It’s fantastic to get away for a couple of weeks in the sun, but how can you be sure that you’re getting the best deal on your holiday? There are many websites that can help you find the cheapest bargains, which will leave you with more money in your pocket to spend on souvenirs!

It’s always worth remembering that travel companies increase their prices when customer demand is highest, so it often pays to book your holiday well in advance when there are lots of places available. Start planning early (as much as 11 months before you wish to travel) to get your pick of the cheapest deals.

However some great discounts can also be found online if you’re not particularly fussy where you go and can be flexible about your departure dates. Websites for the major tour operators offer some amazing late savings on package holidays around the world, which you wouldn’t find on the high street.  You can frequently find huge savings on holidays to Spain, Portugal and Italy, the Canaries, Cyprus, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Tunisia and even far away destinations such as the USA, Mexico, the Caribbean, Africa and the Far East.

Some tour operators and airlines encourage customers to sign up to their online newsletters and email alerts which ensure that you’re always kept informed of the best bargains. Also, most of the major players offer special discounts if you book online rather than over the phone.

If you have a destination in mind and are sure of your travel dates, you can use price comparison sites to save you £££s.

Finally, a great way of saving some extra cash on your online holiday booking is to use a cashback site such as FreeCashback.co.uk. Simply register for an account and make your booking – once the sale has been verified they’ll credit your account with a percentage of your holiday spend absolutely free of charge – it couldn’t be easier!

Many families are watching the pennies these days, but that shouldn’t mean compromising on fun treats such as the occasional meal out. It’s possible to save money on restaurant bills if you know how to track down special dining discounts, read on to find out more.

Many of the big chain restaurants offer vouchers which can be redeemed against food and drink purchases. Check the advertising pages in your local newspapers, and find out whether your favourite restaurants and family diners have websites where you may be able to print off coupons to take on your next visit.

Also, go online to sign up to customer newsletters to receive discounts by email and ensure that you get the best offers delivered direct to your inbox. Some restaurant websites regularly send out 2-for-1 offers and vouchers for free starters and desserts.

At the restaurant, think about sharing a large starter or dessert, or skip these altogether. It’s easy to get tempted by huge platefuls of food and to forget what a normal sized portion looks like –but chances are you’ll end up leaving half of the food on your plate. Not only will your waistline thank you for sharing your food, but you’ll save a significant amount on your bill.

Many diners feel shy about asking for tap water rather than expensive drinks, but this can be another great way to save cash. If you really must have a soft drink with your meal, seek out restaurants which offer free refills or ‘bottomless’ glasses.

If you fancy some wine with your meal, don’t be tempted into ordering a full bottle when a single glass will do. The same rule applies to other alcoholic beverages such as beer – order a glass on draught and sip it slowly rather than purchasing expensive bottled lagers which go down all too quickly!

Learning to chew and savour your food is also a useful tip – taking time to enjoy each mouthful will make you feel fuller for longer. Also make sure you order one course at a time. Most restaurant food is extremely rich, so leaving longer gaps between courses will allow you to decide whether you actually want a dessert, or whether you can go without.

It can be difficult to tear the kids away from their games consoles, but whatever the weather and whatever their age, there are hundreds of fantastic days out for families in the UK – many of which are completely free of charge.

Many of the UK’s best attractions can be found on your doorstep. It is estimated that 20 million people live within an hour’s drive of a National Park – the Peak District is thought to be the second most-visited national park in the world. Fresh air, great walks and stunning scenery can be enjoyed by all the family and bringing along a tasty picnic can add to the sense of fun.

When the sun is shining, head for the beach – Britain has over 8,000 miles of beautiful coastline and young children are often at their happiest when building sandcastles and paddling in the sea. Search out Blue Flag beaches which have been judged to have the highest quality of water, safety, facilities, environmental education and overall management.

Online websites such as MoneySavingExpert.com feature a round-up of the latest free days out for families, including savings at theme parks, zoos, theatres and cinemas. Sign up to their free newsletter to make sure that you take advantage of the latest deals.

Look on your council website for other attractions near you – some museums, stately homes and parks offer free entry to local residents and some councils provide free leisure passes which give further discounts.

When only a day of thrills and spills will do, look out for 2-for-1 deals at theme parks such as Alton Towers and Drayton Manor Park or go online to book your tickets in advance. Families can also save significant amounts of money by taking their own food and drinks, as onsite catering outlets are usually busy and extremely pricey. Note that some theme parks won’t allow you to bring your own food, so make sure you fill the kids up with a hearty breakfast before you arrive.

For more ideas for cheap days out visit www.visitbritain.co.uk.

Taking the plunge to go it alone and become self-employed can be one of the most daunting things that you’ll ever do, yet it can have real financial rewards. Working from home and eliminating the need to commute can be extremely cost-effective, and there are many other benefits to take advantage of if you look around. Read on for some top tips on saving money and making the most of your career:

• Tip One – Get out there and start networking. Walking into a room full of strangers can be daunting, but it’s surprising how many connections can be made if you make the effort to socialise.  Many groups in major towns and cities host free business networking events where you can chat with like-minded individuals over a few drinks. Some are women-only and others are open to everyone. Check online for upcoming events in your area.
• Tip Two – Sign up for free business cards, pens, rubber stamps and more from online suppliers such as Vistaprint. You only pay for postage and processing and any upgrades such as ordering bigger quantities or the ability to upload your own company logo.
• Tip Three – Use social networking to spread the word about your business for free. Popular sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn allow you to promote yourself and to build a wide circle of industry contacts, all without leaving your desk!
• Tip Four – Cut the cost of expensive business calls by signing up with a low cost phone network such as 18866.co.uk which allows you to make international calls at extremely low rates. Alternatively encourage your suppliers and clients to contact you via free VOIP sites such as Skype.com. All you’ll need is a headset and microphone.
• Tip Five – Use free online PR tools to spread the word about your company. If you’re not used to writing press releases, use one of the templates to make the process easy. It’s also worth remembering that local journalists love to hear about small businesses making a name for themselves – if you have a great story, why not get in touch with your local newspaper or radio station to see if they can feature you?

Your wedding day should be all about celebrating love with your friends and family, but with the average wedding in the UK now costing an astounding £20,273 according to bridal magazine You and Your Wedding, it seems that more and more couples are left with a stack of bills rather than happy memories of their big day.

Of course, there are some aspects of your wedding which you can’t scrimp on – the registrar’s fees and your marriage certificate for example. But there are still many ways to cut costs without compromising on your dreams. Read on for our 5 best tips on how you can save money while still enjoying a day to remember for the rest of your life.

• Tip One – Many brides dream of a Summer wedding and few couples want to risk a downpour on their big day, but the truth is that couples can save a fortune simply by getting married in Spring or Autumn. These months are often classed as ‘off-peak’ by wedding suppliers and come with unexpected benefits – a wedding in March for example, allows brides the pick of the prettiest (and often cheapest) springtime flowers for their bouquets.
• Tip Two – Crafting has become incredibly popular in the past few years, so brides can now have a go at designing their own unique wedding invitations for a fraction of the cost charged by professional stationers. You could also try making your own table menus, seating plans and save the date cards – stores such as WH Smith and Hobbycraft have a huge selection of low cost crafting kits to choose from, and you can also buy supplies over the internet.
• Tip Three – Make eBay your friend! Many professional wedding suppliers now sell through online auction sites, and you can find extremely cheap wedding decorations and accessories. Many brides recoup money after their own weddings by selling off surplus invitations and even top-end designer wedding dresses at bargain prices.
• Tip Four – Save on your wedding cake by selecting a delicious off-the-shelf iced occasion cake from a quality supermarket. Alternatively you could ask a family friend to make your cake instead of purchasing a traditional wedding gift.
• Tip Five – Food and drink costs can often spiral out of control, with some wedding venues insisting on expensive set menus. Do your research on wedding websites to find venues who will allow you to supply your own wine, and ease the stress of wedding planning by enjoying a low-cost booze cruise across the Channel as part of your wedding preparations!

Thousands of people join the gym each year in an effort to get fit and lose weight, but for many the good intentions are soon forgotten and the monthly direct debit membership fees become a real drain on finances. Read on to discover ways of keeping fit for less.

If you’re looking to improve your overall fitness, but don’t want to get tied into a contract, it’s worth knowing that many gyms now offer free trials, which allow you to sample what’s on offer before committing yourself. Most of the big gyms will give you a free one-day pass – all you need to do is visit their websites online and sign up. The Gym Website has all the latest deals from clubs such as Fitness First, LA Fitness and LivingWell.

Alternatively, if you know a friend or family member who regularly attends a local gym, ask if they have any free guest passes. Many health clubs give these to members in the hope that they will recommend others to join once they’ve tried the facilities for free.

Once you’ve decided to join a gym, try asking the staff at reception to see what deals they can give you. The lowest prices can often be negotiated during the summer months when most people have abandoned the New Year’s fitness resolutions that they made in January.

If you’re in the fortunate position of living somewhere with multiple gyms, don’t be afraid to haggle with the reception staff – you can save significant amounts of money if you’re prepared to be forceful and have the option to take your business elsewhere.

To save even more cash, check out the fitness facilities at your council leisure centre or local college/university campus. There may not be many frills such as juice bars and fancy changing rooms but you can usually pay per visit, meaning that you’re not tied in to a contract.

Many fitness activities, such as walking, running and cycling can be done completely free of charge in your own neighbourhood. Even a half-hour trip to the park with your neighbour’s dog can prove to be a real workout if you have the energy!  Or if you prefer to exercise with a friend, why not buy a fitness DVD or a copy of Wii Fit and have a giggle trying to keep up with all the moves?

When you’re desperate for some time away but can’t necessarily afford a long holiday, a short break or weekend away can be just what the doctor ordered.

If you have a destination in mind, your first port of call should be one of the price comparison websites which compare prices for top hotels throughout Europe and the UK. Simply put in your destination and your preferred dates and in a matter of seconds you’ll be able to take your pick from an extensive selection of the very best deals. Many sites offer personalised newsletters to ensure that you’re kept informed of the latest offers.

Discount hotel websites such as LateRooms.com can save you a small fortune on stays – choose from luxury hotels, to cosy B&Bs and quaint farmhouse retreats. If you’re prepared to take a gamble on your accommodation, you can save even more money by trying out Secret Hotels search tools, which are available on some hotel websites.  You’re guaranteed a top-notch luxury hotel at a heavily discounted rate, but won’t find out the actual property name until you’ve made your booking.

Occasionally, the best rates are only available by contacting hotels direct, so it’s worth doing your research online to compare what’s on offer before picking up the phone.

For a special weekend away, why not combine a hotel stay with a trip to the theatre to take in a show? Specialist travel operators such as Superbreak sell a wide range of London theatre breaks which include tickets plus an overnight stay. Some packages also include free extras such as pre-theatre dining and discount booklets for top attractions such as the London Eye.

Those looking for a getaway at rock bottom prices should also consider budget options such as youth hostels. The Youth Hostel Association (YHA) now offers family rooms and rooms for couples, so you won’t be forced into a shared dormitory of unknown travellers if you’re looking for some privacy! Take your pick from over 200 clean and welcoming hostels, bunkhouses and camping barns across England and Wales including cities such as London and Edinburgh.

Few people genuinely look forward to doing the weekly shop, but there are some tips which can make the experience as painless as possible! All supermarkets have hidden ways of encouraging us to spend more money, so it’s wise to be aware of the different tricks that they play on unsuspecting shoppers.

The simplest way of saving money on your weekly shop is to set out with a list and to stick to it – that way you should only buy the things that you genuinely need, rather than falling for the end-of-aisle special offers, buy-one-get-one-free specials, and other discounts.

Try visiting the supermarket with a friend and swapping lists at the entrance. At the end of the shop, you should only have the items that you asked for, and no extras.

If possible, leave the kids at home. Not only is supermarket shopping more stressful with young children in tow, but you’ll be constantly badgered into buying sweets, crisps, drinks and toys – there’s a reason why all the major supermarkets have these items at the checkout, where little hands can slip them into the trolley without being seen!

If you’re only popping out for a few items, force yourself to go to the shop on foot rather than taking the car. Not only will you benefit from the exercise, you’ll be limited to how much you can carry back, and won’t be tempted to add additional heavy items into your shopping basket.

Another top tip is to eat a meal before you go shopping. If you’ve got an empty stomach, the delicious smells of freshly baked bread, rotisserie chicken and the delicatessen counter can lead to impulse buying. Also avoid any free samples, these will only make you hungrier and the sales people will often give you money-off coupons to tempt you further.

It’s also useful to focus on buying items which have a long shelf-life, such as tinned and frozen vegetables, bulk packets of rice and pasta, and family boxes of cereals so that food lasts longer once you get it home. Less trips to the supermarket equals less spending! For basics such as milk and sugar, head for the budget supermarkets or your local corner shop.

One final tip is to try out online shopping – many of the major supermarkets will give you a big discount on your first online shop, and you’ll also save money on petrol by not having to leave the house.

One of the many things that the internet has made easier is using the power of grouping together to get quantity discounts from shops and suppliers of all kinds. By promising suppliers that they can find them a large group of people to buy their service or product within a few days, enterprising websites can get rock bottom prices to offer to the general public.

There are now many sites offering this kind of service for you to take advantage of, one of the best being Groupola.com. The sites all tend to work in a similar way, they offer a special deal every day. These deals are aimed at people living in or near one of dozens of towns or cities, but many offers are applicable nationwide. The offers are dependent on enough buyers being found for each deal, so if you’re interested in one, you promise to buy, and then when enough other people have signed up, you will all get the bargain item or service you wanted. If enough people aren’t found then the deal isn’t made and nobody loses anything!

So what kind of offers do these sites have? They cover a huge range: cheap spa days, restaurant offers, adventurous days out, hair styling, skiing lessons and much much more. They’re great offers for dates, days out, gifts or just a treat for yourself. How can you find out what’s on offer? The sites all offer a daily email to keep you informed on the latest offers for your area, or you can sign up for their text messages, Facebook pages or Twitter feeds to be updated that way if you prefer.

Cycling is undergoing a real surge in popularity in the UK. Studies have shown a continual year on year increase in the number of people taking to two wheels and the fresh air.

As well as the undeniable health benefits of the regular aerobic exercise, many thousands of people are using their bikes to save money by leaving the car at home. With the cost of motoring estimated by the AA as at least 20p per mile, using a bike to replace a regular short journey to work or the shops could save you hundreds of pounds a year! It makes sense that if you only use the cycling machines at your gym, why not get on a real bicycle instead? You can cycle somewhere to spend the money you have saved on gym fees!

If you are planning to become a cyclist or looking to replace a bike that may have seen better days, we have some top tips for saving you money on your purchase:

• Sign up for newsletters from the major online bike retailers such as Halfords, Wiggle and Evans Cycles. They often have really special offers and their prices are already generally lower than you will find in shops.
• If you are buying online, check and see if the store you want to buy from is offering discount codes or cashback to shoppers. You can do this through one of the well know cashback and voucher code websites, such as FreeCashback.co.uk.
• If you aren’t worried if you buy new or secondhand, take a look on eBay. There are some great bikes on offer and some stores use ebay to sell their end of line or shop soiled items at big discounts. Gumtree.com is another great source of secondhand bargains.
• If you are buying in a shop, be bold and try and haggle a deal to get your safety gear thrown in free.
• Check to see if your company has signed up to the government’s Cycle to Work scheme.  You could save nearly 50% on the price of a new bike through this subsidised tax-free scheme.