Invest for your children while you shop

published 5 December 2008

How about saving for your children while doing your Christmas shopping this year? KidStart.co.uk works like a traditional cashback website. If you click through to the retailer of your choice using a typical cashback site, a small percentage of what you spend around 3% on average is credited back to you.

But with KidStart the money is credited into a 'KiddyBank' account, which must be linked to a child's savings account or Child Trust Fund. So whenever you shop at John Lewis, Argos, Ocado, Tesco, Boots, Asda or House of Fraser to name but a few you can increase your child's savings, notes Alison Hunt on Fool.co.uk. Encourage friends and family to use the site and your child's savings could grow even faster.

Claim back your VAT

If you have made a full or partial payment for expensive goods or services that attract VAT, but haven't yet received them, you may be able to negotiate a refund of the 2.5% VAT reduction, says Ali Hussain in The Sunday Times. Not all retailers are offering the refund, but it's worth asking.

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Get cheap cosmetics

Head to Eyeslipsface.co.uk for really cheap make-up, says the Daily Express. All the products on the website cost £1.50. "It's a great way to save on Christmas presents, or simply to treat yourself to some new cosmetics."

Slash the cost of tyres

Visit Etyres.co.uk to save between 5%-10% on the cost of new tyres for your car, says Jasmine Birtles on Moneymagpie.com. The website will send someone out to fit the tyres for you and it is still cheaper than traditional fitters.

Ruth Jackson-Kirby is a freelance personal finance journalist with 17 years’ experience, writing about everything from savings and credit cards to pensions, property and pet insurance.

Ruth started her career at MoneyWeek after graduating with an MA from the University of St Andrews, and she continues to contribute regular articles to our personal finance section. After leaving MoneyWeek she went on to become deputy editor of Moneywise before becoming a freelance journalist.

Ruth writes regularly for national publications including The Sunday Times, The Times, The Mail on Sunday and Good Housekeeping among many other titles both online and offline.