Post-Christmas and year-end sales are one of the best times of the year to shop up a storm but you need to be smart about it and not get caught up in all the bells and whistles.
I’m the first to admit that over the years I have wasted a lot of money at sale time; I bought things just because they were on sale; I didn’t need it, by the time I got home all I could say was ‘what was I thinking’, what a waste of money.
In saying that I have also saved a bucket load of cash.
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You can too if you shop wisely…
Be organised.
Write a list of what you need. I always shop with a list, I never shop without one. Maybe there was something Santa neglected to get you for Christmas.
Gift Cards.
If you received a gift card for Christmas NOW is the time to use it, you will get a lot more for your dollar.
Gift cupboard.
Every home should have one. I’m from a large family, every single month of the year we have at least 2 birthdays to celebrate. This is when I stock up on gifts, it saves me a fortune. My nieces and nephews love Aunty Kathy’s pressies (I’m the favourite Aunty)
Think ahead.
If you have a young family this is a great time to stock up on kids clothes for next summer. Kids grow so quickly and it can be costly. Buy the essentials a couple of sizes bigger for next year.
Check the retailer’s websites.
Most sales start online Christmas night. Kick your feet up, grab a glass of wine, I suggest only one glass you don’t want to make impulse purchases. You could have all you shopping done before bed and head to the beach instead on Boxing Day.
Return policies.
Make sure you keep all your receipts and ask the sales assistant what the return policies are on sale items.
For the home.
Manchester can be quite expensive. This is the time of year I stock up on bath towels and bed linen. Bargains galore.
For you.
You have worked hard all year and there is one item you have been eyeing off for 12 months but just couldn’t justify the price tag. Now is the time to treat yourself and buy it. Go on you deserve it.
Two for One.
Don’t get caught up in the two for one offers. Ask yourself do you really need two of them. I only shop the two for one if I can give the second one as a gift.
Electrical items and floor stock.
Be very careful, ask the sales assistant how long has the stock been on the floor for; this is important some floor stock can be on the floor for up to 12 months this means it has been on and running for 12 hours a day, does it still come with manufacturer’s warranty, can you buy an extended warranty, can you return the item if defected
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