:: CHRISTMAS is probably the last thing on your mind in May but if you want to avoid falling into debt because of a spending spike at the year's end, start saving now. That's good advice, full stop, but here's another way to make your funds go further. Most major supermarkets offer festive saving schemes but many people don't realise that to reap the rewards you usually don't have to lock your money away in them until just before the pre-Christmas cut-off date.
For example, Tesco lets you accumulate your Clubcard loyalty vouchers over the year and top up with cash to entitle you to bonus vouchers. Top up with £100 and you'll receive the maximum £6 bonus. The final top-up date for the November statement is October 14. Yet you can play the system by keeping your money in your bank account, earning interest for you (and not the supermarket chain) until autumn; then top up by £100 just before the deadline and you'll still get the full bonus.
It might not sound like much but earning a 6 per cent return almost overnight is no mean feat. Read the full terms and conditions at www.tesco.com and check out competitors' schemes to find the best deal for you.
:: Until tomorrow (or Thursday if you're shopping online at www.homebase.co.uk) Homebase is offering the following discounts on indoor furniture: 15 per cent off when you spend £150, 20 per cent off when you spend £300 or 25 per cent off when you spend £500. If you're ordering from the website you'll need the code FURNSAVE. The promotion excludes sliding wardrobes, fitted bedrooms and Habitat.
:: Fashion retailer www.fatface.com has a sale on with items as low as half price. Among the highlights at the time of going to print were these Portmore peep-toe cut-out boots (item code 76641, quick link http://tinyurl.com/l2s4jme), down from £65 to £35. Delivery is free on orders worth £60 or more.
j.campbell@irishnews.com
Details accurate at time of going to print. Offers subject to availability. If you see a TinyURL link in this article, it’s just a convenient way of redirecting you to a web page that would otherwise have a long address.
