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How To Survive the Post-Christmas Sales

Ready your body armour and shine those steel-capped boots - the madness of the sales season is upon us once again! If you're thinking of heading to your local shopping empire to scrounge up some bargains, here are a few tips to help you get home in one piece financially.

We've all heard the suggestion, "Buy your presents for next year during the post-Christmas sales". While this may save you a load of cash, not all of us can swallow a double whammy on the plastic in the same month. Here are some (perhaps more useful) suggestions, for making the most of the sales this festive season.

Whenever possible, try to make every dollar you spend at the sales count towards either an in-store rewards program, or the one attached to your credit card. If you're spending big, you might as well be rewarded for it!

If there is something you need, buying it during the sales could save you a pretty penny. But there's no point in spending frivolously just because you're getting a discount. Before you hit the sales, make a list of the items you need. Don't be swayed by the flashing lights advertising that new plasma TV that is just so much better than the one you bought 6 months ago, and the attractive sales assistants wearing that new cologne with the scent of white musk and fresh Italian olive gardens. If you're on a budget, the sales should be saving on the every-day essentials. A new kitchen knife since the old one couldn't cut its way out of a wet paper bag, or perhaps some new underwear - those holes you call "air conditioning" are likely not appreciated by your better half.

With just about every retailer in sales-fever after Christmas, it can really pay to shop around. While most retailers will offer a discount of some sort, not all will have discounts on the things you wish to purchase. Competition between retailers for your dollar is fierce, so as a general rule of thumb don't buy anything during the sales season unless it's seriously discounted.

The sign in the shop window says 20% off, and you could be forgiven for thinking that's the final word. But some stores may be able to offer an even better deal if you just ask politely. A sale is a sale, and if it's within their profit margins, most stores will try to accommodate you as best they can. High-turnover goods such as electronics (TVs, whitegoods) have some of the greatest potential for savings.

Avoid the temptation to hit the sales early - some retailers discount goods even further in week two and three of the sales. Wait a few days before you get your shopping fix, and your wallet might thank you. Of course, if you think something you want will sell, you may have no option but to fight through the crowds on opening day.

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