make sure you have checked that you are on the best tariffs for gas./elec, insurance/mortgage/rent
write down exactly what you have coming in and what you have going out of your accounts, not forgetting food shops and the little things that add up, bus fare,taxi fare, car parking, toddler group payments etc
only take cash in your purse then you can't spend on cards and unwittingly let the amounts add up over each week
budget daily, meal plan and don't deviate
make sure you don't add to spending by buying the "odd" magazine and the "odd" mascara that you don't really need
eat less meat and more vegetarian meals - stews and soups are great for economical meals and perfect for this cold weather
for longterm increase in finances do your best to pay off all the debts you have, starting with the ones on the highest apr and once you have made good progress with those and are debt free then start to look at how best to put away a bit of money at the end of each month
main thing is to keep a weekly check on everything that has gone in and out of your wallet then you can get a realistic look at what can be cut down