Money

Getting the best deal

More ways of crushing the credit crunch

A calculator and a notebook for budgeting

The credit crunch has created a climate in which many people are looking to tighten the purse strings to meet the escalating costs of living

So now is the time to make sure you are getting the most for your cash by taking advantage of some sensible money-saving tactics, says Holly Thomas

Clothes

Dedicated followers of fashion will be interested to know that while the credit crunch is hitting retail hard, spells good news for shoppers because the tighter the times get for the shops, the more chance that we'll bag a bargain.

Sales are starting earlier and you can even try your hand at haggling. The worst the shop can say is no. Don't feel bad about going too low - a shop will never sell at a loss no matter what they say.

Holidays

Brochure prices for villas hotels and packages were fixed last year and many operators keep prices unchanged for 2008.

The dollar remains weak against the pound so you can take advantage of spending in countries which accept the US dollar such as in the Caribbean and Egypt, as well as the USA.

Remember to choose a credit card which does not charge fees for use abroad.

Broadband

Switching from one of the most expensive broadband deals on the market to the cheapest could save you about £20 a month or £240 a year.

Today the cheapest broadband deals start at around £7.50 a month (plus line rental) compared to four years ago when the average was £27 and you had to pay BT line rental on top.

A quick online search for comparison sites will help you compare the cost of deals. Consider bundling your broadband, home phone and even TV package to help save those pennies.

Mobile phones

Competition is still rife in this market, so all of us should take advantage where we can. Research suggests that UK phone users could save an estimated total of £849 million by declining the upgraded handset usually given at the end of contracts so that you renew, and haggling for a better-priced bundle instead.

When your current contract comes to an end, research the market and see if you can get something cheaper with a different network. Always check to see if your current provider will match something before leaving. And consider going to pay-as-you-go if you don't use the phone much.

If you're a cinema fan and have an Orange mobile phone or broadband, you can get two-for-the-price-of-one cinema tickets every Wednesday.

Mobile users should text the word "film" to 241 or call 241 from their Orange phone to get their tickets, while broadband customers can sign up online.

* Holly Thomas is an award-winning financial journalist and Deputy Personal Finance Editor at the Daily Express and Sunday Express. Holly's views represent her own opinions and are for general information only. Always seek independent financial advice.

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The opinions expressed are those of the author and are not held by Saga unless specifically stated.
The material is for general information only and does not constitute investment, tax, legal, medical or other form of advice. You should not rely on this information to make (or refrain from making) any decisions. Always obtain independent, professional advice for your own particular situation.