Christmas tip: Shop around to get a bargain. Try as many different places as possible to find the best price.
Christmas tip: Make a budget and stick to it. Christmas costs soon mount up so think about who you are buying for, what other spending you have, and how much you can really afford.
Christmas tip:The goods you buy must be satisfactory quality, match descriptions and fit their purpose. If not you can get a refund but if you’re not quick enough you might get a replacement or repair
Christmas tip: Check the size before you buy. If you're buying clothes as a present try to find out the person's size beforehand. Remember you don't have a right to just change your mind.
Christmas tip: Keep the receipt! If there is a problem with the gift and it needs to be returned; the shop will usually want to see the receipt to prove that it was bought at that store.
Christmas tip: Your legal rights are the same if you buy goods in a sale. But if there is a tag on the product that says it is faulty - that's why it's cheap. If you buy it you're accepting that fault
Christmas tip: Anything you buy must be satisfactory quality, match descriptions and fit their purpose. If not you can get a refund but if you’re not quick enough you might get a replacement or repair
Christmas tip: Watch out for dodgy traders. What looks like a bargain may not be one if it turns out to be faulty and you can't find the trader after Christmas.
Christmas tip: Don’t bank on an overdraft. If you need more money, don’t just run up an overdraft without talking to your bank first – it will work out much more expensive.
Christmas tip: You may be offered a guarantee or warranty when you buy. Guarantees are generally free but you may have to pay for a warranty which may work out more expensive than paying for a repair.
Christmas tip: take advantage of special offers and discount vouchers but make sure you only buy what you need.
Christmas tip: If you’re stuggling for money this Christmas, see if you’re entitled to any other help. Read more.
Christmas tip: When you buy gifts online, over the phone, through a catalogue or TV shopping channel it is called 'distance selling' so you get a seven day cooling off period.
Christmas tip: Read the small print in any credit agreements and work out whatthe total amount you’ll have to pay is.
Christmas tip: Watch out for dodgy traders. What looks like a bargain may not be one if it turns out to be faulty and you can't find the trader after Christmas
