Tynah Matembe, Founder of MoneyMatiX, had an exclusive conversation with consumer rights expert Dean Dunham (LBC, Daily Mail, ITV This Morning) to explore the topic “Know Your Consumer Rights” this Christmas. This special edition of the ‘Grow Your Money Podcast’ is designed to help you stay safe and informed this festive period.
You can listen to the full conversation HERE, but by-way of highlights here are 8-things you need to know this Christmas.
DELIVERIES
Let’s start with deliveries, which generate the most complaints—mainly about goods not arriving on time for Christmas.
Often, you’re shown a photo of a parcel on your doorstep, but when you get home, it’s not there. Retailers like to claim it’s your problem: “We delivered it. It’s on your doorstep. End of story.”
However, the Consumer Rights Act says otherwise. Unless you’ve agreed to a “safe place” delivery, the goods remain the retailer’s responsibility until they’re in your physical possession. That means if a parcel is left on your doorstep, stolen, or damaged in the rain, it’s not your problem.
Tip: Never agree to a “safe place” delivery, and when couriers arrive, don’t let them take photos of you holding the parcel—this can be exploited for scams. Instead, place the parcel on the floor. A photo with your door open is sufficient proof of delivery.
BUY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS WITH CASH ONLY
When buying last-minute Christmas presents, avoid paying with cash. If something goes wrong, cash offers no protection or recourse.
Instead, use a credit card. For purchases over £100, Section 75 provides strong protection: if the item is faulty or the retailer refuses to help, you can file a claim with your card provider to get your money back.
If you use a debit card, similar protection exists through the chargeback scheme. Just remember, you must file a chargeback claim within 120 days of purchase.
Tip: If someone asks you to pay via PayPal's "Friends and Family" option—common on platforms like eBay when selling used goods—consider it a red flag. This is often a sign of a scam, so never use this option to pay for purchases.
TRAIN DISRUPTIONS
On Friday, millions will begin their Christmas journeys, but for some, it could be a travel nightmare with cancellations, delays, overcrowding, and weather disruptions.
For trains, automatic delay compensation is a helpful scheme where many operators refund you automatically for delays, depending on the length of the disruption.
Remember: if you’ve bought a train ticket, you’re entitled to the service you paid for. If the train is cancelled, you’re entitled to a full refund—simple but important.
Tip: Under English consumer law, you only need to prove purchase—a receipt isn’t essential. A credit card or bank statement can serve as proof, but if you paid cash, you’re out of luck.
For train tickets, using official apps is a smart choice. Not only do they create a paper trail, but they also simplify refunds and compensation by processing them automatically. Plus, apps help you track travel details and disruptions easily.
BEWARE BOXING DAY SALES
Boxing Day deals aren’t always as good as they seem. Retailers offer similar discounts throughout the year to lure you in, so don’t assume it’s a once-in-a-lifetime bargain.
People often impulse buy during events like Black Friday, believing they’re getting a great deal, only to regret it later. Instead, shop around—with so many online platforms, comparing prices is easy. You’ll often find better deals elsewhere.
TIP: Watch out for scams. Fraudsters often create fake websites that appear to be legitimate retailers, especially around events like Black Friday, when people are hunting for deals. They take advantage of consumers looking for bargains. Paying with a credit card offers protection if you’re scammed, so it’s a safer option. Also, buy one, get one free offers often aren’t as good as they seem. It's better to shop around and use coupons for discounts, rather than waiting for events like the Boxing Day Sales.
NEVER BUY GIFT CARDS AS CHRISTMAS PRESENTS – sorry bar humbug
Gift cards can be risky. If the retailer goes out of business, the card becomes worthless, and you’ve lost your money. Even big brands are closing, and this trend will continue into 2025.
If you must buy a gift card, choose one that works with multiple brands to reduce the risk. Also, check the terms and conditions, as many gift cards have expiry dates—once expired, they’re useless, and retailers aren’t required to honour them.
In general, it’s safer to give cash instead of gift cards.
WE ARE ALL SHOPPING ONLINE THIS CHRISTMAS – HOW TO AVOID A SCAM
1. Assume every unknown communication is a scam—whether it’s a text, email, or website. Verify the information yourself before acting.
2. Watch for scam alerts—banks are now required to inform you of known scams, so stay informed and share the info with others.
3. Use a credit card—it offers protection if something goes wrong, especially with online purchases.
4. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be sceptical of deals that seem too perfect.
5. Check website authenticity—look for signs like a padlock symbol, a proper URL, and accurate contact details. Fraudsters can easily clone websites, so always verify before purchasing.
In short, use a credit card for added security when in doubt.
AVOID BUY NOW PAY LATER SCHEMES
Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) lacks the protections of credit cards, like Section 75, and is an unregulated sector, which is risky. Unlike credit cards, BNPL encourages impulsive spending, leading people to delay financial worries until they’re overwhelmed with debt. Many don’t view BNPL as debt, but it is—just as costly as payday loans.
The good news: BNPL will soon be regulated, and Section 75 protections will apply. But for now, avoid it, if possible, as it skews budgeting and often comes with high fees.
Top tip for budgeting: Stick to a clear, realistic budget and avoid BNPL for a healthier financial future.
CHRISTMAS IS ONLY ONE DAY
Don’t spend more in one day than you should for the whole year. If you haven’t planned for it, don’t overspend just to keep up with others. Consider alternative gifts, like gift vouchers for future sales or giving quality time instead of consumer goods. Many toys end up unused, especially for young kids.
TIP: If you want to spend £500 at Christmas, sell £500 worth of items from your home to offset the cost. That way, the money doesn’t leave you financially strapped.
AND FINALLY - GROW YOUR MONEY LIVE – JANUARY 21, GLASGOW
If you like what you have heard, why not join us for our inaugural Grow Your Money LIVE event in Glasgow on Tuesday, 21st January? Kicking off at 6 PM at the incredible Social Hub in Candleriggs, this 3-hour event will be packed with invaluable money lessons to help you achieve financial success in 2025. This really could be the one event that changes your life.
Tickets are selling fast, so don’t miss out—secure yours now!
Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and a financially successful 2025!
Read my manifesto - https://www.moneymatix.com/manifesto2024?srsltid=AfmBOoqr7xODAvetRrJ6L9slA0pnWHX_eFVQ_XvwPJ28MVEDA-eR9pEh
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