• Get everyone in the household putting all their small change into a jar, if you empty your coins into the jar each night, you'll be surprised how quickly it fills!

  

• Look at downgrading your monthly mobile phone tariff to a cheaper option if you're not using all your free minutes and texts. If you pay as you go, you might save money by buying bundles.

• Stay active and walk or cycle to work, if you live either side of Portsmouth harbour for example, commuting by car and train can cost a lot. Take your bike, brave the weather and keep fit in the bargain!

• Sell your clutter on e-bay, the online auction house has opened individual sellers to a world full of buyers. Are any of your unwated Birthday or Christmas presents saleable?

• Use your local library; renting dvd's can be expensive so why not join your local library where you can often loan books, cd's and dvd's at luttle or no extra cost than your membership!

• When you go shopping, make a list. it has been suggested that we thow away almost a third of what we buy, so only purchase BOGOFs that you will eat and you can freeze, or they may end up in the bin!

• It's easy to forget how much you are required to pay out per month; follow this link and you can print and use our budget planner so that you can work out your dispoable income and will hopefully have a better chance of staying in control of your finances.

Whilst the cold weather seems like it's here to stay, we though we'd give you a few pointers on how to keep yourself warm and those fuel bills down:

Regular hot drinks and meals provide warmth and energy.

• Keep curtains drawn and doors closed to block out draughts.

Wear several layers of light clothing as opposed to one chunky layer.

• You should try to keep your home between 18 and 21 degrees.

Keep as active as you can.

• If you can't heat all rooms all of the time, heat your living room during the day and bedroom before you go to bed.

If you work, set your timer so that heating comes on before you get home - rather than putting it on full blast when you walk in the front door.

Winter Fuel Payments: If you are aged 60 or over you may get a Winter Fuel Payment to help towards heating costs this winter. This can be between £125 and £400 depending on your situation. Find out if you are eligible for this payment and how to apply by visiting: www.direct.gov.uk