I’m a deals expert – here are three things I always do to save money on my Christmas shopping

SHOPPERS are being advised to layer their savings this Christmas – with a bargain hunter revealing how combining discounts, offers and loyalty rewards can save big bucks. Rebecca Clarke, deals expert at Blue Light Card, leads a team of pros who analyse deals from more than 15,000 retailers every year. Rebecca Clarke is a deals expert with Blue Light Card Credit: Supplied Her tips could save shoppers money in the lead up to the festive Credit: Les Gallagher Here, she shares the three Christmas shopping habits she recommends starting now to avoid festive overspending. 1. Shop savvy and layer Rebecca says: “One of the biggest things I do when Christmas shopping is look for ways to layer my savings. Sign up for the Fabulous newsletter Thank you! “Rather than stopping at the first discount you find, check whether you can combine it with other offers, loyalty rewards or points. “Popular fragrances are a great example. Christmas favourites such as Chanel No.5 and Dior Sauvage can be expensive so it’s worth seeing what savings you can combine before you buy. “For example, Blue Light Card members can access an exclusive 5% offer at Boots on selected fragrances. These savings can be layered with Advantage Card points and any other available offers or rewards, meaning those little savings can quickly add up.” 2. Start with a gift list, not a basket Rebecca says: “Before I buy anything, I want to know exactly who I’m buying for and roughly how much I’m comfortable spending. “Once the Christmas rush starts, it’s tempting to buy things simply because they’re available or because they look like a good deal. “However, having a list and a budget for each person means you’re shopping with a plan, rather than letting the deals dictate what you spend. Most read in Fabulous “One of the common mistakes people make is paying over the odds when chasing ‘viral’ or ‘sellout’ products they’ve seen on social media. “But, a sell-out at one retailer doesn’t necessarily mean it’s unavailable everywhere, nor that you should be paying more just to get what you’re after. “Always check different retailers, and remember that sometimes the brand’s own website will sell directly to customers. “Stock levels can vary significantly between sellers, and even if the traditional retailers are out of stock, some places offer click and collect. “For example, retailers such as John Lewis and Argos may still have stock available at selected stores for click and collect, or if you want to be old school – traditional department stores are often overlooked thanks to people’s preference for shopping exclusively online. “It’s also worth looking at gift sets and click-and-collect options as retailers often receive stock at different times, so spending a few extra minutes comparing options can pay off.” 3. Don’t stop shopping after Black Friday Rebecca says: “My advice is to start checking your favourite retailers from the start of November, rather than waiting for Black Friday to arrive. “If you work shifts, quieter hours before or after work can be a useful time to compare prices and get ahead of the Christmas rush. “Discounts can fluctuate throughout November, and brands can sometimes surprise shoppers with a bigger or better offer in the weeks before Black Friday, on the day itself, or even afterwards. “If there’s something specific you have your eye on, it’s worth knowing the usual price and keeping an eye on how the offer changes.” All you need to know about Bluelight card BLUE Light Card is available to those working in and retired from a wide range of frontline professions. Members can access thousands of discounts from national retailers, travel providers and hospitality brands through the Blue Light Card app and website. Brands include JD Sports, Samsung, Odeon, Jet2holidays, Debenhams, Apple, Boohoo, Five Guys, Currys, EE and Halfords. People who are eligible for Blue Light Card membership include: NHS Police Fire Service Ambulance Service Teachers HM Armed Forces/Reserved Armed Forces HM Prison and Probation Service A full list of eligible careers can be found here. A Blue Light Card costs just £4.99 for 2 years’ access. Visit the Blue Light Card website for more information on exclusive discounts and deals. Comment now