Get a flatter stomach in seven days! Look buff in your tux! Yes, it's that time of year again, when the papers and magazines are full of pre-Christmas miracle diets , when if we're honest, we all know that the secret of losing weight is to eat less and do more.
The same principle applies when it comes to getting your finances into shape for Christmas, only in this case, the regime involves paying out less, and helps you to understand factors that could lead you to get better deals that may ultimately deliver better value.
Do you recognise any of these festive temptations? Then find out how you could start cutting your credit calories now.
Credit temptation 1 the kids
A recent survey showed that children's happiness is directly linked to material goodies, such as computer games and fashionable clothes. How can you resist their pleading faces?
Cut the credit calories But the same survey showed that they also adore family outings and playing outside. So put away your wallet and go for a snowy walk in the park, then cosy up with a (home-made) picnic and an old-fashioned flask of tea. You can always tell them that this is how people spent time when their grandparents were kids.
Credit temptation 2 the extra credit card
So many presents to buy, so many parties to dress for and such a big bill on your credit card. Why not get another one and pay it off later?
Cut the credit calories New research shows that if you borrow just £500 on a credit card with an average 18.12%interest rate and make only minimum repayments, you could spend the next ten years paying it off. One quick way to see whether you could end up in this trap is to take a look at your credit report. It's free to see your Experian credit report with a 30-day trial of CreditExpert (New customers only. Monthly fee applies after free trial)
Credit temptation 3 the perfect home
Your parents are coming to stay and the sofa is soggy, the spare room bed is saggy and the carpets are showing their age. But with interest-free credit deals on offer, you think you can put that right.
Cut the credit calories Remember that this is about family, not interior design and that every time you apply for credit, the lender will search your credit report. That leaves a track that other lenders can see. If there are several applications in a short period, they might think you're desperate or suspect a fraud. So you may well be hurting your credit score as well as your bank balance.
Credit temptation 4 the discount deals
You've got a pile of presents and the girl at the check-out suggests a store card will get you a ten per cent discount if you sign up now. You're saving money, so why not?
Cut the credit calories If you really need a new card, think about it first: do you want cash back, rewards or simply low fees and interest? You are likely to stand a better chance of qualifying for the deal you want if you tidy up your credit report first, so go through it carefully: look for accounts that have been duplicated, look for errors and inconsistencies and take them up with the relevant lender. You should also close unused accounts and register to vote at your current address (lenders use the electoral roll to check that you live where you say you do). An Experian Credit Score can help you see how successful an application may be; you can get it for free with a 30-day trial of CreditExpert (New customers only. Monthly fee applies after free trial.)
Credit temptation 5 the festive get-away
You're exhausted and stressed from the run-up to the big day. A weekend in a spa hotel or a shopping trip in a new city is just what you need.
Cut the credit calories Pre-Christmas (and New Year) breaks are always more expensive than taking a break when the holidays are over and everyone else has gone back to work. So you may want to set aside a little of your Christmas budget and enjoy a New Year indulgence instead. You deserve it.
Get a flatter stomach in seven days! Look buff in your tux! Yes, it's that time of year again, when the papers and magazines are full of pre-Christmas miracle diets , when if we're honest, we all know that the secret of losing weight is to eat less and do more.
Experian Credit Expert: A monthly fee of £14.99 applies after your free trial. You may cancel during your 30-day free trial without charge. New customers only. Free trial period starts on registration - further ID verification may be required to access full service which may take up to 5 days.
