TRYING before buying has never been more important.
A trial period or free pass is a great way to find out if you will actually make use of a service.
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And if you’re smart about it, it’s also the way to make serious savings.
But follow our tips to make sure you don’t waste money . . .
SET YOUR ALARM: Set a calendar reminder a few days before the trial period ends so you have time to cancel if you don’t want to continue using the service.
It’s also worth keeping a list of all your subscriptions somewhere, such as the notes app on your phone, so you know what you’re subscribed to and when trials end.
GO VIRTUAL: Some banks, such as Revolut and Monzo, allow the option of creating a virtual credit or debit card to be used for single transactions.
This can create an added layer of security when purchasing online, as the card is just for that one transaction.
It is also useful for trials as the card can’t be charged again. However, always read the T&Cs.
Revolut also offers a “smart subscriptions” service where customers are notified when a scheduled payment is about to go out and then are able to block unwanted subscriptions.
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CHECK THE SMALL PRINT: Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the trial period.
Some companies automatically start charging you once the trial period ends.
Some suggest a monthly price, but when the trial period ends, they will take the annual fee, which can sting.
So check those terms carefully.
KEEP AN EYE OUT: During a trial period, the company may try to entice you to sign up for their product long-term with even bigger discounts or promotions.
It’s always worth doing the maths to see it it’s cheaper and working out if you actually need the service offered.
But occasionally, these promo period discounts really are the lowest price, so keep an eye on your inbox for emails, just in case.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability
Deal of the day
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PLAY chef with the Barbie Fresh ’n’ Fun Food Truck, reduced from £59.99 to £29.99 at bargainmax.co.uk.
SAVE: £30
Cheap treat
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YOU can now share a Cadbury Pot Of Joy Dairy Milk dessert as it comes in a bigger 350g size.
Usually £3, get a pot for £1.50 at Morrisons now.
SAVE: £1.50
What’s new?
TREAT your complexion to the new Skin Survival Edit box from facethefuture.co.uk.
It contains products from brands including Allies of Skincare, Eucerin and Oskia, worth £460, but on sale for £79.99.
Keep some for yourself and give some as a Mother’s Day gift!
Top swap
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SLICE into the English luxury vanilla cheesecake with Lotus Biscoff, £6.19 at Ocado, or try the new TGI Fridays caramelised biscuit cheesecake, £4, exclusive to Iceland.
SAVE: £2.19
Leah’s little helper
CELEBRATE World Book Day, which falls on Thursday, by listing your unwanted titlkes on the Nextdoor app.
Enter them in the Book Swap bit of the For Sale & Free section, to find exchanges.
Shop and save
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BAKE your own perfect madeleines using a tin from Lakeland, was £10.99, currently £4.39.
SAVE: £6.60
Hot right now
GET ready for April showers with Lidl’s anoraks, gilets and kids’ wellies, starting at £9.99.
PLAY NOW TO WIN £200
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JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.
Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.
Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.
The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk
