Different outlets may have different offers at the same time; be they a 3-for-2 purchase, double points on certain items, or a free item attached to another. Even if you don't have the time to shop around, it pays to patronise different outlets on a rotating basis.
Some shops deliver, although you might have to spend a minimum amount of money to qualify. Some goods will cost less, even taking into account packing charges and postage, when bought over the internet.
Team up with your friends for a car-boot sale. You may split the takings equally (when different people provide transport, food, or most of the items to be sold) or else, price the items individually and pocket the money for them as they are sold.
If you wait until you have the readies before purchasing anything, you may even find that you do not really want it or even need the item. Paying on credit or by instalments costs more. When you use your ATM card in shops and other outlets, never let it out of your sight from the time you had it over to the cashier, to the time you get it back.
Buy fruits and vegetables in season. If possible, buy in bulk and divide the cost with family members or friends. Some herbs that are bought dried may be grown as potted plants.
Agree to a spending limit for gifts. Siblings may try to outdo one another (and butter up their parents) by spending more and more each year. Decide whether you'll bell the cat yourself and be called parsimonious (to your face) and stingy (behind your back).
If you turn down the heating by one or two degrees, for savings on your utilities bills, no one will be the wiser. Draw curtains tight at sunset to prevent heat escaping from the house, and switch off all the lights in rooms that are not being used.
Vampire power wastes electricity even when an appliance is on stand-by. Digital clocks, remote control sensors, and LED lights continue to consume power when equipment is inactive. Devices are not really "off" unless the wall switch is off.
Jazz up plain shop-bought goodies to make them appear designer-expensive; season fish fillets with freshly ground white pepper, dribbling with brandy and sprinkling with pine nuts and wrap them in foil; add chopped up chicken breast and mushrooms to chicken and mushroom soup mix; fill a hollowed-out orange with sorbet; cover the contents of an unturned chocolate-chip ice-cream with meringue and create a Baked Alaska in minutes...
Do you really need a new outfit? Why not alter a rarely-used one to give it festive appeal? Wearing an outfit with eye-catching jewellery, and different set of co-ordinating shoes and handbag will make it a totally different ensemble.