Business
Top Trump fundraiser lines himself up for Treasury secretary
Billionaire hedge fund manager Scott Bessent canvasses for deputies
Getty ImagesInterest rates are widely expected to be cut by the Bank of England on Thursday, in a move closely watched by businesses and consumers.
Most analysts predict that the benchmark rate will fall from its current level of 5% to 4.75% when the decision is announced at 12:00 GMT.
That would make borrowing money cheaper, but is likely to reduce the returns available to savers.
The Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meets eight times a year to set rates.
Bank of England expectation
The Bank of England cut interest rates from 5.25% to 5% in August, which was the first drop in more than four years following a string of increases.
Since then, official figures have revealed that the UK inflation rate – which charts the rising cost of living – dropped unexpectedly to 1.7% in September.
That was the lowest rate for three-and-a-half years and below the 2% target set by the government. Interest rates are the main tool for the Bank to control the level of inflation.
Subsequent figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that wage growth slowed to its lowest pace for more than two years.
That gave more impetus to the likelihood of a Bank rate cut.
Bank Governor Andrew Bailey also told the Guardian last month that it could be a “bit more aggressive” at cutting borrowing costs, depending on the rate of inflation.
How it affects borrowers and savers
The Bank’s base interest rate heavily influences the rates High Street banks and other money lenders charge customers for loans, as well as credit cards.
Lenders have mostly “priced in” the impact of a base rate cut when making decisions on their own interest rates.
Mortgage rates are still much higher than they have been for much of the past decade. The average two-year fixed mortgage rate is 5.4%, according to financial information company Moneyfacts. A five-year deal has an average rate of 5.11%.
However, more than one million borrowers on tracker and variable deals could see an immediate fall in their monthly repayments if the Bank cuts rates.
Savers would likely see a reduction in the returns offered by banks and building societies. The current average rate for an easy access account is about 3% a year.
Rachel Springall, of Moneyfacts, said: “Savers are the ones who feel the force of cuts to interest rates. Those savers who use their interest to supplement their income will feel overlooked if rates plummet.”
Budget and US election impact
Political events will feed into the Bank’s decision on Thursday, specifically last week’s Budget delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, and Donald Trump’s sweep to victory.
The government’s official, but independent, forecaster – the Office for Budget Responsibility – said, in the short term, measures announced in the Budget would push inflation and interest rates higher than they would otherwise have been.
This has created more doubt about whether the Bank of England will cut interest rates again following its meeting in December.
Meanwhile, analysts’ forecasts suggest US inflation will be higher under the expectation that Trump will introduce higher tariffs on all imports next year.
This would give the Federal Reserve less scope to ease interest rates, and could affect decisions made around the world, they said.
What are my savings options?
- As a saver, you can shop around for the best account for you
- Loyalty often doesn’t pay, because old savings accounts have among the worst interest rates
- Savings products are offered by a range of providers, not just the big banks
- The best deal is not the same for everyone – it depends on your circumstances
- Higher interest rates are offered if you lock your money away for longer, but that will not suit everyone’s lifestyle
- Charities say it is important to try to keep some savings, however tight your budget, to help cover any unexpected costs
There is a guide to different savings accounts, and what to think about on the government-backed, independent MoneyHelper website.
What are interest rates? A quick guide.
Money
Martin Lewis reveals ‘unbeatable’ account for anyone on Universal Credit offering up to £1,200 free cash from DWP
MARTIN Lewis has revealed how thousands on Universal Credit can access an “unbeatable” savings account that pays a 50% bonus.
The MoneySavingExpert website founder told viewers of his ITV Money Show last night you can earn £1,200 in free cash with a Help to Save account.
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Those on tax credits or Universal Credit and earning a certain amount can open one of the accounts.
You can put in between £1 and £50 each calendar month and receive a 50% bonus on any cash saved.
Martin explained: “Totally unbeatable is Help to Save via gov.uk.
“It’s amazing. You put in up to £50 a month and then you get a 50% bonus.”
Read more on Martin Lewis
Jeanette Kwakye, who also co-hosts the Money Show alongside Martin, went on to share the story of a viewer who got a £500 bonus after opening one of the accounts.
What is Help to Save?
Help to Save is a type of savings account available to those on tax credits and Universal Credit.
It is a Government-backed scheme which means your money is protected and you won’t lose any put in.
You can save between £1 and £50 each calendar month and get a 50p bonus for every £1 saved.
You can save into one of the accounts for a maximum of four years, with bonuses paid out at the end of the second and fourth year.
That means if you put in the maximum £50 a month for four years, you could get £1,200 in free money overall.
One major benefit to a Help to Save account is that you get a bonus at the end of the second or fourth years regardless of what your final balance is.
So, if for example you had £600 in your account and then took £300 out for an emergency and had £300 left at the end of the first two years, you would still get a £300 bonus – 50% of £600.
Currently, you can only open a Help to Save account if you are on Universal Credit and you, or you and your partner, had take home pay of £793.17 or more in your last monthly assessment period.
Take home pay is what your pay is after deductions such as National Insurance.
However, Budget documents revealed the scheme will be rolled out to all Universal Credit claimants who work from April 6 next year.
It’s worth bearing in mind, if the savings you have stashed away in a Help to Save account mean you breach £6,000 it could see your Universal Credit payments reduced.
This does not apply to those on working tax credits who have opened an account.
Other help you can get if you’re on Universal Credit
It’s worth checking you can claim Universal Credit as not only will you get payments on a regular basis, it can unlock other perks.
The Household Support Fund is a giant pot of cash worth £421million that has been shared between councils in England.
They then decide how to distribute their share of the cash, and who to distribute it to.
But, in most cases you will get help if you are on a low income or benefits, like Universal Credit.
The eligibility criteria varies from council to council but if you are on a low income or benefits it’s worth checking if you qualify for help.
You can find out what council area you fall under by using the Government’s council locator tool via gov.uk.
You can also get 85% of the cost of your childcare covered if you’re on Universal Credit.
The most you can get each month is £1,015 for one child and £1,739 for two or more kids.
And new or expectant mothers on Universal Credit can get one-off payments worth £500 through Sure Start Maternity Grants too.
Are you missing out on benefits?
YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to
Charity Turn2Us’ benefits calculator works out what you could get.
Entitledto’s free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit.
MoneySavingExpert.com and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto’s data.
You can use Policy in Practice’s calculator to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you’ll have left over each month after paying for housing costs.
Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
Online display to enjoy biggest increase as advertisers prepare to splash out £10.5bn
PEOPLE living with a specific illness are eligible for a whopping £500 worth of cost of living payments.
The MND Association – a charity which supports people affected by motor neurone disease – has announced that the value of its Cost of Living Support Fund is increasing to a maximum of £500 from £350.
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This is an uplift of £150.
MND affects up to 5,000 adults in the UK at any one time.
The fund can be applied for by those with a confirmed diagnosis or suspected diagnosis of MND or Kennedy’s disease.
The scheme was set up in 2023 for those who are struggling with household bills, food or shopping costs.
READ MORE ON COST OF LIVING
It’s not means tested, so you will not be required to provide proof of income, and no quotes or receipts are required as part of
the application process.
With many people living with MND experiencing their bills rise, the charity made the changes to the fund on 1 November.
It was partly in response to the latest survey from the charity which revealed that over 80% of carers of people with MND have used savings or retirement plans to cover household costs.
Furthermore, research in 2023 found households affected by MND spend an average of £14,500 a year on costs associated with living and managing the condition – a clear indication that the financial impact of the disease has never been higher.
Those who have already received the previous amount can still apply for the difference, should they need to.
Sally Hughes, director of services and partnerships at the MND Association, said: “We know many people living with and affected by MND will be anxious and worried as household costs continue to rise.
“As we head into the colder months, we want to ease the financial burden on people with MND. People shouldn’t have to worry about whether to eat, heat their home or turn on vital equipment.
“It is once again another example of charities stepping up where statutory services have failed to do so.
“What we really need is for the Government to do more to help vulnerable people rather than take away support, as they have with the recent changes to the Winter Fuel Payment.”
How can I apply?
If you would like to apply, a simple form asks you to outline why the Cost of Living fund is required and how it will be used.
You can download the application form from The MND Association’s website.
Once you have completed the form, you will need to email it to support.services@mndassociation.org and your application will be considered.
If you are awarded the fund, the MND Association will arrange for the payment to be made to you.
What other cost of living payments are available?
The current economic climate is seeing more charities step in to fill the gap left by a lack of support from the Government and statutory services.
For those living with cancer, Macmillan’s Financial Grants Scheme was established to help support those who are struggling to cover essential living costs.
So anyone living with cancer and who needs help with bills and other essentials can apply for the grant.
It’s worth up to £350 and is a one-off payment and can be used to help with things like:
- Energy bills
- Home adaptions
- The cost of travel to and from hospital
- Any extra costs you might have because of cancer
However, unlike the MND Association fund, it is means-tested.
This means both the following need to apply to become eligible:
You must have no more than £6,000 in savings for a household of one person or no more than £8,000 for a household of two or more people
You must have a weekly income of no more than £323 per week for a household of one person or no more than £442 per week for a household of two or more people.
Benefits like personal independence payments (PIP), disability living allowance (DLA) or attendance allowance (AA) do not count towards income for this.
To apply you can call 0808 808 00 00 or you can speak to one of your healthcare team, like a district nurse or Macmillan nurse, care professional or benefits adviser who can fill in the form with you online.
The British Legion has also set up a Cost of Living grant, which can be applied for here using the Lightning Reach portal.
You can also find out what grants may be available to you using Turn2Us’s grant search on the charity website.
There are a huge range of grants available for different people – including those who are bereaved, disabled, unemployed, redundant, ill, a carer, veteran, young person or old person.
What is the Household Support Fund?
You may also be eligible for up to £500 worth of cost of living payments from the government’s Household Support Fund (HSF) which is worth £421 million in total.
It’s available to support those who are struggling to afford household basics including food, energy, wider essentials, and exceptional costs.
The fund has been split up between councils in England who are in charge of distributing their allocation.
It was set up in 2021, however, it has been extended by the UK government a number of times.
How much you are eligible for is usually based on what benefits you already receive and your financial circumstances.
To be eligible for help, you usually have to be in receipt of a council tax reduction or show proof of being in financial difficulty.
Each council has a different application process – so you’ll have to ask your local authority or find out via your council’s website.
To find out how to contact your local authority, use the gov.uk authority tool checker.
In the last round of funding, some residents received their share automatically, while others had to apply.
For example, Haringey London Council is issuing automatic payments to eligible residents, as well as a support fund which can be applied to.
It is also issuing payments to schools, which means they can distribute free school vouchers.
Household Support Fund explained
Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund.
If you’re battling to afford energy and water bills, food or other essential items and services, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline.
The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living.
Every council in England has been given a share of £421million cash by the government to distribute to local low income households.
Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments.
In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families.
Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying.
Many councils offer the help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income.
The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer.
And don’t delay, the scheme has been extended until April 2025 but your council may dish out their share of the Household Support Fund before this date.
Once the cash is gone, you may find they cannot provide any extra help so it’s crucial you apply as soon as possible.
Luc VocksThe Eastern European country of Moldova is continuing efforts to attract overseas firms, as it tries to move past political uncertainty.
“I went with a backpack, and set up a business,” says Dutch entrepreneur Luc Vocks, recalling how he moved to Moldova in 2007.
Mr Vocks had first visited the former Soviet republic three years earlier, and recalls experiencing “the cliché that one would have of Eastern Europe at that time”.
“Everything was dirt cheap, and if you were a foreigner you’d get attention,” he says.
Today, Mr Vocks is the owner of a Moldovan company called DevelopmentAid. Based in the capital Chisinau, it employs 180 people in the country, and runs a website that lists job vacancies in the international development community.
Mr Vocks is one of a growing number of foreign entrepreneurs in Moldova. The government wants to attract more like him and hopes that low business tax rates will help.
The country’s standard corporation tax rate – the amount that firms have to pay on their profits – is just 12%. This compares with 25% in the UK, and 25.8% in the Netherlands where Mr Vocks had initially launched his company before relocating it to Moldova.
There’s an even better deal for tech firms. In 2018 the Moldovan government launched an initiative to grow the country’s IT sector – the Moldova IT Park (MITP).
This isn’t a physical business park. Instead it is virtual scheme open to all IT firms in the country – and those that wish to move there from overseas. Firms that sign up only have to pay a corporation tax rate of 7%.
The MITP is part of a wider effort by the Moldovan government to modernise and expand its economy ahead of a bid to join the European Union in 2030.
This drive is being led by Moldova’s pro-EU President Maia Sandu, who this week was re-elected for a second term. And last month Moldovans voted “yes” on pro-EU constitutional changes.
However, the vote was extremely close, with Yes getting 50.46% and No receiving 49.54%. Although Russia denied interfering in the vote, Moldova’s authorities said attempts had been made to buy up to 300,000 votes in what Maia Sandu described as an “unprecedented assault on freedom and democracy”.
Moscow is opposed to Moldova joining the EU, and supports Moldova’s breakaway region of Transnistria economically, politically and militarily.
Getty ImagesDumitru Alaiba, Moldova’s deputy prime minister and minister for economic development and digitalisation, is positive about where Moldova is heading.
“Moldova in the past 10 to 15 years has really proven that it’s a country that can change very fast,” he tells the BBC.
“This used to be a highly corrupt country, a country where, exactly 10 years ago, a billion dollars from our central banks just disappeared.”
“We are moving very fast towards joining the EU, and we are reforming our economy at top speed. Of course, we have a long way to go.”
He pointed to Moldova’s rise on the global Corruption Perceptions Index, produced by anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International.
Out of 180 countries – with a lower placing meaning that a country is less corrupt – Moldova is now in 76th place, up from 91st a year earlier.
“Now entrepreneurs can breathe freely without fear of repercussion, without fear of corrupt inspectors, without fear of a filthy justice sector that commits crazy abuses.”
Mr Vocks agrees that Moldova is now a much easier place in which to do business than when he first set up his company there back in 2007.
“Back then, it was extremely bureaucratic. It was hard to get a residence permit. It was painful to register a company, especially as a foreigner.
“It was painful intersecting with the tax agency. The banks were rough to work with.”
Getty ImagesMember companies of the MITP don’t just benefit from the 7% corporation tax rate. They also don’t need to make employer social security contributions, and staff don’t have to pay income tax. Mr Volks signed up DevelopmentAid almost immediately.
The MITP has also simplified immigration procedures through the IT Visa program.
More than 2,000 companies are now registered with the MITP, 300 of which have come from overseas. The most common countries these have moved from being the US, UK, Germany, Netherlands, and Ukraine.
In the first half of 2024, MITP firms generated a combined €365m ($397m; £308m) in revenues, according to official figures. And now employing 22,000 people in general, they are said to contribute around 6% of the country’s GDP.
While the MITP scheme has worked to boost Moldova’s IT sector, the influx of foreign tech companies has driven up salaries in the industry considerably.
Sven Wiese, a German expat who has set up a small IT services business in the country called Trabia, says he is now finding himself priced out when it comes to employee pay.
He says that the biggest firms signed up to the MITP can offer IT specialists more than €100,000 a year, “because that is still cheaper than hiring people within a bigger country like the US or Germany”.
Dumitru AlaibaAt the same time he says that many Moldovan IT sector workers still want to leave the country. “Fewer people are now leaving Moldova, but emigration is still high.”
Another negative issue is the continuing war in neighbouring Ukraine, which is likely making some Western IT firms think twice about investing in Moldova. Mr Alaiba says is confident that Moldova is safe “as long as the free world is supporting Ukraine”.
Marina Bzovii, MITP’s administrator and an assistant professor at the Technical University of Moldova, already sees Moldova as a regional business hub. “Moldova is connecting even Central Asia, countries like Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, who are culturally much further from Europe.
“However, Moldova understands both of the cultures. So it’s the kind of business hub that Europe needs… and Chisinau is now really vibrant.”
Money
Amazon reveals its top ten must-have toys for Christmas including family favourite Lego and Play-Doh
AMAZON has revealed its top 10 toys for Christmas this year including iconic brands like Play-Doh and Lego – but they come with a hefty price tag.
The online giant has tipped a £60 Play-Doh pizza delivery scooter set as being one of the top gifts for kids this year.
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As well as a £149.99 LEGO Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer Starship Building Toy set, which includes seven Lego Star Wars minifigures, including Darth Vader.
The wishlist was handpicked by Amazon experts and it does include cheaper options, including a £7.99 Snackles Surprise Capsule plush soft toy.
Matthew Redfearn, toys category leader at Amazon UK said: “Our Top Ten Toys list has something for all ages, interests and budgets, making it easier to find that perfect gift this holiday season.
“With thousands of glowing customer reviews, people can shop with confidence, knowing that our Top Ten Toys list offers the latest in fun and entertainment.”
Shoppers can get 10% off any toy in the list by visiting – amazon.co.uk/toptentoys2024.
Although, you only have until November 12 to take advantage of the deal.
It’s worth keeping an eye out on Amazon though because prices may drop on Black Friday, which this year takes place on November 25.
Before splashing your cash on these toys, remember to check sites such as Price Spy and Idealo to find out if you can buy items cheaper at another store.
Free online price trackers like Price History and CamelCamelCamel will also give you an idea of whether you can save cash by buying it later in the year.
Here are the top toys Amazon reckons your children will want under the tree this year, in price order starting with the cheapest.
Snackles – £7.99
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This ultra-squeezable 12.7cm plush is made from cotton and is bound to but a smile on any kids’ face.
The soft plush is perfect to snuggle with while relaxing at home, watching a movie, or taking a long car or plane ride.
There are 11 Snackles to chose from and each one comes with its own snack including a Krispy Kreme doughnut, Mentos and a tub of Baskins Robins ice cream.
It’s the cheapest item on Amazon’s Christmas list.
We did find this item for sale at Argos for £8, which is just a penny more than at Amazon.
If you chose to visit your local branch of Argos, you could save cash by buying it there instead of Amazon and save on delivery.
Blue Orange Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza Card Game – £10
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Blue Orange has launched the perfect card game for kids and parents to enjoy on Christmas Day.
This card and word game is a race to see who can slap their hand on the pile of cards in the middle first once there’s a match.
The last one to do so must take them all, so players will want quick to be the first to get rid of all their cards.
Amazon describes the game as “addictive” and “unique”.
We also found this game for sale in Argos and John Lewis for £10, so you could save yourself on delivery by visiting one of these stores.
Simba SCREAMERZ Babbling Bear – £11.99
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The ScreamerZ bear has fluffy blue fur, sticking-up ears and crazy big round eyes – but don’t get draw in by his cuteness.
All you have to do is press the toy’s belly gently to hear him let out a little scream.
If you press his belly harder, he will let out a scream at the top of his lungs.
But if you shake it, the ScreamerZ lets out a funny, shaky scream.
Amazon’s price is the lowest on the market, we could only find it on sale at The Entertainer for £15.
Rainbow High Watercolour and Create DIY Fashion Doll – £24.99
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Rainbow High Water Colour and Create Brown Eyes Fashion Doll lets you custom your own Rainbow High doll in so many different ways, even with Tie-Dye.
Just add water to the six rainbow-coloured powders to create watercolours, then dip her clothes and hair using the included dual end application sponge.
You can even use the washable watercolours on your own hair.
Repeat play, just wash in soap and water, let dry and start creating again.
We found the same doll on sale for exactly the same price at The Entertainer.
However, we did find it slightly cheaper at Very for £21.99.
Lexibook Disney Stitch, Electronic Diary – £39.99
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This beautiful Disney Stitch Electronic Secret Diary is perfect for any stitch fan who wants to closely guard their secrets.
The electronic diary can be locked with a four-digit password and hidden in the diary is a secret compartment with an adorable notebook to store notes away from curious eyes.
With lots of fun features like voice recorder, voice changer, photo frame, or magical sound effects this is a perfect place to store memories.
The only other retailer we could find selling this toy was The Entertainer, and it was marked at the same price as on Amazon.
Hape Marble Run – £48.44
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Get ready for some marble madness with this do-it-yourself block set.
You children can build the towers and tracks then send the marbles rolling down through all the tricks, twists and surprises.
The set includes blocks, tracks, slides, marbles, marble trays, a jump, a bell-bucket, a spiral funnel, a ringing bell and a sliding track for your marbles to get through.
But do note that it is only suitable for children aged three and above.
HATCHIMALS Alive, Mystery Hatch Pufficorn – £49.99
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This Hatchimals Mystery Egg needs love to hatch.
Cuddle, tap, lift and rock the egg to encourage your character to hatch — the egg lights up and rocks and you’ll even hear the Hatchimal reacting from inside.
Once the egg has been given enough love, it will be ready to hatch.
Magical mist will appear and the egg will glow rainbow colours, building the anticipation.
Inside every Mystery Hatch Hatchimals egg is one of two characters, so the hatching will will be an exciting surprise to see which is revealed.
The Entertainer and Argo are also selling this toy for the same price as Amazon.
Gabby’s Dollhouse – £54.99
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The Rainbow Celebration Dollhouse is two-foot-tall and rainbow-themed.
It also comes with a 3.5-inch Gabby Girl figure, dollhouse furniture, and 10 accessories, like a kitty-themed Toilet and a Piano/DJ Table.
You can also Drop deliveries in the delivery tower and press the button to discover secret treasures hidden in the house.
You can also buy separate accessories and dollhouse furniture for the house too, but of course these come separately.
Play-Doh Pizza Delivery Scooter Playset – £59.99
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This isn’t just a scooter for children, it’s also a Play-Doh pizza toy that lets them make and deliver their own kitchen creations on wheels.
The stamp and spin action in the toy oven at the back of the scooter makes it fun to make pretend pizza creations again and again.
Box them up and put them in the slot on the side of the scooter for delivery, then sound the horn when it arrives.
The checkout station on the side of the toy scooter has a make-believe credit card reader and moulds to make Play-Doh money.
This toy is also suitable for children aged three and over.
Lego Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer Starship Building Toy – £149.99
Dominate the galaxy with this Lego Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer buildable toy starship playset for kids.
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Lego said it would make a great Christmas presents for boys, girls and fans aged 10 and up.
The Star Wars starship building toy features a hidden foldout carry handle for flying and two spring-loaded shooters, with a lift-off top panel and foldout side panels for easy access to the detailed interior.
Playful details inside include the bridge, command room, break room, armory, control panels and cargo box with thermal detonator elements.
It also comes with seven Lego Star Wars minifigures, including Darth Vader, Commander Praji and a special Lego Star Wars 25th anniversary minifigure of Cal Kestis.
Hundreds of toys from the must-have list will be donated to families in need in time for Christmas, as part of The Multibank charity initiative, co-founded by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Amazon.
The Multibank initiative was initially created to meet the needs of families and individuals living in poverty by taking surplus products donated by businesses and giving them to families in need.
To date, the initiative has donated more than three million items to help over 400,000 families experiencing poverty.
The toys will be delivered on the back of another iconic childhood toy – a life-size toy train, which is on track to tour the UK in the lead up to Christmas, stopping off at Multibank sites including:
- Felix’s Multibank in London
- The Big House Multibank in Scotland
- Cwtch Mawr Multibank in Swansea
- Brick-by-Brick Multibank in Wigan.
How to save money on Christmas shopping
Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save money on your Christmas shopping.
Limit the amount of presents – buying presents for all your family and friends can cost a bomb.
Instead, why not organise a Secret Santa between your inner circles so you’re not having to buy multiple presents.
Plan ahead – if you’ve got the stamina and budget, it’s worth buying your Christmas presents for the following year in the January sales.
Make sure you shop around for the best deals by using price comparison sites so you’re not forking out more than you should though.
Buy in Boxing Day sales – some retailers start their main Christmas sales early so you can actually snap up a bargain before December 25.
Delivery may cost you a bit more, but it can be worth it if the savings are decent.
Shop via outlet stores – you can save loads of money shopping via outlet stores like Amazon Warehouse or Office Offcuts.
They work by selling returned or slightly damaged products at a discounted rate, but usually any wear and tear is minor.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
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