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Your inbox may already be full of January sale deals, promising unbeatable discounts and deals you just don’t want to miss. It can be the perfect time to pick up items you’ve had your eye on or even stock up on essentials.

However, it can be very easy to overspend and find yourself in a sticky situation of owing money you hadn’t planned for.

We’ve put together a few smart shopping tips to help you take advantage of the sales whilst keeping your financial situation in mind.

Set a budget and stick to it

Before you start shopping, work out how much you’re willing and able to spend. Whether it’s for household essentials, clothing or technology, if you set a clear budget this can help avoid impulse buy.

Make a shopping list

Many of the offers can tempt you into buying items you don’t actually need; making a list will help you prioritise shopping only for items you need and avoid overspending.

Compare prices

Not all deals are as good as they seem; before you purchase, we recommend comparing prices across retailers to make sure you can’t find it cheaper elsewhere.

Pick up off-season bargains

Many shops will have huge discounts on off-season items such as Christmas decorations or gifts that you can save for next year. If you can plan ahead, you have the opportunity to save costs on items that will be expensive later on in the year.

Avoid using credit

Avoid using credit cards or buy now pay later. Try to stick to your budget, and if possible, use cash or your debit card to stay within your means.

Don’t worry about missing out

Businesses create urgency by adding phrases to their marketing such as ‘limited time offer’ or ‘whilst stocks last’. Think before purchasing; if you wouldn’t purchase the item at full price, consider if you actually need or want it.

Plan for ‘Big-Ticket’ items

The January sales can be one of the best times to purchase ‘big-ticket’ items such as furniture or electrical items. We recommend researching these big purchases for the best deals and have the money set aside to avoid financial strain.

Check return policies

Before you buy, check the retailer’s return policy. Some sale items might not be able to be returned or exchanged unless faulty. Being in the know about whether you can return items will help you make an informed decision and avoid buyer’s remorse.

Get in touch

January sales are a fantastic opportunity to save big, but only if you shop wisely.

If you’ve overspent and are struggling with debts, call us on 0800 316 1833. We’re open from 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday, and 9am – 3pm on Saturdays. Alternatively, you can visit our advice page to speak to us via live chat or for more information.