This guide gives you a selection of small ideas that together could make a big difference to making your money go further.

Switch off

If you're not using it - switch it off - anything that uses gas or electricity.  Make sure your television is off and not just on standby.  Also if you have a computer, when you shut it down, remember to turn off the monitor.

Save a little every day

You know what they say - "Look after the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves!"  Why not save all your copper in a large container for a few months.  You'll be surprised how much you will have after a few months.  Or, why not save £1 every day?  At the end of the year the £365 could mean a more affordable Christmas.

Give up smoking

If you're a 20-a-day smoker, chances are you’re probably spending around £30 per week?  Give up, or cut down, and see those pounds mount up.

Budget

Make a list of all your outgoings and income.  Take a good look at where you can make savings.  You could try writing everything down for a few weeks to keep a close eye on how things really are.

Credit cards

Limit the number of cards you carry.  One is convenient but multiple cards can turn into a big problem.  A debit card ensures you’re only using money that is actually in your account.

Learn to cook

It's amazing how much cheaper it is to cook a meal from scratch rather than by convenience foods.  If you spend £3 on a macaroni cheese ready meal you could have cooked a meal for a family of four for half the cost using just pasta, flour, milk and cheese.

The Internet

If you're making a big purchase do some research on the Internet.  Price comparisons sites can be a big help.

Staying in is the new going out

• Don't go to the pub - invite friends round to you instead
• Record a daytime film and watch it when you get home from work
• Do that DIY job you've been putting off for ages
• Plan a holiday (even if you’re not thinking of going anywhere, thinking about it can really give you a boost)
• Play a favourite childhood game
• Re-arrange your furniture or do an early spring clean
• Spend the evening listening to all your old tapes, records or CDs

And that goes for work too

Don't be tempted to go out in your lunch break.  If you spend an average of £3 per day on your lunch that's £15 per week and £60 per month.  Do something new to take your mind off your less exciting homemade sandwich.

• Try reading the news on the internet, or your horoscope or your favourite comedy site or TV channel site
• Put pen to paper and write a letter to a friend
• Play a game with one of your colleagues - start an office chess championship
• Read a book