Five simple ways to save money this winter

Winter can put a chill on the wallet, with Christmas bills throwing even the most carefully-planned budgets off course, and plunging temperatures leaving us whacking up the heating in our homes.

But there are some simple ways you may be able to cut back, which could make life easier when those January bills start landing on your doormat.

Here are 5 simple ways to save money this winter...

1. Have an early spring clear-out

If you've overdone it on Black Friday, why not sell on unwanted items now? More than one in 10 (12%) of shoppers will have bought items on Black Friday only to find they already had something similar at home, a survey from Gumtree has found.

2. Going away for Christmas? Book flights early

According to research from American Express, on average, people in the UK spend £88 travelling to meet friends and family over the festive period, so it's worth trying to book any rooms, flights or train fares early to try and secure the best prices. You may also have rewards or points on your spending that could be used towards a hotel room deal.

3. Sort your energy bills

Recent research from MoneySuperMarket.com found that more than 30 fixed energy deals are set to expire in December - with a similar number having ended in November - meaning many customers risk being rolled onto more expensive tariffs during the coldest part of winter, when energy usage is at its peak. Often, when these tariffs end, providers will move customers onto a standard variable rate tariff, which could be their most expensive deal. Those with deals about to end may want to bear in mind that MoneySuperMarket.com says the end-to-end switching process can take up to three weeks, but is often quicker.

Meanwhile, British Gas has just announced plans to scrap standard variable tariffs (SVTs) for new customers as part of moves to introduce simpler bills.

The Big Six firm says the reforms, which follow similar pledges made on SVTs by some other suppliers, will be delivered by the end of March.

Stephen Murray, an energy expert at MoneySuperMarket.com, says: "At this time of year especially, with temperatures dropping and the thermostat creeping up every day, now is definitely not the time to be languishing on an expensive standard variable tariff, or inadvertently rolling onto one at the end of a fixed rate deal because you've done nothing."

4. Insulate your home

As temperatures drop, bodies like Energy Saving Trust and Energy Saving Trust Scotland can help provide information on how people can insulate their home and potentially save on heating bills. Lagging pipes and insulating the loft can be effective ways to reduce heat loss.

Lloyds Bank Home Insurance suggests insulating exposed pipes in basements, attics, garages, kitchen cabinets and on the outside of the house.

5. Ease the strain of Christmas by looking out for cashback

With prices rising, cards which offer cashback can help to take some of the pressure off when it comes to paying bills. But research from Moneyfacts.co.uk has found shoppers will find that interest-free deals on credit cards have been shrinking over the past six months, giving consumers fewer months to spread the cost of Christmas.

Rachel Springall, finance expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, says: "There are still some ways for shoppers to make the most of any spending, such as by earning some cashback with a credit card or current account, or even by making use of an interest-free purchase card to spread the cost of Christmas, but the offers are not as rewarding as they once were."

TOP TIPS... FOR STUDENT RENTERS

Renting a property with friends can be a fun rite of passage for students - but it's not without its pitfalls. To help avoid potential snags down the line, ARLA (Association of Residential Letting Agents) Propertymark is offering some tips for student renters:

:: Work out what you can afford. Look at your outgoings every term, and work out how much of your student loan you can allocate towards rent. This will help you determine the type of property you can afford and the area you can rent in. Don't forget to factor in bills, including internet, your TV package and licence, energy and water. If you're renting a large house with friends, the bedrooms may vary in cost depending on size, so make sure you're clear on your budget before you go for the biggest bedroom.

:: Find a suitable property. As a starting point, consider approaching a reputable agent to help with your search. When you find a property you like, try to speak to the existing tenants about their experience of living in the property.

:: Don't give in to pressure. Don't let others pressure you into signing a contract for the first property you see, and you shouldn't feel pressured into handing money over straight away either.

:: Check the inventory. When moving in, an inventory should state exactly what condition the property is in and list all the furniture and fixtures, so there's a record of what belongs to the landlord and, more importantly, what condition everything is in. This will help you avoid any disputes at the end of your tenancy, so it's important the inventory checks are carried out to a professional standard.

:: Take care. When you leave a rented property, it must be in a good condition and one that you'd like to find it in. Keep it clean throughout the year, and maintain the garden so it doesn't become overgrown. Don't be scared to report any repair issues and if anything breaks, tell your agent as soon as possible.

POUNDNOTES

Financial fact: The total value of the UK's privately-owned housing stock has passed the £6 trillion mark for the first time, according to research from Halifax.

BUSY MUMS 'BELIEVE HECTIC LIVES PUT THEM AT FRAUD RISK'

Around two-fifths of mothers believe their busy lives make them more at risk of fraud, research has found. Some 38% feel hectic schedules make them more susceptible to scams, according to a survey from Mumsnet and the finance industry-backed national awareness campaign, Take Five To Stop Fraud.

More than a third (35%) of mothers surveyed say they're approached up to six times a week by calls, texts or emails in which someone wants to obtain personal information from them.

ONE IN SEVEN ADULTS IN DEBT 'HAS HIDDEN PROBLEMS FROM PARTNER'

One in seven adults in debt has hidden their money problems from a partner, according to relationship charity Relate. Their report, which highlights the links between debt and relationships, found some 14% of those with debt say they have kept it secret from a partner - and 7% are currently hiding it.

Feeling ashamed is the most common reason why people hide their money problems, with 51% giving this reason, followed by feeling scared of how their partner would react if they found out (46%).

THREE-FIFTHS OF ADULTS 'WOULD CONSIDER LIVING WITH OTHER GENERATIONS'

Three-fifths (60%) of adults would be willing to buy a house with other members of their family and live in a multi-generational home, a survey has found. In fact, one in six (15%) of these said they would love to do so, Sarah Beeny's estate agent Tepilo.com found.

When asked what would make living in a multi-generational living bearable, separate living spaces came out on top, followed by separate bathrooms, separate kitchens, soundproof walls and a big garden. These factors were seen as generally more important than being able to fork out less for a mortgage or rent, the survey of 2,000 people aged 18-65 found.