3 easy ways to... save £££s by checking dates

Lateness can cost you money. Here’s how to avoid paying extra charges and stop throwing away food…

1 PAY BILLS PROMPTLY

Avoid the risk of late payment charges and other potential consequences, such as your credit score being affected. Have a dedicated place for paper bills and if you’re signed up to online billing, keep these bills in a file on your computer. Note in your diary or wall calendar when payments are due. If it’s an option for you, setting up a direct debit is usually the easiest way to make sure you pay on time.

2 CHECK USE-BY DATES

Don’t throw cash away by wasting food. Keep track of when items need to be used by, whether that’s a jar of pesto or a pack of mince. You can then build meals around what you need to use up, or freeze the item if that’s possible, to avoid having to bin it.

3 CANCEL THOSE FREE TRIALS

Ever signed up for a free trial for a product or service, then been charged because you had forgotten to cancel it? To avoid this happening, read the small print, including the cancellation terms, carefully before signing up. Find out what it takes to cancel – for example you might have to phone up rather than go online. And put the date you’ll need to cancel by in your diary or set a reminder on your phone.