Tip 1

Plan ahead for what you want... or for the unexpected

Put away a bit each month in a savings account. You can start building your holiday fund or safety net to cover yourself for unexpected bills. Set up a Direct Debit from £20 a month or more and watch your money grow.

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Tip 2

Know where your money goes

Jot down everything you spend. Whether it's a daily latte or meals out at the weekend you'll soon see where your money goes, and where you can cut back. Put what you'd spend on little treats into a savings account. It'll soon add up to one big treat.

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Tip 3

Reward yourself... for shopping

There's a lot more to credit cards than a great rate. With the right one you can build up handy loyalty points. So you can pick up your weekly shop and some really useful rewards at the same time. And while you are shopping, switching from big brands to own brand at the supermarket means you can keep the quality and your cash.

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Tip 4

Borrow only what you need

A loan can help consolidate your borrowings. To save money in the long run don't be tempted to borrow more than you need. So have a good think about what you need and put your loan to the best use.

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Tip 5

Shop around as you drive around

Petrol prices change like the weather and they vary too around the country. So shop around before you pull up to fill up. And keep your eyes peeled for money-off vouchers and loyalty points.

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Tip 6

Do your homework

Getting to grips with what's on offer can really help you save. For example, when shopping for car insurance look for practical extras like no-claims discount for life, or policies that protect your shopping if it's in the car.

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Tip 7

Safe as houses

Stepping up security at home could save you cash. A few extra window locks, or even joining your local Neighbourhood Watch could be just enough to see a difference on your home insurance premiums. And try to avoid false economies like cutting back on contents insurance as it might leave you out of pocket later. That bit extra now will make sure you're properly covered later.

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Tip 8

Get some quotes before you get packing

Ring around and get some quotes before you buy travel insurance. It's an alternative to picking it up from your travel agent. You could save cash by opting for an annual policy or going for one that offers free cover for toddlers.

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Tip 9

Keep your furry family covered and save

There's never a good time to be landed with a big bill, and vet's bills can be huge. A comprehensive but competitively priced insurance policy for your pets means you won't be left out of pocket if they do get themselves into trouble.

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Tip 10

Save on holiday spends

There's a lot of choice out there, even for your holiday cash. So before you jet off, look out for deals like 0% commission, special rates and seasonal offers. Or consider the extra protection and flexibility a pre-paid card could give you.

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