Trying to save a bit of money is incredibly difficult during times like these, especially when so many are also facing crippling debt preventing them from even considering opening up a savings account to help provide for the future.
Luckily, there are a few ways to help you to cut your spending and put that extra cash to better use.

1. It might seem obvious (and by no means easy, either), but clearing outstanding debts is the best way to get started on saving money.
   Begin with your most expensive debt and try not to take on any other credit cards to deal with the debt from your other cards.
   You can also consolidate debts into one payment to make life easier.
   When you have paid off your loan, carrying on making payments into a savings account.
   If you were managing beforehand, you can carry on managing.
   
2. With rising energy bills, you will definitely want to start cutting the cost of your fuel bills.
   I you think your supplier is overcharging you for the energy you use, move to a different one.
   They all need the business, so shop around for the companies offering the best for your money.
   
3. Consider taking on package deals if you use phone, internet and television, rather than paying for each separately.
   Many providers offer a lower-cost service if you opt for all three.
   Also consider changing your phone tariff if you're not using those additional minutes, texts and internet time.
   Alternatively, get a pay-as-you-go so you know exactly what you're spending and can use as and when.
   
4. It might sound old-fashioned, but squirreling away your coins can help you build up a nice stash of savings, especially if you tend to deal with physical money, rather than debit or credit card payments.
   
5. Sell your gold to a pawnbroker or pawn your valuables.
   Low-risk loans are a good way to make money very quickly, and even if you don't repay the loan, you don't end up with a bad credit rating.
   
6. Before you go food shopping, make a list.
   This way, you won't end up picking up random items because you think you might use them and you won't be fooled by all of the clever deals the supermarkets tempt us with.
   Also, consider avoiding ready meals.
   Ingredients will go a lot further and cost a lot less than piles and piles of warm-up grub.
   
7. Cut down on eating out and having takeaways and stay in and cook a few extra nights a month.
   
8. We all want quality in our clothing, but quality doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg.
   You don't have to wear designer labels when you can find something practically identically for a fraction of the price.
   
9. Sell things you don't need or use anymore to pawnbrokers, on eBay or with gold or other valuable item buying companies.
   
10. Don't pay someone else to do something you can just as easily do yourself.
    You don't need to pay someone a tenner to wash your car for you when it costs nothing to wash it with your own two hands (or your kid's two hands!)
11. Use online comparison sites to help you get the cheapest deal on household, motor and life insurance.
    Don't go for the first one you find.
    
12. Put off going on holiday until you can really afford to.
    Don't dip into your savings to pay for it, either.
    
13. If you want to buy tickets for an event, buy as soon as it goes on sale to avoid buying extortionate prices buying them secondhand.
    
14. If you don't need it, don't buy it, end of story.
    Don't try to convince yourself otherwise because if you can manage without it, manage.
    
15. Try not to use your car when you can walk or cycle.
    You can save a surprising amount on fuel, plus you
16. Quit your bad habits - betting on the horses, lottery, smoking, drinking, they've all got to go if you want to really start saving the pounds.
    Besides, it's good for you, so that, along with the previous point, will have you burning the pounds as well as saving them!
17. Post Christmas, you can get a bundle of presents for next Christmas in the January Sales.
    
18. Find out what benefits and allowances you're entitled to.
    You can find out all the information you need to online.
    
19. Always look for a bargain.
    Online shopping is the place to go if you want to find the best discounts, plus, you can compare prices without having to leave the house!
20. Keep a track of your ingoings and outgoings.
    It might sound simple enough, but if you're aware of what you're spending, you'll find saving much easier in the long run.
    You might even end up saving a lot more.