Top Ten Money Saving Tips

In the current economic climate we are all looking for ways to spend less cash, so here are our top ten money saving tips to help you spend less.

1. Look for cheaper gas and electricity. If you haven't already done so, with recent cuts in energy prices, now is a great time to switch. British Gas for instance have some excellent dual fuel rates if you use them to supply your gas and electricity.

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 not happy with a product or service you have spent good money on, you could have cause to complain. If your complaint is upheld you might get a refund, money off or vouchers to spend another time.

4. Don't be fooled into spending more on big brands. Supermarket own brands of toilet roll and staple foods like flour are much cheaper and you will be hard pushed 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. Don't be so competitive. What would you rather have, a brand new car or more money to spend on days out with the family? Let other people's lifestyles be their problem 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. Take up cookery. Ready meals, convenience foods and takeaways takeaways are expensive and can be unhealthy. Cooking can be very relaxing, and the food you eat will be tastier and cost you a lot less. Make double 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.

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