WEALTHIER

“Work out how much spending money you have left after essential outgoings, then transfer it out of your main bank account and into another with a separate debit or pre-paid card,” advises Andrew Wayland, of Everyday Loans. “That way, you won’t spend it.”

As consumers, we’re creatures of habit – once we buy something, we stick to it. Instead, try a weekly shop without buying any brands. You may like many own-brand products as much, if not more, and you’ll save money too.

The average UK family throws away £700-worth of food per year, so download OLIO, the free food-sharing app. OLIO connects neighbours with each other and local businesses so that surplus food – stuff nearing its sell-by date, spare home-grown veg etc – can be shared, not thrown away.

Instead of handing over your debit card, draw a set amount of cash for the week. Handling ‘real money’ focuses your mind on where you’re wasting it.

Use a cashback site such as Quidco when shopping online. Go on to the site, then click on to one of the 4,500 retailers signed up (they include Debenhams, ASOS, TUI and Sainsbury’s). You’ll earn between 1% and 20% as cashback to withdraw to your bank account, PayPal or receive as a voucher.

“Set up minimum payments for all credit cards to avoid bank fees, text alerts from your bank account to stop surprise overdrafts, alarms on your phone next time you park to stop you paying too much, reminders for when your electricity deal ends,” suggests Cocofina owner Jacob Thundil.