Bargains galore out there - but read the small print

After weeks of planning and shopping for other people, many of us are now planning to treat ourselves in the upcoming sales. 

The January sales are starting earlier and earlier and many shops will be starting to discount even before Christmas Day itself, with reductions likely to be available in some shops this weekend. On this day week, the bargain hunting will kick off in earnest. Serious shoppers should be drawing up their own lists now.

You know what the shops are going to be like for the next few weeks — packed, messy and with signs for sales everywhere. In that kind of environment, it is way too easy to get swept up by the sense of urgency and make some truly terrible decisions.