Expert's eight steps to start now to cut the cost of Christmas

People are being urged to take immediate action to ensure they can afford the Christmas they want. Liz Hunter, director at Money Expert, has provided some of her top tips that Brits can start doing right now to avoid breaking the bank this holiday season.

Better yet, some of the things you can do are incredibly easy and take little to no effort. Her advice includes how to purchase gifts for an affordable price, taking advantage of discount codes and vouchers, and when you should start purchasing Christmas food.

While it might feel too late to start saving in September or October, you can still make a big difference by spreading out expenses over the next three months. Think about how much you'll realistically spend this Christmas, factoring in the cost of food, gifts, events and any other expenses.

Divide this total into three equal parts then once you receive your pay this month, set aside one-third of the budget in a savings account. Repeat this process on your October and November paydays. By following this plan, you can significantly reduce the financial stress of December.

Food prices often increase the closer it gets to Christmas, especially when it comes to festive items. Although it may seem early to stock up on Christmas food, buying now can save you money later.

Fresh produce won't last, but non-perishable items like biscuits, nuts, chocolates and alcohol can be purchased in advance so if you spot good deals, grab them now. Remember to check the 'reduced to clear' shelves every time you shop, too.

Many items, including meat joints and fish, can be frozen which could significantly help to reduce the cost of your December food shopping. By stocking up on what you can now, you'll save money, spread the cost and