Topics: Christmas, Martin Lewis, Money, Parenting, Real Life, Cost of Living
Martin Lewis has issued a warning to people on low income ahead of Christmas.
In his latest newsletter, the Money Saving Expert told Brits to be wary of getting into any debt during all the chaos and jubilation of the impending festive period.
What with presents, groceries and way too much mulled wine - it makes sense why we'd all be wanting to save our pennies as best we can this winter.
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All about planning ahead to minimise the financial stress that Christmas inevitably brings about, Lewis noted just what people can do to get prepping.
He explained: "It's no coincidence that January is the biggest month people go to debt-counsellors.
"Ask them why and a common reply is 'Christmas, of course'. But Christmas, while costly, isn't unexpected - it's on 25 Dec every year, so if you haven't started the financial prep yet, it's oft worth it."
Lewis then offered people a whole bunch of tips - 12 to be exact - to keep in mind before the big day arrives.
The first is making use of Natwest's switching offer to get a 'free £175 in cash'.
That could cover a hefty amount - if not all depending on your family size - of your Christmas dinner.
"Don't plan a perfect Christmas," reads the second tip, "do a budget now and then work out the best Christmas you can have."
Third on the list reveals to Brits that they can get a 'free £115 at Amazon or £150 at Sainsbury's' before the big day by signing up to American Express.
However, with this particular tip, Lewis informs that people need to make sure they're 'ready for a credit card' beforehand.
Fourth is 'don't buy unnecessary presents'. I know this sounds like common sense, but I'm definitely guilty of this.
"Get an up to 6% boost on supermarket spending through supermarket schemes," the sixth point adds while the seventh tip tells people to 'start putting money aside now'.
Lewis then offers the advice to rake in some extra funds, writing: "Try to find things in your home that you could flog for cash."
The next tip follows: "Spend on a cashback card and get up to 5% back," before warning punters to 'be wary of gift vouchers' as if the store in question goes out of business they become 'worthless'.
Tenth on the rundown instructs people to 'save a list of items you're after and get them when prices drop.'
Hello January sales.
This one's for any students out there or people who live away from home: "Book train tickets early if you're travelling over Christmas."
And last, but by no means least, Lewis warns: "Don't borrow for Christmas - if you must then use a 0% credit card."
Sleigh.
