As the Countdown to Christmas Begins...

How to Work Out:

The Original Price in a Sale:

Christmas Shopping:

Tips That Save You Money

Christmas shopping can be stressful, especially when every shop promises a limited-time bargain. Many adults tell me they feel unsure whether a “sale” is actually a good deal.

The good news is that you can use simple Functional Skills maths to check whether a reduction is genuine and work out the original price with confidence.

These are Skills that Count, and they can make a real difference when you are shopping on a budget.

Step 1: Understand what the percentage means

If something is 20 per cent off, you are paying 80 per cent of the original price. If something is 30 per cent off, you are paying 70 per cent of the original price.

This is the quickest way to link the sale price to the original price.

Step 2: Use the “1 per cent method” to find the original

1. Take the price you see on the shelf.

2. Divide it by the percentage you are paying. Example: A gift reduced by 25 per cent means you are paying 75 per cent of the price.

3. Work out 1 per cent by: Sale Price ÷ 75

4. Multiply by 100 to find the original.

Example: A reduced price of £18 at 25 per cent off1 per cent = £18 ÷ 75 = £0.24Original price = £0.24 × 100 = £24

If you'd like a worksheet to help build the Skills that Count, drop me an email or comment.

Quick checks to spot a real saving

• A genuine 50 per cent reduction should always halve the price. If the “before” price is not double the sale price, it is not a true 50 per cent saving.• Anything labelled “up to 70 per cent off” usually means many items have only a small discount. Look at the exact percentage, not the headline.• If the sale price looks unusual, such as £17.99 instead of £18, check the maths. Retailers often round prices to look more attractive.

With a little practice, you can work out original prices quickly, avoid misleading offers and shop with confidence this Christmas and in the New Year Sales.