Coins
Budgeting is essential to truly take control of your money. You could try using an online budget calculator to take the pain out of the task.
Take a computer course Calling out the computer repair man can be expensive – and sometimes the solution turns out to be annoyingly simple. The cost can often be avoided with a little know-how. Check out your local library, community centre or Adult Studies courses to see what is available. You may be able to find a free course, and maybe one starting in January.
Insulate your home With another cold winter upon us, check out measures to stop wasting money on fuel. Insulating your hot water tank and walls and maybe getting a new boiler can save a lot of money. Help may be available – see www.energysavingtrust.org.uk for more information.
Avoid late fees A little organisation can pay off. Late fees for credit cards, store cards phone bills etc will add up - and squander cash needlessly. If you struggle to remember to pay on time, consider setting up a Direct Debit.
Buy cheaper cuts of meat Money-saving is about avoiding waste, not going without altogether. Cheaper cuts of meat can be tasty if cooked properly – slowly in a casserole, for example. And instead of expensive and threatened species of fish such as cod, try the cheaper, more plentiful coley, pollock and mackerel.
Waste not, want not As well as cutting out the bigger money-wasters, don’t ignore the little things. Use up that sauce bottle, shampoo, toothpaste tube etc, before discarding it.
Cut incidental spending Review bank statements to see if there are any direct debits slipping under the radar.
Give up smoking If you still smoke, the health benefits should be reason enough to quit. But working out your annual tobacco spend might persuade you too: a 20-a-daty habit will cost a staggering £2,000 or more per year.
Beware squeezy bottles Eating ketchup, mayonnaise, honey and other foods from squeezy bottles may be convenient – but could lead to increased consumption as it is prone to being dolloped out too liberally. If weight loss is a New Year resolution, you have another reason to revert to jars and bottles.
Cut down on washing powder and dishwasher tablets You could experiment with this - you will probably get the sane results with half the recommended amount of detergent.
Written by Andrew Stucken, this article was first published on December 22, 2010. Andrew's opinions are his own and for general information only. Always seek independent, professional, financial advice.