Cash smart

save on mobile phone bills Have you heard? 1 Do your research It is essential that you take the time to shop around using

different comparison sites. But first, try to work out what you actually need. When it comes to choosing a new deal, there’s no point paying for generous call or data allowances if you’re not going to make full use of them. Free specialist

More than half of over-65s have money stashed away to support adult children through financial trouble, a survey by Saga Savings has found. The average amount the age group has put aside to help out in case of emergency stands at £11,500. The study also found that 49% of those surveyed said they dip into their savings at least once or twice a year to help adult children, up from 34% in a 2012 survey.

Did you know? Women are twice as likely to be concerned about meeting living costs than men, says Close Brothers’ Financial Wellbeing Index. It surveyed 5,000 employees and found that while 26% of women worried about making their money last, only 13% of their male co-workers were worried about it.

online tools such as Billmonitor (billmonitor.com) will take a look at your bills and suggest the best deals for you based on your current usage.

2Wait it out Once your contract ends, if you’re happy with your current handset, you could save a bundle if you stick with it and get a SIM-only plan instead.

3Haggle! Once you know exactly what you want, and you’ve shopped around for the cheapest deal, give your current provider a call and start haggling. Tell them that you have found a cheaper price elsewhere and see what they will offer. Good luck!

OF THE WEEK SAVING Days out offer Legoland Windsor is opening for February half term for the first time! ‘Brick Week’ will run from 15-23 February 2020. Tickets cost £20pp when booked online in advance. While there will be some extra activities, as it’s a special event, only selected rides will be available. Find out more at legoland.co.uk/ brick-week-2020/.

Don’t heat unused roo If you have a spare bedroom that is rarely used, turn its radiator down to the lowest setting without turning it off completely. Fitting reflective foil behind radiators on external walls will also help to reduce the rate of heat loss in these rooms.

TOP TIP A car-sharing scheme could halve your fuel costs. Sharing a daily commute can save you £1,000 a year*.