More for less,or just less?

This season, we've been hearing a lot about retail sales dropping through the floor and the dire state of the economy etc,etc.

I am not so sure that the actual sales are dropping, transaction for transaction, but rather we the consumers are carefully picking and choosing, how we are going to spend money. For example, rather than buy a new flat screen telly, we are choosing to buy several lower priced items. I theorise transaction quantities will go up this season, even though the overall pound for pound spend compared tolast year will most likely drop.

So if you are trying to save money, yet still enjoy your festive season, here are some suggestions. 

1. Shop online and use voucher sites and affiliate blogs to source the best deal. Many of the best deals are to be found online and here is why. In order to stimulate online sales the large companies such as the supermarkets, large retailers and telecoms companies offer amazing deals through third party agents only such as their affiliates . Our two main sites at Student deals and The seasonal spend, are always providing voucher codes that are unavailable elsewhere, as well as some truly amazing one off deals.
2. When shopping around, do a price match. You will often find that if your favourite shop is being undersold by the competition, they will price match for you. Even the large supermarkets have the facilities to override the price and give you the cheaper price. But remember this can take some time, which may not be worth it for a pound or two, but is definitely worth it for larger items such as computers and televisions.
3. Use shops that offer free gift wrap. You may think that you can buy a few rolls of gift wrap from poundland, but then add up the cost of the sellotape, the ribbon and the tags, not withstanding the aggravation. You will also find this service from the smaller shops who really need your business.
4. Consider putting your spending money into the pockets of the small man and keep the small economy going. Shop at markets and online at places like etsy and Dawanda. A lot of small retailers also run an Ebay store.

By putting a little thought into your seasonal shopping this year, you could make a huge difference to your fellow average bloke on the street, whether shopping online or on the high street.

The biggest favour you can do yourself is spend your money where it will keep circulating and not get sent to the large banks and financials where it will get hoarded strangling the rest of us even more.

St Patricks day followed by Mothers day

The luck of the Irish to you all. At a time of austerity when we're reluctant to spend and then when it becomes necessary, we do so, with caution, here are a few more specials, codes and fabulous shopping opportunities.

Mum may well enjoy something that smells good, but Mums like books and music too and if youve got a little extra to spend, some technology would go a long way.

We'll start the suggestions for Mothers and St Paddy's day - beginning with some with some chick lit.
These books are affordable, popular (read the reviews) and the gift is personal, something you can give Mum which she can share by choice, but not by necessity.

Before...The rush.

It never ceases to amaze me how people rush out at the last minute and land up paying over the odds for that special something for that special someone. At a time when we're all tightening our belts, the opportunity for haggling becomes greater. Dont be caught sleeping!

The first thing that I say to most people looking for a bargain is to decide firstly what your preferences are. DO you want to shop instore or online? I'm assuming that by visiting this blog, you are open to shopping online and this page will cover further issues such as online financial security.

The convenience of being able to buy several tings from your armchair rather than spend time walking from one shop to the next which may or may not have remaining stock speaks for itself. Google is a fabulous tool but...... search other sources, check your facebook adverts, search for deal and voucher websites and of course look out for advertising in paper media that lead to websites that offer exclusive deals.

There are many exclusive deals that cannot be found on the websites of the actual retailers and these are the deals that really give you the shopping edge, so if youre looking for an outstanding mobile deal, going to the provider website is a good idea, but search for the online deals that are advertised on phone, shopping and electronics blog and forums.

Try searching for "shopping blog", or "internet exclusive deal" and of course blogs like these have adsense and adwords that can lead you to other sources of great money saving experiences.