New Year Sales

January 1st traditional start of the January sales.  But did you know?

• Things were not reduced as much as you thought after Christmas.  In the 'biggest ever half price sale' at Debenhams, just 21 of 121 pairs of shoes - 17 per cent - were discounted, and just 25 per cent of bags. (Daily Mail 30/12/12).  Will it be the same in the January sales?

•  The sales may put you in debt ("There are calls for Brits to spend sensibly otherwise they may be coerced into getting deeper into debt." http://www.debt.org.uk/debtadvice/britons-warned-about-january-sales-debt)

•  We often end up buying stuff we don't want. Moneywise says  "Stop. Take a look at the sequined one-sleeve jumper you've got in your hand.   Will you really wear it? Just pausing for a few minutes before you hit the checkouts and really asking yourself if you want everything in your basket could save you a fortune."

Hey I've found this great bargain!

Shopping with friends

Don't forget the online sales One of the greatest things the internet has given the world, other than Wikipedia (and if you are a guy east access to porn), is the ability to shop from the peace and quiet of our own homes. If you don't fancy the idea of joining the rugby scrum on the high street try hitting the online sales instead. You will probably find better bargains as you'll be able to easily compare prices across retailers and you are less likely to be distracted by a ridiculous item you don't need.

Love these sandals I've found!

 But as with everything online, there are dangers with online shopping that can catch the unwary, such as credit card scams, fake sites, dodgy dealers and too-good-to-be-true offers. Fortunately, by taking a few special precautions, you should be able to shop in safety.

Shopping safely online starts with your computer. Having the latest protection doesn’t have to be costly and will help safeguard you from viruses and malware.

Top tips to protect your PC

•     Check your computer has a firewall
•     Update your antivirus software regularly
•     Never open files attached to an email from an unknown source
•     If you use a wireless network, make sure it’s encrypted
•     Download the latest security updates automatically

New clothes in the sales ?

Photograph it and see if you can find it online later

There are other ways to reduce your wardrobe costs

• Charity shop. Noticed how second-hand is now referred to as ‘vintage'? Also noticed how this subtle name change has resulted in a significant mark up on the price tags? If you can bear to not shop ‘vintage' or ‘retro' and head to your local Oxfam or Barnardos instead, charity shop threads could be a cheaper bet. Shopping in less popular or exclusive areas, for example steering clear of Kings Road, in expensive Chelsea, will also be reflected in lower prices.

•  Rediscover your wardrobe. Despite having a chest of drawers that no longer closes or a wardobe with a rail about to snap, many of us still complain we have nothing to wear. Go through your clothes at the start of each season.Undoubtedly you'll find a few horrors that Gok would throw straight on the fashion scrapheap. But you might also discover a few items, buried away, that you'd happily wear again.

• New accessories.  Remember that a relatively cheap accessory - like a new pair of tights - can make a big difference to an existing outfit.

What about the big stuff?
Its nice to try out new furniture in the stores....

OMG look at the price!

But ....reflect on ways to spend nothing, or almost nothing. Don’t necessarily turn your nose up at the idea of scoring free or low-cost pieces of furniture from other people who live in your area. You could find exactly what you’re looking for via Web sites such as Craigslist (check out the “free” link under “for sale”), The Freecycle Network, Sharing Is Giving, Freecycleamerica.org, ReUseIt Network and FreeSharing.org. Here’s something to remember, though: When visiting all of these Web sites with the exception of Craigslist, try to have an eye toward giving as well as receiving. Also, don’t try to trade or swap through these sites; the idea is to give stuff away with no strings attached.

Classic - (the chair!)

Does your new sofa make you happy?  Or is it just give you comfortable misery while you worry about your credit card bill?

Do you really need a new kitchen when you spend so little time in there?  How much fancy stuff do you need to microwave a ready meal?

Are you actually doing any cooking in your new kitchen or just posing for a photoshoot?

 If you really must do something with your kitchen, find a carpenter/kitchen fitter who replaces doors and work surfaces in kitchens. Try to get a recommendation so that the cost is reasonable and the quality good.

Dress like this and he may do it free!

The important stuff
This is what I'll be looking for online:

Gold gladiators like Rosie Mcgowan's

Chunky high healed platformed ankle boots