Save money every month of the year

October

Insulate your home

As temperatures drop you'll be turning the heating on, so help keep costs down by increasing your insulation. When recarpeting, invest in Combilux Royale underlay. At £8.95 a metre it will retain heat in your room, and also give your carpet a longer life.

‘It's worth ensuring your curtains are sufficiently lined,' says Shirley Nichols, Furnishing Advisor at John Lewis Bluewater. ‘If you have curtains made from a lightweight material, add a blind to help cut heat loss. Avoid covering radiators with floor-length curtains, as your room won't heat up as efficiently as it could.'

Insulating your loft can save you about £110 a year on energy bills, according to the Energy Saving Trust. Cavity wall insulation saves about £90 a year, and insulated floors can save about £40.

Potential annual saving: £240+

Good time to buy: A dining table. With a lull in sales at this time of year, they can be delivered more quickly and prices drop.