The old addage 'look after the pennies and the pounds look after themselves' is true! Here are simple and easy tips to make your money last longer.

Try to remember; Buy less. Use less. Waste less.

“Never spend your money before you have it.” - Thomas Jefferson


Bottles and containers
Upturn bottles and containers such as sauce to extract all the contents - you paid for the contents so don't waste them.

Branded goods
Buy own-brand goods when shopping at supermarkets. In many cases, there is no difference at all between those goods and brand named ones apart from the label.

Budgeting
Try keeping a record of every single pound you spend for one month. You'll be amazed at what you discover!

Coffee
Buy a large tin of instant coffee instead of several jars over several weeks. The savings can be considerable.

Credit cards
Try not to use credit cards or store cards. These typically charge very high rates of interest and its easy to get into debt with them.

If you do have a credit card try not to buy things on it unless you can afford to pay it all off when the statement arrives. Don't make the mistake of thinking the money will be there - it probably won't be and you'll be stung with interest charges.

Cut in half
Cut scouring pads, cleaners, dusters and sponges in half before using them - they will go twice as far.

Decorating
Try to live with your house instead of constantly changing it. Keeping up with the latest fashions from glossy magazines and constantly re-decorating will cost a fortune.

A kitchen can be transformed by simply changing the doors - you'll be amazed at the difference.

Electricity
Turn off unnecessary lights. It's fine to use electricity, but not to waste it.

Is anyone actually watching the TV?

Loo rolls
Buy a multi-pack of loo rolls instead of brand-named ones.

Shampoo
Dilute shampoo by a third and it will not only last longer but will also give you a much better lather - try it!

Smoking
Aside from the health issues, smoking literally burns money. Stopping smoking could save you a small fortune. Enough to pay for a holiday each year.

Taps
Don't let taps drip. Mend them fast.

Toothbrushes
Don't throw away your old toothbrush. Put it in your cleaning box or shoe polishing kit.

Toothpaste
Don't squeeze the entire length of the toothbrush! Advertisers want you to use more so they can sell more - cut back to half the brush and make your toothpaste last longer.

Underwear
Don't throw away old underwear - cotton underwear make superb cleaning cloths.

Vinegar
Use vinegar as both a cleaner and disinfectant. You can wipe cupboards down with a vinegar-soaked cloth to help prevent mould.