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How to take advantage of the January sales without breaking the bank

Paloma Kubiak
Written By:
Paloma Kubiak
Posted:
Updated:
20/01/2017

January is often a difficult time following the Christmas splurge. But with the January sales in full swing, even those with a tight budget can take advantage with these top tips.

Few of us look forward to January, which is very much the Monday of months. The weather is cold, the days short and – thanks to a six-week payday stretch between December and January – the piggy bank is close to empty.

But shopping during peak sales time, such as January, means that customers can ultimately save money by purchasing reduced items rather than buying when stock is full price at another time of year.

Below, Hitachi Capital reveals the top tips to help shoppers make the most of the sales season:

  1. Do your research

Always create a strategy for sales periods to help avoid impulse buys. Rather than splurging on new clothes you don’t need, you can instead buy early birthday gifts for friends and family.

  1. Don’t be fooled

A lot of products are discounted all year round so don’t feel like you have to buy something just because it’s on sale. Also consider that some items may be cheaper during another sales period e.g. May for outdoors equipment and spring clothing, and November – specifically ‘Cyber Monday’ – for electronics. 

  1. Don’t overstretch yourself

If you do need to take out credit to buy goods, the best way to use credit is arguably for a single, one-off and defined purchase. By picking a deal which offers 0% on new purchases for as long a period as you’re eligible to qualify, and doing some careful planning, it’s possible to borrow at no cost. Above all else, make sure you take out a manageable loan which works for you. 

  1. Look out for extended sales

Retailers often extend their sales so it’s worth keeping an eye out for those by subscribing to various newsletters and bookmarking online retailers’ pages. 

  1. Consider other means of cost-cutting

Finally, why not take on dry January or cycle to work to help free up funds?

 Gerald Grimes is managing director of Hitachi Capital Consumer Finance


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