Save money every month of the year

January

Start the year with a budget

A detailed annual budget will help you cut spending on the non-essentials. Include home expenses; insurance; transport; loan repayments; savings; family costs; clothing; big one-offs, such as Christmas, holidays and birthdays; and a column for any other costs.

For a more detailed guide,  click here to download House Beautiful's monthly budget planner Going through your outgoings will show up whether you're paying for anything you shouldn't. Tim Newhouse from moneysupermarket.com says, ‘Many of us lose thousands in dribs and drabs over the year in direct debits and automatic renewals without even realising.'

Potential annual saving: £3000 to £5000

Good time to buy: Everything! But if your budget's limited, buy tools in the sales so you can make home improvements.