Whether we’re taking on a new place or it’s just time for a refresh, new kit around the place be can be a real treat.

A new sofa can give us a real lift… and not just because the springs still go boing. And sometimes it’s all the sweeter for not breaking the bank along the way.

We all know that feeling. We’ve just passed the shop and there in the sale is the prize purchase we shelled out for last week. If only we’d waited.

Bad luck (or bad timing) is annoying but we can’t always know when prices are about to be slashed. The sad truth, though, is that thousands of us miss out every week and when it comes to giving our homes a lift. Cheap and even free stuff is passed on all the time, including sofas, TVs and even carpets.

LEGAL SCAMS?

The worse news is that many of us still pay through the nose when we think we’re
bagging a bargain. Take the ‘Bargain of the Week’. That’s just one example of how weekly payment stores (like Brighthouse) lure us in. Looks great, right? But wait a second. They say the sofa only costs £805 and those payments last 156 weeks. That’s £1,716.

The add-ons and cost of paying over three years more than doubles the price. It’s totally legal but it feels like a scam. The goods are often way cheaper elsewhere. And they even come with finance on hugely better terms.

RENTERS BENEFIT

Housing association or council tenants might find their landlords have schemes in place to help. Start with their website or by talking to a housing officer to see what support they offer. Some work in partnership with suppliers.

They ensure tenants have access to great deals and decent terms on any finance required to purchase goods. They also offer fair delivery costs, the right insurance advice and lower interest on loans.

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