'Tis the season to be...cautious

You don't have to be the most intuitive of people to notice that the high street is currently awash with various discounts, offers and bargains, all designed to lure you - the consumer - towards the checkout, and possibly even further into your ever-expanding overdraft.

With huge high street retailers such as Debenhams offering 20% off most items in store, the urge to splurge can suddenly feel quite overwhelming.

But amid the garish 20% off signs plastered over retailers across the country it is important to understand the financial motives driving retailers to issue these 'bargains'.

With the rate of sales falling fast, many leading high street stores are set for a disastrous Christmas period.

The festive rush is the most lucrative time of year for many leading retailers, notes Times Online with many stores raking in a third of their annual sales.

In other words the economy is in panic mode and retailers everywhere are doing their very best to entice you into spending every last penny!

Of course with everyone feeling the pinch in light of the tumultuous economy, many of these offers are welcomed with open arms and a sigh of relief.

Use your NUS card wherever and whenever you can to blag meals, clothes and drinks at student friendly prices.

Sian Elliott-Williams

I do, however, urge you to be cautious. In a desperate attempt to increase the rate of sales many shops will try to get as much from you as possible, so remain savvy; ensure that the retailer hasn't upped the initial retail price before issuing a discount.

And think before you spend! It is easy to be blinded by the 2 for 1 offers in your local supermarket, but remain frugal, spend your money wisely and you'll have more cash to blow on your loved ones for Christmas.

Not to mention a bit extra to spend on having a good time over the festive period!

It is also beneficial to actively seek out special offers, being students we are entitled to a range of money-saving bargains, and we should certainly take advantage of this.

Use your NUS card wherever and whenever you can to blag meals, clothes and drinks at student friendly prices. How about looking at the cut-price bargains on studentbeans.com?

After all Christmas is supposed to be a time of celebration and merriment; being diligent does not mean having to restrict yourself completely, after all Christmas only comes round once a year....enjoy it!