How to get voucher codes

How to get voucher codes: Voucher codes, key codes, call them what you will, these are a terrific way to save money on stuff you were buying anyway (note the proviso there). They work like this: a retailer (be it Asda, Pizza Hut, Amazon, B&Q, practically everyone uses them now) publishes a promotional code that you then use when you buy stuff, usually online. Notice next time you check out at an online store that there will probably be a box on the form for 'promotional code here' or similar. Tap in your voucher code and you get your 10 per cent (or whatever) off the price.

Great, but how do you get voucher codes? Well this is one thing the internet is VERY good at. While the web may be rubbish for buying your next pint or a loaf of bread when you've just run out, it is extremely good at disseminating information. Hence cyberspace is thronging with voucher codes for just about anything you're going to be buying. The web's also great for searching of course, so you can simply go to Google and search 'Le Creuset voucher codes' or whatever. The disadvantage here is that you spend a certain amount of time searching for stuff that won't be there, and finding voucher codes that have expired.

The second approach is to check out the host of websites that do the job for you. Sites such as vouchercodes.com, myvouchercodes.co.uk and vouchercodes.co.uk save you reinventing the wheel each day by throwing up a list of current hot codes. You can be reasonably sure they haven't expired, and there are peer recommendations (basically people saying 'yes it worked' or 'no, don't bother, it's dead'). Updated each day, with lists of expiring codes, this is a great way to cut straight to the good stuff. Disadvantages? It doesn't take you straight to that Le Creuset griddle you were searching for and it does encourage 'Sales' disease. You know, 'I didn't want one, but as it's 50% off, I'll get one to save money.' Don't pretend you've never succumbed!

I'll be updating regularly on how to get voucher codes, though with a bit of wit and the stuff I've mentioned here, you've really got all you need. To whet your appetite though, here are three hot items for Hogmanay. Happy New Year!

1. 10% off everything at buyagift.co.uk with code 023478, expiring 10 January 2009.
2. £30 off all orders over £60 at littlewoodsdirect.com with code ZG872, expiring 1 January 2009.
3. 25% off when you spend £20 or more at pizzahut.co.uk using code HSR2411PL. Expires 4 January 2009.