Top Tips for Christmas Gifts If you shop using Ebay then don’t get caught out buying from outside the UK where your consumer rights are not as strong if there’s a problem. Under ‘Item Location’ select ‘UK only’ to generate a list of items that are within the UK.

Sending parcels can be expensive. If you have internet access you could consider using www.Myhermes.co.uk it is cheaper than Royal Mail and they collect from your home. There’s also Collect+ if you can drop your parcels off at one of their collection outlets, more info at www.Collectplus.co.uk To keep costs sensible amongst relatives or work colleagues, how about a ‘Secret Santa’. Each person in the group buys just one gift for an agreed amount of money, all the gifts are gathered together and each person receives one without knowing who purchased it.

Even though it’s Christmas, get your priorities right and don’t fall behind on the routine bills. If you do get into money difficulties, get advice as soon as you can from your local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB).

Free, confidential advice and help is available from Cumbria Rural Citizens Advice Bureau on any aspect of consumer problems, debt, benefits, housing, employment and any other problems. We have various outlets across South Lakeland and can also give advice over the phone. For telephone advice and/or to make an advice appointment contact 015394 46464. If you don't need us for advice, how about helping us by becoming a volunteer or making a donation? Not many people realize that we are a charity - see our website for details www.cumbriaruralcab.org.uk.