Around the house and home

There are many ways to save money at home. Cutting heating bills and finding cheaper prices soon adds up.

Find out if you can get out of your mobile phone contract. If you can try to upgrade to a cheaper and more appropriate package, mobile packages are often changed during the term of a contract, so make sure you get the best value for money. Even if you have to pay to get out of your current contract, spread over 12 months, it may work out less if you switch to a cheaper calling package.

Go to your favorite news agents. They often have DIY kits that cover everything from divorces to residential leases, business accounts, HIP, and wedding planning.

Get a tenant. They are often clean, tidy, and if you’re heading to the business market, your guest is likely to stay for only a few days during the week.

Do not put the heating, put another layer. If you are cold in a sweatshirt and pants, use the heating!

Research the things you want to buy. Find out as many details online, then visit a store to see it in person to make sure it’s right for you. Then visit price comparison websites to take advantage of the best prices on the Internet.

Save money on laptops and the latest iPod models, as these are higher-priced items that offer the biggest potential savings when you shop around; you’ll even find deals on luxury items and gifts, like cheap perfumes and Wii games.

Find the best in home utility bills. It is estimated that most people are paying more than they need to on fuel bills, and checking utility exchange sites to compare rates often results in huge savings.

Turn off computers, TV DVD players, HiFi, ovens and other electrical items in hands.

Do some cleaning, there must be a lot of unused stuff in the attic, under your bed or in the garage. Put it on auction sites or in free online classified ads. You’ll be surprised what people buy!

Cancel your Sky subscription, use Digital Freeview or Free Sat – lots of free channels not unlike Sky!

Go to the movies on a deal. Many large chains offer vouchers for families and those who visit on weekends. If your mobile provider is Orange then they offer a 2 for 1 scheme on Wednesdays; see the Orange website for more details.