MoneySavingExpert's Money Tips Email

For most who celebrate Christmas, it is a significant financial event that needs planning and prep, rather than a last-minute grab and dash. So whilst I hate Christmas music in stores in October as much as the next Scrooge, tomorrow (Wed) is exactly 100 days to go, so it's time for my annual tips to save time, cost and stress. Don't worry, I won't go overboard - these are just the key things to be thinking about now if you haven't started.

And if you haven't started, you're not alone - 31,000 people voted in my social polls a couple of weeks ago and, of those who celebrate, 77% are like you; 18% have done a few little things; and a super-organised 4% have a decent chunk done! So whether you're a Christmas person, a Chanukah chap like me, or other winter celebrations, I hope these tips will help.

1. Toy sales now on at Argos and Asda (plus Tesco from Wed), with more expected. Bizarrely, this is often one of the cheapest time to buy toys before Christmas, as retailers do early-bird sales with usually higher discounts than if you wait till nearer the time. So if you know what you want to get for children, the Argos half-price toys and up to 50% off at Asda sales are on now, and the Tesco 50% off sale starts tomorrow (Wed). More are likely soon, including Morrisons and The Entertainer (we'll put details in this email when they're on).

2. Do a FREE £240 bank switch now and you'll have the cash in time for Christmas. Some of the most lucrative deals of the year are on right now, and starting the switch now means you'll have the cash in plenty of time to pump up your Christmas coffers. So unless your bank is treating you royally, why not make a bit of cash by moving?

Switching is usually easy & hassle-free... You must pass a not-too-harsh credit-check and use the bank's 7-working-day switch service, which closes your old account, moves over your balance, standing orders and Direct Debits for you, and auto-forwards any payments made to it from then on.

New customer FREE CASH switch bonuses (all fee-free unless stated) You usually need to switch 2+ Direct Debits. Full eligibility: Top bank accounts
Santander Everyday* FREE £240 \| 8% regular savings. To qualify for the free cash: Pay in a total of £1,500 within 60 days (you can do it in bits and withdraw as soon as it's paid in) and fund the linked 8% regular saving account with £200+ (again it can be withdrawn). Full info and eligibility criteria in our Santander review.	Cash Paid by 15 DEC (1)
HSBC Bank Account* FREE £220 \| 5% regular savings. To qualify for the free cash: Pay in a total of £2,000 (you can do it in bits and withdraw as soon as it's paid in) and spend £500+ on the debit card within 60 days. Full info and eligibility criteria in our HSBC review.	Cash Paid by 22 NOV (1)
First Direct* FREE £210 \| Top service \| 7% reg savings \| £250 0% overdraft \| Top overseas debit card. To qualify for the free cash: Pay in a total of £1,000 (you can do it in bits and withdraw as soon as it's paid in), make 5+ debit card payments and log into online banking within 45 days. Full info and eligibility criteria in our First Direct review.	Cash Paid by 20 OCT (1)