A personal finance expert has shared her top tips for saving money this month. As Christmas draws nearer, the weather gets colder, and the cost-of-living continues to rise, many, including pensioners, will be wondering how to make their money stretch further.

New research from Blue Light Card, which provides discounts for NHS and emergency workers, shows that 78% of UK pensioners are worried about a rise in costs over the coming weeks, as they prepare for an average 20% spike in their outgoings. Among the main concerns of those surveyed were the rising costs of essential items and the price of heating, which is set to increase by a further 0.2% in line with the price cap in January.

Retirees could be tempted to hold back on basic purchases to cover Christmas gift costs, but finance whizz Vicky Parry says thrifty pensioners can claw back cash elsewhere.

“There will be a huge temptation to forgo essentials in order to splurge on family members at Christmas, but there are more sustainable ways to save,” she added.

“Retailers offer some great deals on popular gifting and household items from this month, so take advantage of the early savings and remember to use any discount cards you might be eligible for in conjunction with the offers to save even more.”

The research also shows that pensioners who formerly worked in frontline sectors, including healthcare and the emergency services, are among the most concerned, at 83%, with almost all of them keen to cut costs this winter by any means possible.

Over a quarter of those surveyed said they are actively searching for discounts, while 77% added that they would like to treat their friends and family more over the festive period.

Neil Caldicott, chief marketing officer at Blue Light Card, said: “We know retirees want to balance the realities of winter costs with quality with friends and family.

“Many retirees from the sectors we support, including former NHS workers, emergency services, care workers and the armed forces, may not realise they qualify for Blue Light Card membership, so the easiest tip we suggest for saving on everything from essentials to gifts and experiences is checking eligibility.”

Check eligibility for discounts

As well as Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, many big retailers offer retiree discount schemes, especially for those formerly employed as emergency workers. As well as the Blue Light Card, this includes Boots’ Over 60s rewards scheme and a 10% reduction on all shopping for pensioners at M&S.

Bulk buy and freeze food

While Christmas usually marks a time of festive food spreads and nibbles, costs can be capped in the weeks leading up to the big day by buying vegetables, meat and bakery items in bulk while they’re discounted and freezing, to use at your convenience.

Get creative with shopping discounts

Most of the big supermarket chains now operate some kind of loyalty points or membership scheme, and it pays to stack deals and reserve cashback for more expensive points in the year. Planning ahead can also be key, with weekly shops scheduled around discount offers putting hundreds back in your pocket each year.

Consider switching energy providers

As well as retail discounts, pensioners are often eligible for savings on energy tariffs, as well as bonuses for changing provider. Switching company is easier than you might think and can also cut costs in the long run on servicing and installation.

Check day-out discounts

As well as gift giving and quality time, Christmas also increases demand for family day trips, something retirees can nab major savings on. Cheaper annual Merlin passes and last-minute theatre tickets are among the deals available, with many more included in schemes such as Blue Light Card membership.

Embrace ‘time banking’

The new phenomenon of “time-banking” schemes enables people to get paid in time credits for helping others, lowering financial stress and building connections. Retirees with skills including sewing, baking, dogwalking and book-keeping can offer an hour of their time to a neighbour or online, and receive another service in return.

Check eligibility for VAT-free devices

Retirees with long-term chronic conditions or disabilities could also be eligible for VAT-free items, when they qualify as a medical device, aid or adaptation. The scheme, which covers ramps, wheelchairs and alarm systems, could make all the difference in easing pressure on vulnerable retirees struggling to get by.