The best thing I discovered last year was cashback sites. After registering, whenever you want to buy anything look there first.

You then click to go direct to the companies to buy whatever you needed anyway. Because it saves them paying commission to middlemen they pass it on you instead. It sounds mad being paid to shop - but it works - I've been given £100s for simply buying what I needed!

 

The best deal was receiving £100 for joining TalkTalk for my home phone and broadband. The combined monthly saving was £8 from my previous suppliers so I was already happy ... but the bonus cashback was well worth waiting for. (A number do take time to be paid out, so don't expect the extra money straight away.)

Register with Rpoints and see for yourself how much you will earn ... in this case, instead of points meaning prizes - points mean pounds - much better in my view! You even get £5 just to register, so you win even before you spend a single penny.

You can even click through to eBay for your bargains, even though you'll only earn a few pence from a purchase there, it all adds up.

Some of the best cash back deals to look out for are changing your electricity and gas accounts. If you combine the 2 together, and pay by Direct Debit, you can earn up to £100. Check if your present deal has a contract to run, and keep your eyes open for the highest offer. Spend time comparing different companies, you still need to find the cheapest for your area. Then smile knowing you've earned enough to turn the temperature up!