FREE ENERGY SAVING LIGHTBULBS

From Friday 31 October 2008, anyone who takes a traditional light bulb to any B&Q store in England, Scotland and Wales will receive two energy saving bulbs to replace it, helping customers to reduce both their carbon footprint and electricity bills. B&Q has 589,700 energy saving light bulbs to exchange for traditional bulbs (offer limited to two free energy saving light bulbs per household).

FREE COMPETITIONS - HOLIDAYS & TRAVEL

You've got to be in it to win it, right? And someone has to, let's face it.

WIN TICKETS & TRAVEL

Win 4 tickets to Alton Towers.

Win a holiday for 4 in Florida.

Win a trip to Dubai.

Win a romantic break in Paris.

Win a trip to the Seychelles.

FREE STUFF

FREE STUFF - GENERAL SAMPLES


Free puppy pack - trial pack & puppy care advice.


FREE STUFF - FRAGRANCE SAMPLE

Hugo Boss Pure Sample


Mariah Carey Fragrance Sample


Ghost Sweetheart Sample


FREE STUFF - BEAUTY SAMPLES

Nivea Visage Expert Lift

Loreal Revitalift

Head & Shoulders Travel Size Sample


Roc Retin-ox Sample


Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Skincare Sample


Olay Total Effects 7 in 1 Sample





FREE SIM CARDS

T-Mobile - 2 sims.

Tesco Mobile - 2 sims.

O2 - 2 sims.

MAKING MONEY - SELLING STUFF

EBAY

Ebay is a great tool for another who has ever bought ANYTHING. One persons trash is anothers treasure, so before you throw something out, even if it is a Primark jumper, try selling it on Ebay. You'd be surprised.

LOCAL PAPER

Some items are better to be seen before they're bought, other people just don't feel comfortable using Ebay. So sell things you don't need in your local paper.

You may also find a bargain pretty close to home.

MAKING MONEY: BANK CHARGES

Lately we've heard a lot about people claiming back their bank charges from the last 5 years, amounting to quite a tidy sum.

Contact your bank and ask for a list of charges from the past 5 years.

Then, follow the steps as described here.

Please let me know if you successfully do this, I love it when the little guy beats the big corporation!

SAVING MONEY - FOOD AND DRINK

FOOD AND DRINK

EATING OUT

1. For students, there are many pubs and restaurants that offer a discount. ring your student card along and ask.

2. Don't be afraid to wrap up anything you don't eat and bring it home. Most portions are too much to eat at once and can be eaten later.

3. Look for smaller eateries that have a bring your own drinks policy. The price of drinks along with your food can be extortionate.

4. Prepare your own coffee and bring it with you in a small flask. Save up to £1000 per year by avoiding Starbucks.

5. Make sandwiches at home. Some are priced at £3+ - which is an absolute rip off.

HOME COOKING

1. Visit places such as Aldi, Farmfoods and Lidl. They are known as discount supermarkets for a reason.

2. Bulk buy. If you can't use it before it's sell by date, freeze it. It's cheaper, saves you money on trips to and from the super market and makes you less likely to resort to take aways.

3. Buy the supermarkets own brand. Chances are you won't taste the difference but your wallet will feel it.

4. Buy less ready meals. They are expensive and unhealthy.

5. Avoid fizzy drinks. Expensive and they damage your teeth. Switch to concentrated juice which you add water to.

Saving Money - Energy, Phone & Internet

HOUSEHOLD - SAVE ENERGY AND MONEY

FURNITURE & TOOLS

1. Buy second hand furniture. Check local newspapers, Ebay and Charity Shops for great furniture far cheaper than brand new.

2. If you need something for a very short time, see if you can borrow it from someone instead of buying it.

3. Reuse carrier bags.

4. Clean your own carpets - you can often hire a carpet cleaning machine for under £10. This usually includes carpet shampoo.

ENERGY SAVING

1. Use energy efficient light bulbs - many gas & electric providers offer these free.

2. Use energy efficient products - microwaves, toasters, kettles etc. Check Argos.

3. Using a tumble drier to dry your clothes every day not only wastes energy but increases the moisture level in your home. Try to let clothes hang outside to try as much as possible.

4. Switch appliances off at the wall. Leaving them on standby uses up to 80% of the power they use when they are on!

5. Switch to the same provider for Gas & electricity. Many providers offer a discount for this. Click here.

PHONE & INTERNET

1. Using one provider tfor TV, Broadband and phone may not be the cheapest option. Click here to compare.

2. Save on international calls here.

3. Mobile phone pay as you go providers are now realising that people won't pay as much as they used to. Orange now offer free unlimited texts when you top up £10, as well as the option of a percentage of your top ups paid back onto your account. Check phone companies websites - in such a competitive industry they're sure to be offering something.

4. Free sim cards! It's been known for providers to charge up to £10 per pay as you go simcard. Sign up here to find out which companies are offering free sims any time!

Saving Money - Transport

PUBLIC TRANSPORT - TRAINS

1. Railcards are a great way to save up to 1/3 off journeys click here. This is not only a great discount available to young people, they have several different types of card to suit different people. The Young Persons Railcard costs £24 - sometimes you can make that back from the saving from 1 journey alone!

2. Always buy tickets online in advance. Fares are far more expensive when you buy on the day. You can even use your railcard when purchasing online.

3. 2 singles are often cheaper than a return, check this online.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT - BUSES

1. For one off long distance travel, use the Megabus which you can book online from £1.

2. First Bus operate in most areas and offer students a significant discount on week and month tickets. This allows unlimited travel within certain areas. Click here for details.

3. Night buses are a great cheap alternative to expensive taxis. Search First Bus or your local coach provider for more information.

PERSONAL MOBILITY - CARS AND MOTORCYCLES

1. Don't waste money at a garage having your car cleaned, do it at home and save up to £4.50.

2. Avoid buying new cars - as soon as you sign the ownership document you can lose up to £3000 of the cars value. Buy used cars instead.

3. Liftshare - not only will you save money by using this service, but you'll also be doing your bit for the environment.