MARTIN Lewis has advised viewers to “walk away” from their online shopping basket to save hundreds of pounds on Christmas presents.
The Money Saving Expert said that you could make huge savings using his festive shopping hacks.
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Speaking on his Money Show Live on Tuesday, the 51-year-old said that there were a number of ways to make your money go further.
Martin first advised those hunting for Christmas presents to “abandon” their shopping baskets.
Martin says that you should log in, add items to your basket and then walk away to net discounts.
Retailers see shoppers’ activity, so many will remind you about your purchase with an email.
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He says this can “often” include a discount code to motivate you to buy it.
Martin added: “It doesn’t always work but it is definitely worth a try!”
Martin also advised shoppers to use price comparison websites such as Google Shopping and CamelCamelCamel.co.uk to find the best deals for you.
The money whizz also told viewers that they should check “new with tag” items on sites such as Facebook Marketplace and Vinted.
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Martin said: “You will often find stuff people have bought, not used and now are putting up for sale for far cheaper.”
And the savings pro revealed that if you buy slightly more to save on delivery online it is totally worth it.
For example, Martin said: “If you are spending £49 on John Lewis the delivery fee will be £4.50.
“So you should just add a £1 item like Sellotape which you will use to get that price down.”
Martin was also quick to warn buyers against buy-now-pay-later schemes which he said would land you in debt.
Unless there is a need to spread cost, the Money Saving Expert says this should be avoided.
Lastly, Martin was quick to tell viewers that giving gift vouchers was not as great as cash.
This is because many gift vouchers have unfavourable expiry dates and if a firm goes bust they could potentially be worth nothing.
Earlier on Tuesday’s show, Martin revealed to viewers the genius way you can get free cash and a Disney+ subscription before Christmas.
The Money Saving Expert said that you could net free cash in time for the festive season by making the most of certain bank-switching deals.
In general, switching usually takes seven working days and closes your old account, says Martin.
Previously on his show, Martin informed homeowners of the incredible hack that could also halve car insurance.
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The money expert urged homeowners to look for quotes around three weeks before your renewal is due and it could halve the cost of your insurance.
Martin advised customers to get quotes around 21 days before their renewal is due.
