Save money every month of the year

August

Do some DIY and bargain hunting

The bank holiday weekend is a great time for DIY fans to pick up bargains, as all the main brands drop their prices. So use this month to spruce up a room in your house with a lick of paint, which tends to be one of the most commonly reduced products at this time of year.

Painting three average-sized rooms, which need little preparation, would cost around £120 for paint, brushes and other equipment if you do the work yourself, whereas paying someone could cost as much as £900. A guide, such as Collins Complete DIY Manual, will help you get it right.

Potential annual saving: £900+

Good time to buy: A car. Sales are down and now retailers want to shift stock to make way for the new registrations.