Do you find that you often have too much month left at the end of the money? If so, it might be a good idea to examine where it all goes and whether things that you believe are standing costs, may actually be capable of making you big savings.

Firstly, your mortgage may have been taken out some time ago and you are nicely settled in with your lender paying them on time every month. But, in case you haven't noticed, there are many lenders who are now competing for your mortgage and they are ready to make you attractive deals to get your business.

Remember that a few pounds off the mortgage and put into a bank can easily turn into hundreds, or even thousands, by the end of a mortgage term. Have a look at our Home Loan & Mortgage Brokers section. You may wish to seek details of deals that a selection of mortgage providers will offer you. It pays to shop around and the money is better in your account than with your lender.

Or, how much are you spending on gas and electricity each month? Would you like to save money there? If so, we have a comparison service accessible from our site where you can Compare Gas/Electricity Tariffs. The service is approved by EnergyWatch and lets you compare your usage and payment method against a range of competing providers. There's no obligation and you don't even need to enter your name or address.

Energy Efficiency is a good way of saving money. The heat from your house may go straight through the walls and windows. Installing double glazing and cavity wall insulation can stop a big percentage of the heat loss. Even sealing up gaps in doors with a strip of insulation available from most DIY stores can allow you to turn down the fire.

Have a look at low energy light bulbs - more expensive at the start but longer lasting and they burn far less electricity. Make sure that your hot water tank is well insulated. Check whether turning the thermostat down a few degrees will still allow you to feel comfortable.

With around 25% of your heating going straight up through the ceilings, you will want to make sure that you have a good layer of loft insulation in place.

Here are some links to sites offering more advice on the theme of energy efficiency -

Energy Saving Trust - UK government web site with plenty of energy-saving advice.
Scottish Energy Efficiency Office - helping domestic and business energy users to save energy and money, and to help the environment at the same time; a win-win situation.
Carbon Trust - advice to business and public on saving energy and money. Tips and information.