Occasion Spending...
Below are our articles on the subject of Occasion Spending. If you can't see what you are looking for our other categories are displayed on the left under 'Our Quick Links'...
Are Christmas Clubs Worthwhile?
Christmas 2009 is approaching fast, but already some savers are being urged to plan ahead for Christmas 2010. But are Christmas savings clubs worth putting your money into, or are there better alterna...
Ask for a Pay Rise
Asking for a pay rise can be daunting but if you are clear of your reasons and why your deserve it then approach your boss with confidence....
Budgeting for Students
Being a student is great fun but spending all your money on alcohol won't give you much for food, books and living expenses. BE sensible, set a budget and learn to enjoy yourself on the cheap....
Budgeting For Your Wedding
Weddings are special but it is not a good idea to blow the budget and start married life with a lot of debts. Work out what you can afford and stick to your budget for a truly special day....
Buying Your Child's First Car
Do your research when buying your child's first car to find the best value for your money....
Can you Afford to Have Children?
Having a child is expensive but with the help of your family, some preapartion, saving, and being realistic about what you can afford you can manage it....
Cheap Party Ideas
Cheap parties are just as fun, they just take a bit more planning....
Cheap Ways to Keep the Kids Entertained
Keeping the kids entertained doens't have to cost a lot. Plan some activites such as sports, games or cooking and you can have fun for not much money....
Children's Christmas Gifts With a Twist
Planning on giving cash as Christmas gifts for children this year? Why not set up regular savings to give the child a healthy start to life....
Christmas Credit Dos and Don'ts
Planning on using your credit cards to help pay for Christmas this year? If so, here are some important dos and don’ts to remember....
Claiming Your Entitlement from the Government
Find out what benefits you are entitled to from the government. Whether it is work or child credits, make sure you claim everything that you can....
Could you Become a Property Developer?
Although property development may seem like a quick way to make some money the reality of the project can be a lot different....
Creating a Plan to Get Out of Debt: A Case Study
If you feel your debts are starting to get out of control, don’t ignore them or try to borrow your way out of trouble. This case study demonstrates that you can successfully create a plan to get out o...
Cutting the Cost of Summer Holidays
Follow our cost saving advice and avoid the unforeseen expenses that can make holidays so costly....
Don't get Ripped off Abroad
You don't want to ruin your holiday by being ripped off abroad so make sure you know much your money is worth, how to spot a scame and how to keep your valuables safe....
Enjoy a Tasty Christmas Dinner: Without Breaking the Bank
Looking to reduce the costs of your Christmas dinner this year? It is possible to have an enjoyable meal without breaking the bank....
Fill in Your Tax Return
It may not be fun to fill in your tax return but it is necessary so get your paperwork together, take a deep breath and get started....
Gardening on a Budget
Ever thought about taking up gardening, but were worried it would be too expensive? Here are some useful tips for any would-be green-fingered gardeners who would like to keep to a tight budget....
Get on the Property Ladder
Getting on the property ladder can be a struggle but by thinking about different ways to get a mortgage and wokring out what you can afford you be a step closer to your dream home....
Get the Best Insurance Deals
There are hundreds of unsurance deals available and by shopping around you can find the right one for you. Take a look at comparison sites, up your premium and swap supplier but never be tempted to li...
Get the Best Mobile Phone Deal
There are all sorts of mobile phone deals out there, you just need to know what your priorities are which offer suits you best....
Getting Something for Nothing
Getting something for nothing isn't impossible. Take advantage of offers, collect points for purchases and claim all the befnits you are entitled to....
Getting the Best Mortgage
Before committing to a mortgage it is is important to do your research, find a good broker and know what deal is best for you....
Give Yourself a Money makeover
Giving yourself a money makeover is a great way to keep your finances in check, manage your debt and look at ways to make savings....
Go Shopping and Make Money
Instead of spending money on your next shopping trip, make some instead. Do a bit of mystery shopping, bag a few bargains to sell on or just pick up points or cashback on your purchases....
Great Holidays Without Blowing the Budget
You don't need to blow the budget to have a great holiday. Plan ahead or go last minute but don't end up stressed because you've spent too much....
Growing your Own Food
Growing your own fruit and vegetables is a great way to save money and eat healthily....
Have Yourself a Debt Free Christmas
If you are looking for ways to have a fun Christmas without racking up lots of credit card debt there are several things you can do to keep the festive season debt free....
How I Negotiate the Best Hotel Deal: A Case Study
Ever wanted to escape from it all by staying in a wonderful hotel, without having to pay the top prices? In this case study, Michael (34) explains how he uses his negotiation skills to get the best ho...
How to Lower Your Pet Care Costs
When it comes to cutting costs, household bills for our pets is one of the first areas you should look at. Follow our top tips to cut the cost of pet care....
How to Save on your Fuel Bills
Fuel prices have risen steeply but there are a number of ways to make savings....
Improve your Credit Report
Making sure you have a good credit report is crucial. Checking for mistakes, paying on time and taking out a loan to prove you're responsible will all help....
Is Loan Payment Protection Insurance Worth It?
Payment protection insurance can give you peace of mind but check the terms and conditions and consider if their is another way you could pay back the loan if your lost your job....
Is Private Health Cover Worth it?
With long waiting lists and patchy performance many people consider taking our private healthcare insurance but is it worth it?...
Is Property the Best Investment?
Property is always a good investment for long term gain and makes more sens to pay your own mortgage rather than giving rent to someone else....
Keeping the Taxman Away from your Money
Handing over your money to the taxman is never fun. Take advantage of all the tax-free savings you can and make sure you are not paying more on your pension than you should be....
Know your Consumer Rights
It is important to know your consumer rights. Whether you are buying good from a shop, online or in the sale, you are entitled to satisfactory quality and as it was described....
Make Some Extra Cash
If you need a bit of extra cash then there are lots of ways to make some money. Become a mystery shopper, share your opinions in a focus group or hit the film set as an extra....
Make the Most of the Weak Dollar
Make the most of the weak dollar by taking a trip to America and doing some serious shopping. Even if you can't take advantage of the exchange rate this way, it is still easy to order things from the ...
Making the Most of Your Bank
Working with your bank whether it is to upgrade your account, set up a savings plan or extend your overdraft will give you the guidance that you need....
Making your House Work for You
There are a number of ways to make money out of your home. Whether it is renting it out, using it as a film set or swapping it for a holiday, just pick the one that works for you....
Managing Your Debts
Get started now on managing your debt by being clear about your financial situation, transferring your balances to interest free accounts and concentrating on the debts accuring the most interest....
Money Saving Tips & Ideas
Use some of these money saving ideas to stop spending on unnecessary items and start saving your money on a regular basis....
Motivate Yourself to Stop Spending
Motivate yourself to stop spending by focusing on a goal and taking it step by step to cut down on your purchases and increase your savings....
Online Saving Tips
There are plenty of ways you can go online and to save money - here are the top tips from our guest article writers at Love Money.com...
Planning Ahead for a Baby
If you are planning to have a baby then start saving, get control of your finances and plan ahead....
Planning Ahead for Christmas
Christmas is expensive but with a little bit of planning you can save for all the expenses and have your presents sorted before the last minute rush....
Planning for your Retirement
It is never too early to plan for your retirement. Whether you choose to invest in a pension or property, get started as soon as possible....
Protecting your Family's Financial Rights if you Die
Make sure your family will have money and property if you die by writing a will and taking out life insurance so you have the peace of mind that they are safe....
Reduce your Household Bills
Saving money on your household bills can be achieved by switching off appliances, insulating your home and switching energy suppliers at the click of a button....
Save Money on your Car
Having a car can work out to be very expensive but you can save money by buying one second ahnd, looking for the cheapest petrol and insuarance and learning to do your maintenance yourself....
Save on Electronic Goods
It is possible to get some great deals on electronic goods. Buying abroad, waiting for the sale, or buying the display model can all be ways to save....
Saving for the Future
Whatever you are planning for your future it is a good idea to start saving as soon as possible....
Saving for Your Children
Even if you can only afford a little bit of money, saving for your children on a regular basis will prove a sound investment once they turn eighteen....
Smart Supermarket Shopping
Supermarket shopping is a necessary chore but by sticking to a list, going down a brand and taking advantage of offers, you can make sur eyou don't spend too much....
Splitting the Finances When you Separate
Splitting your finances during a break up is never fun but by being fair and seeking professional help you cna make it easier. Even better is to draw up a cohabitation agreement in advance so you know...
Starting a Business
If you want to start your own business then you need to do your research, write a good business plan and then seek investment....
Stay Fit for Less
Staying fit and healthy is important but you don't need to spend a lot of money on dieting and exercise to see great results....
Stretching your Salary
By saving your pennies and cutting back your can make your salary stretch further....
Student Loans and Finances
University can be expensive. Find out what student loans and grants you are entitled to and how much your tuition will be, then be sensible about how much debt you get yourself in....
Taking Advantage of Interest Free Credit
Make the most of all the interest free credit offers available but make sure you understand the terms and don't incur more charges on your debt....
Teach Your Children About Money
Teaching your children about the value of money can be difficult but will give them them the best grounding for their future....
Ten Good Habits for Improving Your Finances
Follow these ten steps to develop good money management habits and increase your financial well-being....
Ten Things to Do That Cost Less That One Pound
In today’s money, one pound isn’t worth all that much, but there are still plenty of things you can do with just a single pound coin. Here are ten ideas....
Ten Ways to Make Money from Your Computer
Looking for ways to earn money, without having to leave your house,? Follow our top ten tips on how to make money from your computer....
The Best Tactics for Sale Shopping
When you are sale shopping try to have a plan and stick to it. Work out what you can afford, get there early and choose investment pieces that will be value for money....
The Case of Unfair Bank Charges
Any money that your bank has charged you for going over your overdraft limit or having a cheque or direct debit bounce may be unlawful and you can claim it back....
The Facts about Bankruptcy
Bankrutpcy should not be rushed into but may be the best option if your debts are overwhelming. You will have to hand over your assets to pay your creditors but can move forward debt free....
The Truth About Pensions
There are maany different pension schemes but you should not rely on the state and unless you stay in the civil service you need to invest for your retirement....
Tips for Everyday Budgeting
Managing your money and budgeting can seem like hard work but getting your everyday spending under control will leave you feeling a lot calmer about your finances....
Tips to Beat the Credit Crunch
Saving money during the credit crunch can be achieved by spending smartly....
Using the Internet to Save Money
The Internet is a great place to save money and find the best deals....
What Can a Financial Adviser Do for Me?
When it comes to examining your personal financial circumstances, sometimes it pays to call in the professionals. So what can a financial adviser do for you?...
What to Consider Before Buying Abroad
If you want to buy a property abroad, don't let your dream turn into a nightmare and consult the experts to tackle the language barrier and laws of the country....
Will Pet Insurance Save you Money?
Your pets are part of the family and taking out pet insurance can protect you from huge vet's bills. Just make sure you know what you ar egetting wiht your policy....
Your Daily Finances: Frequently Asked Questions
Wondering what impact recent economic events will have on your daily finances? Here are some answers to some frequently asked questions....