How to save it: Bargain hotel rooms and cash for shopping at London's small shops
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Booking a Christmas getaway or struggling for present ideas? Here are some suggestions that won't break the bank.
Small-shop support
Use an American Express card in hundreds of small shops and restaurants across London and you’ll get a £5 statement credit every time you spend a tenner or more in one purchase.
The Shop Small promotion, for which Countdown’s Rachel Riley is an ambassador, runs until December 20.
There is no limit to how often you can take part in the deal, designed to support local independent businesses.
To take part, you must register your American Express card at amexshopsmall.co.uk.
Food hamper discount
You can get 10% off a hamper from Farmdrop, an online market place that lets people buy fresh food from local producers, by using the code 10HAMPER here
The offer is valid until December 18 for the first purchase only.
Deals on hotel rooms
Several hotel chains are running deals at the moment.
Travelodge has half a million rooms at £39 each. Book at Travelodge.co.uk.
Meanwhile, Novotel is offering up to 30% off stays plus a further 10% off if you book at Novotel.com.
Premier Inn has 50,000 rooms from £35. Book at Premierinn.com.
Reward schemes slashed
Check the reward scheme on your credit card — it could be slashed as a new cap on the fees companies can charge retailers comes in tomorrow.
Many card companies have already cut back on cashback or reward schemes.
Beware burst pipes
Is it time to check your pipes?
Do it now and you could avoid a painful bill later this month.
December is the worst month for burst pipes, with December 27 the blackest day, warns insurer Aviva.
The average cost of a burst-pipe claim is £5000.
