Your weekly money saving deals and news from money expert Andy Webb

My top articles this week

1. The corner shop stamp rip-off

We've a few weeks until the last Christmas post (18th December for 2nd Class and 20th December for 1st Class), but I'm sure those of you sending cards are probably going to get a start on it this weekend. Well, when you're getting your stamps, be careful where you buy them - as some shops have a shocking mark-up. Here's what you need to know to avoid it.

2. Tricks to get you free delivery

If you've still got gifts to buy, or you're just needing some Christmas supplies, my list of tricks to get free delivery should help when you're shopping online - particularly with only two and a half weeks to go.

3. How to afford the upfront costs of an annual rail season ticket

Train prices are going up by 3.1% in January, which is bad news for all of us who travel by train but particularly regular commuters. For those, the best way to minimise the increase is to buy an annual season ticket, but they can cost a small fortune. So here are a few tips to minimise that cost and reduce what you pay for train travel.

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The top deals this week

I only share deals and special offers on the blog which I think are really good value - and here they are for you too. First some newbies in a bit more detail, then some you might have missed from previous weeks. Click the red titles or blue links for more information.

1. Boots Advantage points day - Thursday only

Get £10 worth of points at Boots when you spend £50 in-store, or £60 online. This is today, Thursday 6th December, only. Obviously it's a good opportunity to stock up on beauty and toiletry items, but It's a good chance to save on rarely discounted things like the Dyson Supersonic hairdryer.

I know a fair few people who were hoping to save on this on Black Friday, but the deals just didn't appear. Well, since it costs a hefty £299.99 at Boots this deal means you'll get £60 worth of points back - just add some paracetamol to bring it over the £300 mark.

2. £2.50 bonus for existing Quidco users - Thursday only

Today only, all Quidco users can get a £2.50 bonus when they spend £2.50 via the cashback site. You need to activate the offer first. If you've never used Quidco before you can also getup to a bonus up to £15 as a new subscriber.

3. Three months free Tastecard

I've blagged an exclusive 90-day free trial of Tastecard for you. You can save at restaurants and cinemas, so it's worth a go. Remember to cancel if you don't want it to renew.

4. Absolute vodka deal stack

It's possible to get a 70cl bottle of Absolute for as low as £11.50, and everyone can get it for £13 - down from the full price of £20. Here's how to combine different offers to get this very low price.

5. Co-op Christmas stamp bonus now on

If you get your groceries at Co-op then it's time to cash in your saving stamps as you'll get a 4% bonus. You need to have 48 stamps saved up (you can buy these any time and cost £1 each) and they'll be worth £50 at the till.

Also, it's worth checking delivery slots for closer to Christmas as they're now open at all the major supermarkets.

6. New cinema tickets offers inc £3.50 Odeon and £4.75 Vue

A couple of new movie deals to share. The first is for Vodafone customers only via a new loyalty app. You can get two Odeon tickets every week for £7. Or, if your local is a Vue, there's a promo to get two tickets for £9.49. More on these and many other offers in my cinema deals page.

Quick deals

Banking offers including

• Bank switch offers
• 3% interest on savings with Chip 
• Free £5 and 1% cashback at shops inc Apple, Ikea & Waitrose with Curve

Entertainment deals

• Odeon ticket and three SD movie rentals for £5.99
• 12 months of Spotify for the price of 10
• Get into London Theatre sale
• Free museum, gallery and cinema entry - ends Sunday

Shopping vouchers and other deals

• Kids Pass 30-day trial for £1 to save on days out, kids meals and cinema tickets
• £5 off already cut-price gift cards at John Lewis, M&S, Asos and more
• Real Christmas tree plus £20 Ikea voucher for £25

Food and drink offers

• Three months Tastecard or three months Gourmet Society for free
• Free Nutella jar with supermarket cashback app

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Are you joining in with #FoodBankAdvent?

This is a great way to give help combat food poverty. Find out more, plus how you can find out what items your local food bank is in need of.

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Recent articles you might have missed

I know it can be tricky to read everything I write every week, so here are my main articles from the last few weeks.

• What you should be asking for this Christmas
• How to make the most from Amex Shop Small
• Changed your mind? Your refund rights
• How easy is it to price match at John Lewis & Partners?
• Get 7% bonus towards John Lewis, M&S and more
• Refer-a-friend: Get paid when your friends switch bank
• Energy price cap: Will you actually save money?
• Budget 2018: What it means for you
• Everything you need to know about the “Millennial” Railcard
• Cash hack: The loophole that boosts your Christmas supermarket spending

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