Travel and Leisure

There are lots of ways to save money. Keep it simple, and keep it local! By focusing on what's around you in your local community, you could easily make savings on things you do every day. Go online and look up your local community services, and you'll instantly get the support you need.

1. Review your mortgage

The most expensive thing you are ever likely to buy is your home. If you are not in the privileged position to pay cash, make sure the loan you use to finance it is the best available. Why not look for a local independent financial adviser or ask someone to recommend one to help you find the best deal for you? Make sure they deal with all of market though so that you can be sure they are exploring all the possibilities on your behalf rather than just a selection.

2. Cut the cost of your fuel bills

First of all calculate your expenditure, then shop around for a better deal than the one you are receiving from your existing supplier. Secondly, employ some energy saving initiatives such as switching off unused lights, changing to energy saving light bulbs, ensuring your home is insulated and your heating system is serviced regularly to make sure it is working optimally. Use an online local community services directory to find local plumbing and heating specialists and search for retailers of energy saving products.

3. Do some home cooking

Home cooking is often cheaper and healthier than ready meals. Visit your local shops on foot and buy your fresh ingredients.

4. Consider own-brand goods

Support your local shops and buy their own brands, and you could save a few pence on every item you buy . It all adds up, and often you won't notice any difference in quality. Look up your local community business directory online for listings of all local supermarkets and convenience stores.

5. Walk or cycle to work or your local station

Save money on bus or taxi fares and parking fees by walking or cycling. It's healthier, greener and a morning walk can be very refreshing and helps you get to know your local area. You never know, you may see a shop or service you didn't notice before from the car or bus that may be of real use to you.

6. Get off the train one station before your usual stop

Depending on your travel Zones, alighting one station early could save you money every time you buy a ticket, and you get more exercise too! Not to mention the chance to visit your local shops on the way home and save money by buying locally!

7. Give up smoking

This is one thing that could save you hundreds of pounds over the course of a year. Visit www.redquit.co.uk for local help, or simply call into any local pharmacy that displays a Give up Smoking poster in their window. You can also look up a list of local pharmacies via your online local community business directory.

8. Use your local library

Instead of buying books, CDs and DVDs that you may well only use once, why not borrow them from your local library? As well as the obvious borrowing element, your local library is a fantastic resource for the whole family, offering a reference section, local information from well-informed librarians, internet access and an array of information on local services. Details of your local library and the services on offer can be found on your local community website.

9. Take up a hobby

If you are occupied with a hobby, then you will spend less time shopping! For ideas on sports and other activities in your local area, check your local community online directory.

10. Use your local shops and services

Save on petrol and parking fees by walking to your local shops! A leisurely stroll to the local shops could save you money and get you some exercise at the same time.