While the festive decorations are packed away for another year, the financial strain of Christmas can linger, pushing many to seek smarter ways to save for the next holiday season. Recognising this widespread concern, the consumer finance website MoneySavingExpert (MSE), founded by Martin Lewis, has highlighted a simple yet effective strategy to give your Christmas fund a significant boost for 2026.
The Supermarket Stamp Scheme Loophole
The core advice centres on exploiting a beneficial feature of major supermarkets' own savings stamp schemes. These programmes are designed to run throughout the year, allowing shoppers to put money aside incrementally for their Christmas shop, often with an added bonus for participation.
However, MSE points out a savvy 'loophole' that can net you a full year's bonus in a single day. The trick lies in the timing of your deposit. Most schemes pay their bonus based on the total amount saved by a specific cut-off date, usually in late autumn.
By depositing a lump sum just before this deadline, you can qualify for the bonus immediately. The caveat is that the money, plus the bonus, must typically be spent in that supermarket's stores.
How the Savings Boost Works in Practice
On its website, MSE explains that this tactic can 'boost funds by up to 6%'. It provides a concrete example using Tesco’s Christmas Saver account. 'For example, with Tesco’s Christmas Saver account, if you’d topped it up with £200 by 16 October 2025, you’d have got a £12 bonus added on top,' the site states.
The team believes the same approach will be applicable for savings targeting Christmas 2026. MSE has also promoted this clever tip on social media platform X, noting that similar schemes at Sainsbury's, Iceland, and Asda could offer instant boosts of £25, £20, and £15 respectively to your festive food budget.
Public Reaction and Alternative Budgeting Tips
The search for methods to ease Christmas financial pressure is a common theme online. On forums like Reddit, users frequently exchange personal budgeting strategies. One individual recently queried how others plan their festive spending, sparking a conversation about managing costs.
In response, many shared their own systems. One popular method involves using digital banking tools like Monzo's 'pots' feature. 'I have a general gifts pot, which I contribute a set amount to each month. I then use those funds for birthday and Christmas gifts. Seems to work well and stops me from over spending,' one user commented.
Another Redditor agreed, explaining they separate their savings into distinct pots for gifts and for 'Christmas hosting' costs like food and decorations. They noted that while the money technically comes from savings, mentally designating it for a specific purpose makes a significant difference to their financial peace of mind during the expensive festive period.
By combining MSE's strategic loophole with consistent year-round saving habits, UK households can approach Christmas 2026 with far greater financial confidence and less last-minute strain on their wallets.
