Christmas can be a really expensive time of year, but there are steps you can take to keep your costs down. Here’s how to do it… 1 CALCULATE BUDGET First, go through your finances and work out how muc

Giving is part of the festive season, but as a gift to your purse, try these thrifty ideas

You don’t need to splash out to enjoy festive flavour! These smart swaps and simple, delicious recipes bring all the Christmas cheer without blowing your budget. 1 LEFTOVER MAGIC Turn roast dinner lef

Make life a little sweeter with sensory gifts SUGAR RUSH Jammy blackberry and woody oak make for an enveloping gourmand scent in Miss Dior Essence (£130 for 50ml, dior.com). MILK IT Hotel Chocolat’s l

1 Casillero del Diablo Zero Alcohol-Free Sparkling NV Chile (£7, Sainsbury’s) A surprisingly good dealcoholised chardonnay that’s clean, brisk and very welcome when you want (or need) to moderate. It’

Not for money – this is an IOU for your time! “Make promises to do things for those you love – perhaps breakfast in bed or cleaning the car – and pop them in a little chequebook,” suggests Sarah-Jane