Citizen's Advice Bureau is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year and its Hammersmith and Fulham branch is celebrating in a range of ways.

The branch in Uxbridge Road, White City, which also helps people in Ealing, is marking the occasion with a range of events and ideas to help raise awareness of its services and encourage people to volunteer their time.

CLARISSA STONEHAM of Hammersmith and Fulham Citizens Advice Bureau has come up with 75 ways readers can save money, one for every year the charity has been running. 

1. Switch things off instead of leaving them on standby – you can save up to £65 a year.

2. Take the 5 minute shower challenge.

3. Use price comparison websites.

4. Use a direct debit to pay rent and energy bills.

5. Make a shopping list- stops panic buying.

6. Don’t buy your supermarket food when you’re hungry you tend to buy so much more .

7. Read offers carefully to see whether you will save money.

8. Where possible it’s often cheaper to bulk buy non-perishables i.e. a 12 pack of loo roll  may cost less per roll than a 6 pack.

9. Get a benefit check to make sure you’re getting your full entitlement.

10. Make sure to keep a copy of and understand your current tariffs- this makes sure you know your rights and responsibilities and helps avoid costly mistakes.

11. Keep a list of what you buy and the price - often seeing bad spending habits makes it easier to break them.

12. Buying and freezing foods in the reduced to clear section can be a great way to save money on food treats.

13. Make sure to only do full laundry cycles.

14. Cinemas and restaurants often offer deals on particular evenings, researching these can help you save money on your hobbies.

15. Buy your own popcorn and take it to the movies, it is fresher and cheaper.

16. Keeping the kids entertained during weekends and holidays can be pricey but fun does not require lots of money. Libraries, parks and some museums are a free way of keeping them entertained.

17. Packed lunches can be delicious and are nearly always cheaper than eating out.

18. Don’t be afraid to try and negotiate with sellers.

19. Many food websites offer specific sections with recipes for cheap, quick meals and using up leftovers.

20. Try and save a pound a day- you’ll be glad of it come Christmas.

21. If you have old furniture, toys you no longer need you may be able to sell them using a website.

22. Never allow a sellers website to automatically store your card details- this makes it too easy to buy goods without thinking.

23. Store Loyalty Cards (NOT CREDIT CARDS) can be a great way to get extra discounts and value for your money.

24. Warm coats and boots are important in British winters. It’s often a good idea to buy  these in the Christmas sales when demand for them is low. So take a sneaky peek, you might find something you like, need and don’t pay a fortune for.

25. Birthdays and Christmas can be an expensive time. Often it’s a good idea to organise a secret Santa or agree a spending limit on gifts. This stops spending getting out of control.

gift

26. Want to have a party or celebrate an occasion? Ask everyone to bring a dish or drink-

this not only brings down cost but means you get to sample lots of new things.

27. Need to replace a household item- check websites and the local newspaper classified sections. If you’re lucky and carefully check second hand goods before committing to a purchase you may save a lot of money.

28. Tumble dryers can rack up your electricity bill as well as gobbling up energy- where possible air dry.

29. One of the most expensive items to run in your house is the electric kettle- fill it up with enough for your cup and watch the drop in your bill or meter

30. If you suspect you have a water leak take action quickly to avoid your water bills rising. Many water companies offer a one-off fee or subsidised repairs to customers.

31. Use low energy light bulbs, they are environmentally friendly and they reduce your electricity costs.

32. If you enjoy a particular sport check if there’s a local team you can join- this is a good way of keeping fit that is both affordable and avoids the costs of gym membership.

33. Before committing to a gym membership ask if they offer a try before you buy period and read the conditions carefully. If you agree to a minimum term it can be costly and inconvenient to cancel it should you decide you don’t want to be a member any more.

34. Use TFL journey planner to help see if you can use the tube or buses for your journey. Both of which will normally be cheaper than a taxi.

35. Consider Meat Free Mondays. Meat is often the priciest part of a meal. Introducing some vegetarian meals into your routine can be healthier for your heart and your wallet.

36. Many companies charge extra to send paper bills - switch to ebilling.

37. Read the same newspaper every day? Check whether a subscription could save you money or, even better, whether or not it’s free online.

38. Bored of your wardrobe, DVD, book collection? Organise a swap with friends. This is a cheap and social way of increasing your access to books, film and clothing.

39. Try to shop around if you need to borrow money, look out for penalties and terms and conditions

40. Like to keep groomed? If you live near a beauty school or college offering hair-dressing and beauty as a class the senior students often run good value sessions.

41. If you live somewhere long term, are looking to rent or buy a property- check the quality of the insulation. A well insulated property will keep down heating costs.

42. Shop around for the best deal. Never buy the first thing you see or deal offered. Sellers are great at making you forget you have options and choice.

43. Do your homework. Which.co.uk and the Money Advice Service are just a few of the websites offering consumer tips on how to get the best deal and avoid problems with dealers.

44. Got health costs? Look at the NHS websites for ways to save money on prescriptions and to see if you qualify for help with health costs.

45. Lost a button? Zip broke on your favourite item of clothing? Consider whether a repair would be cheaper than a replacement?

46. Be Honest. Tell the truth to yourself about what your bad spending habits are (everyone has them) and about what you can afford and what you can’t. If you are not coping or struggling to cope with bills and debt seek free help for debt problems from organisations such as your local CAB or www.stepchange.org.uk

47. Be Prioritised. Being firm about what expenses and items matter most for example rent and utilities help manage your finances.

48. Be Organised- keeping track of your expenses means you’re not caught out by shock bills.

49. Do not let ads, other people or the media make you feel you need a certain product or lifestyle that you can’t afford in order to matter. You are fabulous just the way you are.

50. Tap water is just as good for you as bottle water. It’s the packaging you’re paying for not the product.

bottled water

51. Take lunch to work and you will soon have something to spend come pay day.

52. If you go to a gym think about paying yourself to train outdoors and with friends for motivation

53. We have all heard about supermarket challenges why not try product swap challenge and see if it lowers the cost of your shop?

54. Ask your bank or mobile provider if you’re on the best deal/ tariff.

55. The power is in your hands Track the pattern of offers in local supermarkets and buy non-perishables when they are cheap.

56. It can be better to put your efforts into earning more money rather than into saving money.

57. Eat smaller portions.

58. Buy fruit & veg from the market.

59. Grow your own and freeze.

60. If on low income and in a crisis situation, do not hesitate to apply for help through a local/relevant (ie fuel) charity.

61. Get basic DIY skills to keep up with small house repairs.

62. Wear warm socks and clothing and avoid excess use of central heating.

Warm socks and clothing can help cut down central heating costs

63. Use thick curtains to keep cold and drafts out and use practical methods to seal off drafts, ie drafts coming through the windows and/or a letter box.

64. Remember that an air conditioner or an electric fan can be as expensive to use as a central heating in the winter;

65. Air the rooms by opening windows but remember to close these when leaving the house.

66. Lock up safely and keep your home secure against unwelcome visitors and mark-protect your personal effects; this can save a lot of money and headache.

67. At the supermarket look at the shelves above and below the one at eye level - they put the more expensive items at the level we look at most easily.

68. Stop feeling and start thinking about money - spending often makes us feel good but also vulnerable if not careful.

69. If you know and think about what and how much you spend on goods you are in control - feel the power by thinking about money.

70. Come and seek help from CAB professionals from your community who can help with money issues

71. Leave your money at home when you go out. Take as much as you need otherwise it will burn, burn, burn.

72. Trading standards is there to help if you have consumer issues- don’t be stuck with an item you have bought if you’re not happy with it or it doesn’t do what it said.

73. Managing money is easier than you thought, if you want to have some control think before you act.

74. Your overdraft costs you to use it, spend wisely.

75. Don’t take young children shopping they make it very hard to say no.