Last night I caught the end of Channel 4's 'Dispatches' (which is well worth a watch if you didn't catch it!) & was immediately drawn in by the shocking reveals that made up their latest investigation into 'Christmas on Credit'.

The programme really brought home the harsh reality that if you're not careful, splashing cash you just don't have on the 'perfect Christmas' really can set you on the track to complete financial ruin! Obviously this is a 'worst case scenario' but nonetheless it's hardly what you have in mind when you're wrapping those few extra presents!!

So before you decide to stretch your wallet and your budget that little bit further with the help of a high interest store card, a payday loan with rates that are nothing short of crazy or, even worse, resort to borrowing from an unauthorised (aka 'dodgy') lender, just think. Christmas doesn't have to cost you the earth or even your January pay packet and, at this time of year more than any other, a little bit of budgeting does go an awful long way.

So, whether you've already embarked on your Christmas shopping or are leaving it until the last minute, I'd definitely recommend that you read our guide on the sensible approach to funding the festivities for some top tips on spending within your means this Christmas.

Hannah

Shopping

	Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince DVD from £6.71 Get the new Harry Potter DVD from as little as £6.71 delivered.
	Cheap iTunes Vouchers at Co-op and Morrisons Get £5 off a £25 iTunes vouchers at the Co-op, or you can get two £15 iTunes vouchers for only £20 at Morrisons.
	Up to 30% off Top Brands in Asos Sale Asos are offering up to 30% off the price of top brand womenswear such as French Connection, Gap, and Mango.
	5% Off First Class Stamps Superdrug are offering 5% off books of first class stamps in the run-up to Christmas.
	Up to 20% off Everything at WHSmith Save up to 20% on books, stationery, board games, CDs, DVDs and toys at WHSmith.
	£10 off Tesco Clothing Online When You Spend £40 or More Spend £40 or more on clothing at Tesco and you can save £10 with the Daily Mail.
	Up to 25% off Everything in Debenhams Sale Debenhams have extended their Christmas Spectacular with up to 25% off everything online and in-store.
	£5 off When You Spend £30 or More at M&S Spend £30 or more on food, drink, flowers or plants at Marks & Spencer and you can get £5 off.

Food

	50% Off Tesco Wine By the Case & Champagne Plus £10 off Your First Shop Tesco are offering 50% off wine and champagne by the case, plus you can get £10 off your first shop when you spend £50 or more.
	3 Courses for £10 at Pizza Hut Offer Celebrate Christmas at Pizza Hut and you'll get 3 courses for just £10 plus free Christmas crackers.
	Lunch for 2 Plus Wine for £15 at La Tasca Take a friend for lunch at La Tasca and you can get 5 tapas to share plus 2 large glasses of wine all for just £15.

Travel

	Free Coca-Cola for Designated Drivers If you are acting as the 'designated driver' for your friends over the festive season you can get a free coke at selected pubs.
	£2.99 One-Way Flights with BmiBaby Book a flight with BmiBaby and you can travel from as little as £2.99 one-way to Ireland, Scotland, and Europe.
	£9 Travelodge Easter Sale Travelodge have extended their £9 room sale, plus they have thousands more for £19 and £22.

Lifestyle

	Prescription Glasses for £10 at Tesco Online or £50 at Asda Opticians Get a new pair of prescription glasses for just £10 at Tesco online or £50 from Asda opticians.
	Free Tickets to the British Music Experience at the O2 for Sky Customers Sky customers can claim 2 free tickets worth £15 each to the British Music Experience at the O2.
	New Offer on Tickets to Can't-Miss Events Every Day with Ticketmaster Ticketmaster are offering a new discount on theatre, music, sports, and more every day until Christmas.
	15% off Kitchens, Bathrooms and Furniture at Homebase Spend £50 or more on kitchens, bathrooms, furniture or fitted bedrooms at Homebase and you can get 15% off.

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