Once the Christmas decorations have been packed away and the festive season euphoria has died down, one is often faced with the realisation that the next pay cheque could be weeks away.

Once the Christmas decorations have been packed away and the festive season euphoria has died down, one is often faced with the realisation that the next pay cheque could be weeks away.

Yet for those who were prudent in their spending and stashed away a bit of money, this could be the perfect time to take advantage of new year specials.

Just like households who live on leftovers from the ubiquitous festive feasts, so do retailers to rid their shops of clutter.

The start of the new year is therefore marked by "last-of-the- bestsellers" sales to make way for winter stock.

One could cheaply spruce up their kitchen by shopping around for sales on large kitchen appliances, so-called white goods such as stoves and fridges.

The same goes for last season's clothes, cosmetics, linen and shoes.