Top Ten Ways to Save Money

                                                                                         

We're all tightening our belts in the current economic climate, so here are our top ten money saving ideas to help you spend less.

1. Shop around for gas and electricity. Recent cuts in energy prices mean that it is an excellent time to find a better deal. For example, British Gas have some great dual fuel tariffs if you use them to supply your electricity and gas.

2. Don't get caught out by bank charges. You can easily go over your overdraft limit or forget when the interest free period on your credit card expires, but even a small mistake can cost you a fortune in interest and fees. Sort out your household budget and plan your spending.

3. Don't be scared to complain. If you are unsatisfied with a product or service you have paid good money for, you may have cause to complain. If your complaint is justified you could get a refund, money off or vouchers to spend another time.

4. Don't spend more for big brand names. Supermarket own brands of washing up liquid and staples like sugar are a lot cheaper and you might not even be able to tell the difference.

5. Shop around for your financial products like mortgages, credit cards, savings accounts and loans. Even in the credit crunch there are big differences in interest rates on offer, and even a difference of one per cent on your mortgage could add up to thousands of pounds over the lifetime of the loan.

6. Be your own person. Instead of keeping up with the Jones's, ask yourself what you would rather have, a brand new car or more money to spend on days out with the family? Don't be competitive and work out your own priorities.

7. Give up smoking. It's anti-social, it's unhealthy and it costs a fortune.

8. Take advantage of the sales. Waiting for the sales to buy clothes and household goods. Get your Christmas cards, decorations and even presents in the January sales and store them for the following year.

9. Learn to cook. You can pay a lot for ready made sauces and takeaways. If you learn to cook you can eat healthier, tastier food very quickly. Cook up twice the amount you need and freeze half for another day.

10. Don't pay for a gym membership you never use. If you don't go at least three times a week you're probably wasting your money and could still pay for the odd session when the fancy takes you. Exercise comes free if you walk, run or cycle, and can be a lot more sociable than the gym if you arrange to meet a friend.

About the author:

British Gas have the cheapest energy prices on average in the UK. To find out more and take advantage of these great electric rates visit their website www.britishgas.co.uk



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