Cut costs around the home

Cut costs around the home

Act today to save hundreds of pounds over the year, says Prima homes expert Suzanne Wilkinson

Your household bills

The idea behind budgeting is simply to give you a better idea of where your money goes, so you can plan ahead.

Write down everything you spend over a month, from bills to takeaway coffees. With the figures in front of you, you can make informed choices about where to cut back.

Always check your bank statements to keep track of what money is going out.

Where you can, pay monthly - it\'s easier to budget and spreads the cost.

Save water

Save water by washing fruit and veg in a bowl rather than under a running tap. Use the leftover water for watering houseplants.

Use minimal water in saucepans and kettles to save energy in boiling time.

Keep a jug of drinking water in the fridge. This will stop you from wasting water, as you\'d usually run the tap until the water runs cold.

Put a filled bottle of water or a brick into your toilet cistern - this will reduce the amount of water used with each flush.

Cheaper calls

Mobile phone contracts can add a huge amount to your outgoings. Here\'s how to make sure you\'re getting the best deal:

Always look at combined offers for mobile phones and broadband (and even TV). You\'re using the same lines for the services and will get much better value with one provider.

Buy a SIM card only if you already own a mobile phone you like. SIM-only tariffs can offer more than double the amount of free minutes and texts you get with pay monthly.

Visit a phone comparison site, such as www.onecompare.com, which will help you find the cheapest deal.

Save power

Using low-energy light bulbs is a must at home. Or go one stage further and replace old bulbs with LED bulbs where possible. Using these will give you savings on your electricity.

Replace your lamps with fully dimmable Osram Dulux El Dim energy-saving ones (£15 from Sainsbury\'s).

The Energy Saving Trust gives free and impartial advice, which could save you up to £250 a year on your bills. Give your home a free energy check by visiting www.energysavingtrust.org.uk or call 0800 512012.

Register your details at www.thecomparisons.com. This comparison website will give you the best deals for all your essential spending, and even tell you the best time to switch utilities to save money.

Power saver: A simple high-watt bulb is more efficient than a cluster of low-watt bulbs.

Cut car costs

Streetcar hires out cars by the hour, offering savings and convenience over traditional car ownership. The Financial Times compared the cost of driving a privately owned Volkswagen Golf and a Streetcar for 3000 miles a year - the result was an annual saving of £1890 for Streetcar users.

Visit the website www.petrolprices.com to find the cheapest petrol in your area.

Drive at 50mph instead of 70mph to cut your fuel bill by 30 per cent.

Check your tyres - under-inflated tyres waste petrol.

Only use the roof rack and bike racks when you need to, as the extra weight will lead to less fuel efficiency.

Save on insurance

Save time and money at www.comparethemarket.com, which compares quotes from over 15 home insurance providers. The Which? Money Saving Handbook 2008 (£10.99) advises against wasting money on insurance you don\'t need. It\'s available at bookshops, online at www.which.co.uk or by calling 01903 828557.

Insurance to avoid: extended warranties, identity theft cover, payment protection insurance, mobile phone cover and accidental death and injury cover.