Tips For Staying Out Of Debt

Start Saving for Christmas Early – Christmas always involves extra expense, so join a savings club or hamper catalogue and start saving now.

Check out benefits – you might be eligible for Government entitlements like childcare tax credit or income support. www.entitledto.com will tell you if you are missing any entitlement.

Cut up store cards – they usually charge the highest interest rates and offer the most temptation, so get out the scissors sister.

Know your limits – reduce the credit limits on any existing credit cards, so that you control debt, rather than it controlling you.

Change your bank – check out the internet banks and take advantage of free banking offers and lower overdraft rates.

Review your mortgage – you could save hundreds by remortgaging, but weigh up the total cost, including legal fees.

Kids chip in – working-age kids could contribute to household expenses and prepare them for leaving home (eventually).

Juggle your utilities – save money by switching your gas, electricity, water and phone suppliers. For example www.uswitch.com who will help you choose a new supplier

Make shopping lists – make a list of what you actually need and save yourself from impulse buying.

Eyes down for bargains – eye-level supermarket shelves hold premium brands, so look down for cheaper alternatives.

Always think twice – when browsing in shops or online, think ’do I really need this?’ before being tempted to spend.

Enjoy days out – instead of planning expensive holiday, have days out locally and enjoy free regional attractions.

Pay as you go – buy a pay-as-you-go mobile phone and only spend on calls as and when you need.