Money
Getting the best deal
When it comes to the crunch some prices are falling
While the cost of living rockets with record inflation consumers will be cheered by the news that some goods are becoming more affordable, writes Holly Thomas
Official figures from electrical specialist Comet show that over the last two years the price of luxury consumer goods including TVs, PCs, laptops and digital cameras has significantly decreased while the specification of all products has increased.
A Toshiba 80GB High Definition camcorder is now available at £299 - a 75 per cent drop from the average launch price of £1,200 two years ago. And the 4GB iPod nano retailed at £179 three years ago and is now £99 - a 45 per cent price cut.
When you are buying more than one big ticket item, don't forget to ask for an extra discount.
The cost of alcohol is also coming down if you buy it in supermarkets. The cost of vodka has dropped sharply since last year. Tesco is now also selling bottles of wine for less than £3. There are even bargains to be had online for wines and beers so it is worth shopping around different websites. Plus this way you don't need to lug anything home - it is delivered to your door.
News that supermarkets are fuelling the fight by rolling back petrol prices will come as a welcome relief to Britain's 33 million motorists.
Asda leads the fuel pump war by bringing the cost of petrol down at its 170 petrol stations by 3p, to a flat rate of 113.9p per litre. Customers at Morrisons will also see a reduction of 4p per litre to an average of 113.9p. Sainsbury's and Tesco will also be offering shoppers 5p off a litre if they spend £50 or more in store for a limited time.
* Holly Thomas is an award-winning financial journalist and Deputy Personal Finance Editor at the Daily Express and Sunday Express. Holly's are her own and are not held by Saga unless specifically stated. The material is for general information only and does not constitute investment, tax, legal, medical or other form of advice. You should not rely on this information to make (or refrain from making) any decisions. Always obtain independent, professional advice for your own particular situation.
