Out with the old, in with the new
Before you worry about making space for new gifts, get rid of old, unwanted stuff. Not only will this clear shelves, it might also cough up much needed coins for the Crimbo kitty. Auction site eBay is great for discarded clothes and homeware, while Amazon could provide a shop platform to sell unwanted books.
Know your limit - and make others aware of it too
Don't feel embarrassed about setting budgets with family and friends. Having a mutually agreed price limit on presents will ensure you don't overspend - or suffer the agonies of guilt if you had received a costlier gift than the one given. Secret Santas are another great way to pare down the people you need to purchase for.
Sweet tweets
Social networking isn't just about showcasing your latest holiday snaps, you can also learn a thing or two about saving money. Frugal hashtags like #cheapxmas or #moneysaving should see you through the festive season with your pockets full. Following high street shops is also a good way to stay in the loop about their latest discounts.
Points win prizes
Own a loyalty card? You could be laughing all the way to the till. Now's the time to make the most of reward points on them, especially in shops that run special promotions in the run-up to Christmas to bump up your points. Take note, however: experts suggest these schemes can be better value if you convert points into vouchers, rather than cash them in at the checkout.
Get 2.5% to 6% cashback (and more!) for Christmas
You can get more from your gift shopping purchases with the Union Prepaid Plus MasterCard® card. Not only can you use your Union Prepaid Plus card to help cut down on your spending (you top it up before you spend) which makes it perfect for budgeting, you’ll receive fantastic cashback benefits at retailers you know and love plus it works alongside your loyalty cards. So, this Christmas, why not secure a reward for yourself and make sure that those gift purchases are working hard for you, too! For more information, visit www.UnionPrepaid.com
