How to judge festive sale offers and avoid the hype

Start right now! It’s the best way to keep calm, make informed choices, allow a little flexibility and spread the cost. You’ll be able to reap the rewards of being super-organised nearer the time. Set

Q I’ve got a big night out planned and I’d love a new outfit. How can I do it for less? A The ideal situation would be having a friend the same size as you with a stylish wardrobe you could borrow fro

Whether you’re left with a couple of tricky people to buy for, or you’ve not even begun, our experts can help you get the perfect gifts for the right prices

Q I’d like to help others this Christmas but my budget is limited. Do you have any tips? A There are lots of ways to help others that don’t involve money. Are there any local charities near you lookin

IDEAL HOME’S COLUMNIST AND EDITOR OF MONEYWEEK.COM KALPANA FITZPATRICK SHARES HER FINANCIAL WISDOM