Money
Getting the best deal
Offers of the week - November 26, 2009
Laura Howard gives you the lowdown on some inspired money-saving deals
Trade old M&S clothing for £5 voucher
A little-known perk that was introduced by Marks & Spencer earlier this year could come in very handy for shoppers in the lead-up to the Christmas. Simply donate an item of M&S labelled clothing or an item of soft furnishing to Oxfam you'll receive a £5 M&S voucher in return, which you can use in store when you spend £35 or more. Search online for more details.
Cut out the estate agent
Selling your home this winter? While it's no practice for the faint hearted, an increasing number of people are opting to sell privately online rather than take the typical 1% to 2% commission hit by selling through estate agents. Free-to-use classified website, Vivastreet.co.uk has reported a staggering 78% increase in the number of people looking for or private sales or even 'house swaps' in the last 12 months in a bid to keep costs down post the housing slump.
Stocking fillers for less money (and effort)
If, like many people, your Christmas shopping list features DVDs, books, computer games or CDs, avoid the high street and log onto Play.com instead. Not only are these items often cheaper when purchased online but, until Sunday 6 December, you will receive £5 off all orders of over £50 through Vouchercodes.co.uk. Just enter the code PLANW09 when you get to the online checkout. Delivery is free too so it couldn’t be easier or cheaper.
Time to review your savings
Inflation figures recently published by the Office for National Statistics have revealed that CPI (the Consumer Price Index) increased to 1.5% in October – up from 1.1% the month before. According to Moneynet.co.uk, this means that eight out of 10 savings accounts (after tax has been deducted on interest) are effectively losing money! Make sure you are using your tax-free allowance (£5,100 a year for the over 50s) with an ISA – and that the rest of your savings are in the best-paying home. You can check out Saga's saving offerings here.
Beware of scam calls!
The Ministry of Justice has issued a warning to consumers – especially those in debt – about a spate of telephone calls from fraudsters claiming to be from the government, the Office of Fair Trading, a bank or a claims management company. Consumers are tricked into handing over personal details and money with the promise of repayment of debts. Neil Munroe at ID fraud firm, Equifax, said: "Make sure you know who you are talking to – if you are at all unsure about who has called you ask them for their number so you can call them back. And always check with the company yourself before responding to any offers or claims."
* Written by Laura Howard, this article was published on November 26, 2009. Prices and details correct at time of publication. Laura's opinions are her own and for general information only. Always seek independent advice.
- More from Laura Howard: 15 fantastic ways to save money - now!
- Getting the best deal: great ideas for plugging those budget leaks
- Your money: news and information
- Sign up for our money-saving tips email newsletter
- Annuities - it pays to shop around
- A fresh look at fixed-rate bonds
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