How to save money

Find out how to make your pennies stretch further with our top tips for saving money

Illustration of mum with piggy bank and vouchers

05 January 2010

Save money by saving energy in the kitchen Defrost your freezer regularly so it’s cheaper to run, and don’t keep the fridge door open for too long as your fridge takes three minutes to cool back down again. Wash clothes at lower temperatures and avoid boiling up more water than you need in your kettle. The Energy Saving Trust offers a free personalised home energy check to help you save money on your bills.

Pay by direct debit Most electricity, gas and phone companies offer a discount if you pay your bills by direct debit.

Use email “If I need to write to someone, I always ask for an email address. Emailing is cheaper than sending a letter and much quicker.”

Bill, dad of Sam, 2

Buy energy-saving bulbs “We keep lights on all night outside the children’s rooms and the bulbs kept blowing. So we bought energy-saving bulbs, which were more expensive but are supposed to last longer and use less electricity. Three years later, they’re still going strong!”

Mandy, mum of Connor, 6, and Kelly, 2

Freeze leftovers “If I have food left over after a meal, I always put it straight in the freezer. I used to leave it in the fridge and then forget about it until it had gone off! Now everything gets eaten.”

Rosie, mum of Victoria, 4, and Lily, ten months

Turn off and unplug Turn televisions, DVD players, stereos, computers and other electrical equipment off when you’re not using them. If you leave them on ‘standby’, they’ll continue to use power and add to your electricity bill. Likewise, unplug your mobile phone charger after use.

Compare prices Make a regular price comparison on your utility and insurance bills to ensure you’re getting the best deals. Compare gas and electricity prices at www.energyhelpline.com or www.uswitch.com. Before you renew your insurance, ring a few companies for quotes as many will offer discounts to new customers.

Make your own popcorn "Save money at the cinema by bringing your own popcorn. The kind you cook in the microwave at home works out about £2.50 cheaper than cinema boxes.”

Jas, mum of Ravi, 6, and Anju, 4

Download free computer games “My older children love playing computer games. There are loads of games on the internet, all free – just browse any search engine.”

Sarah, mum of Millie, 8, Jake, 6, and Daisy, 2

Use your loyalty card Supermarket loyalty card points can be worth up to four times more if you use them to buy tickets for family attractions such as theme parks, rather than taking money off your shopping bill. Check with your supermarket for the latest deals.

Swap unwanted DVDs “Swap your unwanted DVDs for cash or other films at any large rental chain such as Blockbuster,” says Jane Furnival, money expert from BBC1’s Smart Spenders. “Check with smaller local shops too, to see who offers the best deal. The same applies for PlayStation and other computer games.”

Switch to rechargeable batteries “Our kids have a knack of leaving their toys switched on! We were spending a fortune on batteries until we bought a charger and started using rechargeable batteries.”

Frank, dad of Brandon, 9, Jamie, 6, and Billy, 5

Borrow toys for more play options You can borrow a whole range of toys from your local toy library, usually for just a small joining fee. There are over 1,000 toy libraries across the UK. To find your nearest one, contact the National Association of Toy and Leisure Libraries.

Go to free TV recordings “Rather than pay to take your children to a show, you can get free tickets to TV and radio programme recordings. Your kids may even see their favourite celebrities,” says Jane Furnival. “For shows on all channels, including satellite, Applause Store offers free seats or try BBC Audience Services.”

Watch for sell-by-date bargains “I pick up great bargains by popping into the supermarket at the end of the day when they’re marking down food that’s near its sell-by date. When I have the children with me, I bring along snacks to avoid them wanting to buy every sweet thing they see on the shelves.”

Claire, mum of twins Ted and Martha

Get online bargains Buying online is often cheaper than on the high street. Use a 'shopbot' (a website that finds the cheapest internet prices) such as www.kelkoo.co.uk or www.pricerunner.co.uk. “If you prefer to shop in person, turn an online price into an offline price,” says Martin Lewis, money-saving expert from ITV’s Make Me Rich. “Some high-street retailers will match internet prices if you push them. If retailers have online and high-street outlets, print out the cheaper online price and they may match it in store.”

Check the unit cost When buying nappies, wipes and toilet rolls in packs, check the unit cost (price per nappy, for example) as well as the pack price to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Most supermarkets now display both prices on the shelf.

Cut out those coupons “My friends call me a voucher vulture! I have a box full of stockpiled money-off coupons and save at least £10 a week on my shopping!”

Maxine, mum of Tyler, 5

Designer discounts There are many designer discount villages and websites offering cut-price top label clothes. For details of outlets near you, visit www.design offers.co.uk

Hit the sales “I go to end-of-season sales and buy cut-price clothes a size too big for the kids, so they can wear them the following year when it’s the right season again.”

Fran, mum of Sam, 5, and Lucy, 2