1. Shop around on all your consumables. Don’t think that just because you did a price evaluation a couple of months ago that data is still valid! Visit mysupermarket.com to compare prices at the leading supermarkets and save money.
2. Experts expect gas and electricity costs to continue rising. Consider switching to a cheaper supplier, using one of the many switching sites such as theenergyshop.com.
3. The cost of petrol has risen enormously over the last year. If you register your details at petrolprices.com, it will tell you the cheapest petrol stations in your postcode area - and it is free. If you can, streamline all travel for work and cut out non-essential journeys. If you dismantle your roof rack, drive everywhere at 30mph and pump your tyres up properly, you will also save on fuel consumption. According to the RAC, motorists pay eight per cent more in fuel from having under-inflated tyres!
4. Look seriously at your printing costs. By refilling your laser printer cartridges instead of replacing each time you can save a large amount of money, typically around 50%. Visit www.tonertopup.co.uk to check out how much it will cost to refill your printer cartridge. Most laser printer cartridges can be refilled with their specific toner at least two or three times before other components wear out and for many laser printers, refilling is just a matter of removing a filler plug and pouring the powder in.
5. Look into your broadband costs. If you signed up with your broadband provider more than a year ago, you may be paying up to 50% more than you need. Check out deals at uswitch.com, a useful site which not only lists the prices of deals but also publishes customer satisfaction ratings.
6. When you are shopping on the Internet don’t forget that discount vouchers and promotional codes are available for lots of things. Try myvouchercodes.co.uk, sendmediscounts.co.uk or vouchercodes.com to access money-off codes that you can use online or in some cases print off and use in stores.
7. Every time you dial a number prefixed by 0870, 0871, 0844 or 0845, you're swelling the coffers of large companies such as British Gas, the DVLA, TV Licensing, Scottish Power and NatWest. Visit www.saynoto0870.com. This site lists well-known firms and their equivalent geographical numbers. For instance, if you have a licence enquiry, the DVLA wants you to ring 0870 2400009 - but you can call 01792 782341 and avoid the rip-off charges.
8. If you can, use Skype or another voice over internet protocol (VoIP) service to call abroad, rather than building up a huge phone bill. This is also great for UK calls. As for your mobile phone, don’t forget that Pay-as-you-go might be cheaper than a contract if you don't use your mobile all that much. When searching for a number, instead of ringing up directory inquiries use the free service 0800 1183733 or 0800 118FREE.
9. Make your savings work harder. Many accounts offer initial bonuses as part of their headline rate, so inevitably after six months or a year, you will find the rate you are earning is no longer attractive. Check your current rate and compare with what's available elsewhere on moneyfacts.co.uk.
10. Look into your council tax bill. In 1991 properties were given 'drive-by' valuations to assess which band they should be in: many ended up in the wrong band as a result, with some homeowners paying more than they should. Visit the 'Reclaim' section of moneysavingexpert.com to establish whether you are paying too much.
How to survive the credit crunch – ten topical tips - To learn more about this author, visit Elizabeth Young's Website.
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