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

An early newsletter this week as I'm planning on taking things a little easier over the next few days.

Obviously this year it's not going to be the same, but I hope you can make the most of the situation.

Have a Merry Christmas, Andy

My top content this week

BLOG: Cancelled plans, closed ports… How to avoid food waste this Christmas

I'm sure, like me, you're still coming to terms with scuppered plans for a Christmas with family and friends. We can't do much about it, but we can take action to prevent one of the consequences - food waste.

In this article I've shared how you can make sure any surplus food you have doesn't end up in the bin, and why you need to be careful with panic buying.

Cut food waste this Christmas

BLOG: Should you regift an unwanted present?

Chances are you'll get something this Christmas that you don't like or need. So what do you do with it? Well, one option is to put it aside and regift it to someone else for another celebration.

I've taken a look at the pros and cons of doing this, and a few tips to help you avoid the pitfalls.

To regift or not?

BLOG: Your refund rights when you change your mind

If you've recently bought something that isn't quite right you'll want to take it back and get a refund.

But whether you can do this depends on a few things, including where you bought it and why you want to return it.

Here's my guide on what you need to know.

Can you return it?

YOUTUBE: Virgin Money current account review

I've now got my hands on a Virgin Money current account (the free wine for switching is on its way!), so I've taken a look in this video at the different features on the app to help with budgeting and saving.

Watch the review on YouTube

PODCAST: Cash Chats #155 - Take control of your finances in 2021

This week on the podcast, I'm looking at the building blocks that'll help you not just understand the true state of your finances, but help you take charge.

You can listen via all the normal podcasting routes or over on the blog.

Listen on the blog

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Listen on Google Podcasts

Listen on Spotify

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COMPETITION: Win a one-hour video chat with me

To celebrate 200,000 all-time downloads of the podcast (thank you!) I'm running a competition to win a one-hour video or phone call with me to go through your money questions!

This literally is a prize money cannot buy! All the details on how to enter can be found here. Ends 31st December 2020.

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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. Click the titles or links for more information.

I've also set up an extra Instagram account dedicated to the deals and offers I spot throughout the week. Do follow me there so you don't miss out on offers that are already finished by the time this email goes out on a Thursday.

1. Christmas sales

At the time of writing, none of the big retailers had kicked off their Christmas sales. Normally many start online at some point on Christmas Eve, often when the shops close. This year that could be different, so it pays to keep an eye out on specific retailers you want to shop at.

Don't forget, make the most from price comparison sites and price history checkers to ensure you're actually getting a deal and not a dodgy discount.

Oh, and it's always a good time to get Christmas cards, decorations and wrapping paper that's reduced to clear and save it for next year.

2. Bonus £2.50 on gift cards

Today only (Tuesday) TopCashback is giving existing customers a £2.50 bonus when spending £10 at TopGiftCards.

Since this site includes cards for Sainsbury's, Asda and Morrisons it's worth a go - however there are technical issues so maybe try later this afternoon.

3. Three months of The Big Issue for £38

If you're looking for a last-minute gift then you could pick up a three-month subscription to the Big Issue magazine. 50% of the proceeds go direct to the sellers, many of whom aren't able to sell under current restrictions.

4. £10 Christmas Carol stream

The Old Vic theatre is live-streaming its production of A Christmas Carol starring Andrew Lincoln until Christmas Eve. Though you can pay more, tickets start at £10 per household.

5. NOW TV - £25 Sky Sports month passes

There have been fewer and fewer offers for NOW TV passes this year, with offers like this - £25 a month for six months - about as good as you can get.

This current deal ends on the 27th December. You don't have to commit to the full six months, you can cancel at any time.

6. LAST CHANCE: Free year of Calm for Amex users

If you have an Amex make sure you claim your free year of mindfulness app Calm before the end of 2020.

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Your Facebook community

If you want to ask me questions, share your money saving or spending experiences and chat to other fans, then do head over to the Be Clever With Your Cash Facebook community

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Quick deals

Banking offers

Top bank switch: £180 worth of wine reward for switching
The best cash savings accounts - inc up to 3% interest
Student bank accounts: 0% overdrafts & freebies
Best business bank accounts: Free accounts

Cards and bills deals

Shopping vouchers and other deals

Entertainment deals

Food and drink offers

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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.

Are you following me on YouTube?

If you haven't already I'd really appreciate it if you could head over to YouTube to click "subscribe" and the little notification bell that appears next to it.

Please do tell any friends you think would find it useful too. Thanks!

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Festive food waste | Is regifting OK? | £10 theatre | £2.50 cashback bonus | Virgin current account review | More