Top Money Saving Tips from Giftlab.co.uk

PRLog (Press Release) - Apr 14, 2009 -
You're not the only one getting more and more worried about the credit crunch. With businesses closing, houses selling for half their original value and lots of people out of work you'd be crazy not to be a little concerned. It isn't all doom and gloom though! Here at giftlab we've compiled a list of money saving tips to help you through this difficult time.

   * Switch bank account – Have a look online at moneysupermarket (http://www.moneysupermarket.com/currentaccounts/) for the best bank account for you, depending on whether you're in credit or overdrawn. Switching bank account can add hundreds of pounds a year to your pocket; especially now because banks are fighting for current account business.
   * Put a little money aside each month. Obviously we recommend using our CapitaLIST Pig (http://www.giftlab.co.uk/product_details_30_2_the-capital...) for this but if you want to make interest then have a look here (http://www.moneysupermarket.com/savings/) for the best savings account you can get.
   * Sell your old mobile phone – Sounds silly but you can make up to £150 and you're being eco-friendly too! Check bananagreen if it's a working phone or mazumamobile if it's broken.
   * Reclaim any bank charges - Bank charges reclaiming is currently on hold awaiting court decisions, however, you should still send in claim letters now, as there are 100,000s people in the queue, so the earlier you do it, the sooner you’d get your money back.
   * Check if you're eligible for a grant – There's quite a lot of free money out there so long as you know where to look. You could be eligible for any of the following reasons:

  1. Local council grants - councils can offer different funding, search for details on its website or contact them to ask for more information. To find your local council’s details enter your postcode in the DirectGov website (http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Dl1/Directories/Localcouncils/index.htm)
  2. Help with utility arrears
  3. If you’re disabled
  4. Improve your home
  5. Get environmental: You could be offered an Energy Saving Trust grant

   * Check your council tax bill in case you're paying too much - Many homes are in the wrong council tax band, and have been since 1991.  Check if you're paying more than you should be here (http://www.voa.gov.uk/cti/InitS.asp?lcn=0%20to%20check)
   * Switch your Energy provider – All of them have now cut their prices and some are offering £30 or a crate of wine if you sign up to them. Find out who's offering the best rates at energy helpline (http://www.energyhelpline.com/)

Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/10216920/1