by Carmel Brulez

Created on: November 03, 2009   Last Updated: November 04, 2009

There are lots of ways to save money. As well as putting by money in some sort of saving account or investment the best way to save money is to cut down on our expenses. We can do this without having to compromise too much or suffer too much, if we just think twice before we spend. Quite often the thing we are thinking of buying is not necessary or we can get something just as good or similar cheaper.

These are my top tips for saving money....

* When you are food shopping buy cheaper brands such as the supermarket own brands. Their products are just as good as the 'designer' brands and these often only cost more because they have spent a great deal on advertising and marketing. Buy cheaper foods such as sausages instead of steak; they are just as tasty and nutritious. Make a casserole from cheaper cuts of meat. Grow your own vegetables, fruits or salads rather than continually paying for them in a shop.

* When it comes to entertainment instead of always going out to eat in a restaurant have evenings where you invite people over to your place and cook a meal for everyone, and other evenings where you all get together at their place. That way you all get to see each other and have a good time together without continually paying out for meals and the means work out much cheaper when it is your turn. If you are too busy to cook a meal when it is your turn then just get a few pizzas and coleslaw or kentucky fried chicken on the way home. It does not have to be anything expensive, anything tasty and filling is good.

* Make sure your home is well insulated with no heat disappearing through the ceilings or roof, or through windows or under doors. Make sure you have enough insulation throughout your home so that you can cut down on your heating bills. Turn down the temperature on the central heating by just one or two degrees so that you cut down costs without noticing any difference. Turn the heating on for just half an hour at a time, then turn it off again, rather than continually pumping more and unnecessary hot air around your home. When using your oven to cook a meal turn it off about five to ten minutes before the meal is ready and keep the door closed, so that the food continues to cook for the required length of time, but without you continually paying to heat the oven.

* When using your washing machine try to make sure it is on a bright sunny warm day so that you can hang the garments out to dry rather than using a tumble dryer. When putting the clothes into

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