Money Matters: 3 Ways To Cut The Cost Of Christmas Shopping

Our expert Rebecca Gamble helps make your cash go further

- Rebecca Gamble

HAVE YOU HEARD?

The average price first-time buyers are paying to get on the property ladder in the UK has leapt to £241,025, up 69% since 2010 when the figure stood at £142,473, according to data from Halifax. Prices have risen most in London, where the average cost of first properties is now £463,536, up from £233,797 a decade ago – a jump of 98%.

IF YOU DO ONE THING THIS WEEK… BUY GIFTS LATER

If you’re not planning to see a loved one until after Christmas, and you prefer to exchange gifts in person, consider holding off buying a gift now and snap something up in the Boxing Day sales instead. You might have less choice, but should be able to bag a bargain!

As we look forward to Christmas after such a difficult year, remember you don’t need to splash out a fortune on gifts to celebrate the season. Here’s how to do it for less…

1 Get organised and budget