Had my first e-mail today from a friend asking if I wouldn’t mind not doing the kids pressie thing this year for Christmas,  I must admit I was quite relieved she took the initiative and my list is now reduced just a little.

I’m sure I’m like many of us,  always looking for ways to save money and skim a little off the top - without having to res-use tea bags and become a recluse. So of late I have a become a bit obsessed with voucher websites and money saving tips websites and I’m sure I’m not the only one. A couple of friends and I get a selection of newsletters from these sites and share the best deals - thus cutting down all the reading!

My favourites sites are Money Magpie and Money Saving Expert - both are always choc full of great deals, money off vouchers and advice on ways to save money and live on the cheap. I could literally spend all day on MSE as there’s just so much to read and the forums are just great, with everyone trying to help everyone else and share their stories of success.

For just deals and vouchers, without the features, LastMinute and My Voucher Codes are both really good, along with Voucher Codes. I’ve had quite a few good deals from these sites, like cheap hotels, last minute tickets, 2-4-1 and kids eat free restaurant voucher and money off shopping. If only they did free petrol vouchers…

I also think it’s worth a punt at Googling things like “Debenhams discount voucher” when you know you’re going to be making a purchase there soon. It might turn up a nice little 20% off voucher or tell you about an upcoming sale. Ah, isn’t the internet wonderful!

One last note though - don’t think something is a great deal when it’s not. Think if you’d actually be using that service/retailer if it wasn’t for the voucher - are you actually saving money or just spending it unnecessarily because it’s cheaper. I used to be guilty of doing the latter, but I’m getting better!

I also have a favourite money saving blog - Recessionista Sister - which is worth a look and keeps me up to date with the latest deals and ways to save money.

If anyone has any other great money saving/voucher code websites that they like, then please comment and let me know!

It’s also worth letting you know that Get The Label has a special discount code for Hectic Mum readers which is on a few websites at the moment. It’s for 10% off and all you need to do is enter HC10 at the check out. Enjoy!