because they're cheap. If it's not in your size or you wouldn't have bought it when it was full price, don't buy it now.