Brought to you by Bank of Ireland.
Christmas is expensive.
There's no doubting it and there's no escaping it.
We can, however, make it a little bit LESS expensive and, at this time of year, every cent counts. By the end of December, when you want that little take-away after all the cooking, or to treat yourself to a nice dinner out, you'll be delighted with those few extra euros.
Christmas shopping is inevitable and can sometimes seem never-ending - you've got the family to buy for, close friends to buy for, maybe even friends' kids to buy for. Where does the spending stop?
Though there are a few ways to cut down on those costs. Here are some super easy ways to save those all-important dolla bills when Christmas rolls around.
Look for the deals
Yes, we started with the obvious one, but it is also the most important one. You might be paying for two pairs of shoes somewhere when they have the same shoes and a two-for-one deal somewhere else.
Start early
Easier said than done. Life happens, time passes you by and before you know it it's the middle of December and you have two weeks to buy about 500 things. But if you can manage to take time in November to have a think about presents and a look around for some deals, it makes all the difference. And when December 20th rolls around and you've done all your Christmas shopping, you can lie back with your legs up and watch everyone else around you panicking. Petty, perhaps, but it feels great.
Shop online
This is where you get the better prices. Look for sites that have free shipping. Get the presents sent to work or a friend's house, that way you won't need to worry about curious hands opening your parcels.
Sign up to earn cashback
Bank of Ireland have teamed up with Visa to help you out this Christmas. Bank of Ireland Visa Debit cardholders can sign up to
Live Life Rewards and get great cashback from well-known brands. There are shops to suit everyone in the family - and even some money back on your taxi ride home.
Assess your quality and price options
Of course, for some items, you have to splash out for quality. But will your five-year-old really notice if you buy that extremely similar replica for half the price? Honestly, it will probably be broken or forgotten in a matter of weeks.
Check Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals
Thanksgiving isn't much of a thing here but shops ARE starting to jump on the Black Friday bandwagon. You don't see anything like the terrifying mobs over in the US but there are a few sneaky deals around the place. Jump online and check out some of the offers.
Whip out those unused gift cards
Remember those vouchers that you were given as presents and that never actually used yourself? Time to use them. Have a search through your drawers and you'll probably end up finding more than you thought you had. Bonus too if it's just about to expire. Almost like free money.
Use all of these tricks and you're sure to have a couple of extra quid left over at the end of your shopping spree.
Don't forget to
register with Bank of Ireland's Live Life Rewards to start reaping the benefits of their Visa cashback scheme. Stores and services that have jumped on board include Boots, Smyths Toys, M&M Direct, mytaxi, Currys PC World, and many more. So get out and get that Christmas shopping done.
Brought to you by Bank of Ireland.
Simply register your Bank of Ireland Visa Debit card for Live Life Rewards, check out the weekly offers, including deals on lots of winter essentials, and shop in-store or online using your card. Then sit back and wait for the Christmas cashback to be paid into your account, typically within five business days. It's so easy. Register now. 
Bank of Ireland have teamed up with Visa to help you out this Christmas. Bank of Ireland Visa Debit cardholders can sign up to Live Life Rewards and get great cashback from well-known brands. There are shops to suit everyone in the family - and even some money back on your taxi ride home.
