Dreaming of a debt-free Christmas?

With the festive season in full-swing, you can still have a cracking Christmas without breaking the bank. Here’s some top-tips on using the internet to maximise your Christmas budget:

1. Get online! It’s been proven that the best bargains and discounts to be had are just a click away, with delivery options to suit you. Enjoy the added bonus of missing the Christmas crowds for stress-free shopping.

2. Take advantage of online plugins and apps, such as invisible-hand or megashopbot. These search for the items you want, highlighting the websites with the lowest prices. 

3. Register with cashback sites like Topcashback and Quidco. You’ll receive cashback from hundreds of retailers when you shop. Big ticket items like iPhones often come with £100 cashback for one purchase. Do your entire Christmas shopping via these sites and you could be hundreds of quids-in in the new year when they pay out. 

4. Become a fan! Sign up with your favourite retailers on facebook or Twitter to be the first to hear about flash sales or loyalty discounts. 

5. Pantos and Christmas activities bleeding you dry? Use websites like The List and Time Out to find out about free things to see and do in your town or city. Vintage fayres and nearly new markets are listed too, for unique gifts at a fraction of the cost.

6. Declutter your home for extra Christmas cash. Sites like Music Magpie will take your old CDs, computer games, DVDs and even old phones, clothes and mp3 players for cash. A few hours work can bring in hundreds of pounds, leaving space for all your new Christmas goodies. 

7. Beware the lure of easy access payday loans online. With their exorbitant APRs of up to 5000%, they can lead to financial heartache and stress that haunts you well into 2015.

8. If you are considering borrowing, search for your local credit union to see if they can help. With most now offering online services and loans from as little as £500, credit unions are responsible lenders and will help you build a savings pot whilst you repay your loan, meaning you start 2015 financially fit.

Most importantly, remember that it’s just one day. Happy Christmas everyone!