Martin Lewis issues 'extreme' money saving tip which could save you thousands in 2023 - 'Do not do it!'

Martin Lewis has issued an extreme money saving tip which could save households thousands this year.

The advice is targeted at people who are in debt and use a 0 per cent card.

The intention it that is helps people to clear their debts and not give in to temptation.

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Martin urged people to focus on clearing debts with the highest interest first: “Clear your debts in highest interest order first, which for many will be the overdraft.

"You only pay the minimum on the others. Then when the top one goes, you focus on clearing the next highest and so on. It's called snowballing and it gets rid of your debts more quickly.

"If you have any savings use them to clear the debts. If you have an emergency you can always put it back on the card afterwards, you haven't lost anything. If you're struggling, tell people you're in debt, tell people you can't afford to buy a round.

He advised people to “set up a direct debit to pay at least the minimum. You can pay more, but make sure you're not missing that.”

“Next, make sure you clear the card before the 0 per cent ends or you will pay back the 20-22 per cent rate. If you can't do that, you need to balance transfer it again. Do not spend on these cards. Do not withdraw cash on these cards, because that is usually not at a cheap rate.

"These cards are only for shifting debt to. And if you really don't trust yourself, get the card, get a bowl of water. Card in the water, bowl in the fridge [freezer], then you'll need a hammer to spend on the card and it might give you a moment of thinking time."

Inflation in the UK eased last month but cost pressures remained intense for cash-strapped households as food prices hit another 45-year high, according to official figures.

The Office for National Statistics said the rate of Consumer Prices Index inflation fell to 10.5 per cent in December from 10.7 per cent, offering a further sign that the cost-of-living crisis may have passed its peak.