How to reduce your spending

Save money as a private renter ›

Make sure you rent from an ‘accredited’ landlord. This protects you if you have a dispute. Renting an unfurnished home may save money on the long-term.

Spend less on insurance ›

Shop around and tell your provider you have a better offer or cut back on insurance you don’t need. Make sure you don’t pay a fee to leave your contract early.

Spend less on energy bills ›

The golden rule is: Heat the person, not the room. You may be able to apply for support with insulating your home, which will mean you can turn down the heating.

Switch utility providers ›

Energy providers compete with one another to offer the best deals. They sometimes offer big discounts to new customers. Keep a close eye on the comparison sites.

See if you can get a council tax discount ›

You may be able to get one if you are on a low income, on benefits or the only person in your home. Check with your local council and complain if your rate is wrong.

Spend less when raising a family ›

Make sure you are not missing out on all the financial support available. Especially if you are raising a child on your own. Make the most of free resources for parents.

Spend less during the school holidays ›

From activities at the local library through to cheap travel on public transport. It doesn’t have to cost a lot to entertain the whole family. Yes, even if it is raining.

Spend less on prescriptions

Save money by buying a Pre-Payment Prescription Certificate (PPC). This could save you a lot of money if you have a lot of medication to take regularly.

Spend less on food ›

Batch cook, stick to a strict shopping list, make the most of coupons and special offers. These small changes, and more, all add up. You can eat well and spend less.

Spend less on clothes ›

From activities at the local library through to cheap travel on public transport. It doesn’t have to cost a lot to entertain the whole family. Yes, even if it is raining.

Spend less on transport ›

Keep track of money-saving deals and try to book ahead or travel off-peak. Buy a season ticket for work to save even more – and use it ‘for free’ on your days off.

Spend less on your social life ›

Tell your friends and family you are avoiding spending. They will understand. Have ‘pot luck’ nights in or join late and leave early (before the last bus) on nights out.

Make money last until payday ›

Keep a spending diary and break the over-spending patterns you spot. Use cashback and loyalty points. Make the most of outdoor space (it’s free) to meet up with friends.

Spend less on mobiles, broadband and TV ›

Have an audit and only keep the paid-for channels you get the most out of. Haggle with your phone provider or apply for a ‘social tariff’ to pay a reduced rate.

Avoid too good to be true ‘bargains’ ›

Black Friday deals, and similar, can be really tempting. But it is only a good deal if you were going to buy it in the first place. Only buy one, get one free if you will use both.

Spend less on toiletries and cleaning products

Own brand products can be much cheaper and just as good. Only buy what you have on your shopping list. And make the most of coupons and cashback offers.

Cover emergencies ›

A cost that comes without warning can leave you out of pocket. Put money aside to cover repairs and more. Fill a jar with loose change or create an online savings pot.