IS saving money or improving how you manage your finances one of your New Year’s resolutions this year?

We’re here to give you a hand.

Take a look at our top tips to start saving some money this year.

1. Switching energy provider.

Switching your energy provider could help you bring down the cost of your household bills, which would mean some extra cash in your account each month.

Comparing energy suppliers is quick and simple on comparison sites.

All you have to do is submit a few details about where you live, what type of fuel you use, etc, and you will get a monthly estimate of your bills across different suppliers.

If you can save money by switching provider and decide to do so, this is all done between your old and new providers, meaning your energy supply won’t be cut off whilst you switch.

Remember to do a check every year, as you may be able to make savings all the time!

2. Don’t automatically re-new.

When your insurance comes up for renewal, don’t just settle for the amount you get quoted.

Shop around and use a comparison site to see if you can get a better deal.

3. Create a budget.

Take a look at your bank statements and make a list of everything you get paid each month – from your salary to any benefits you receive.

Then make a list of all the things you pay out for each month: rent or mortgage, energy bills, water, council tax, TV, broadband, phone, mobile.

When you have everything written down, you can calculate how much you will have left over after all of your outgoings.

You can then adjust your spending to ensure that you stay on balance each month.

4. Cut back or quit your habits

Not all habits are necessarily bad habits, but cutting back or quitting them could make you better off financially.

If you’re just going to cut back, consider one less trip to the pub or cinema each month, or maybe reducing the number of visits to the coffee shop each week.

Take note of how much you save over the course of a couple of months and you’ll be surprised about how the money soon adds up.

5. Shop around.

Whatever you are shopping for – no matter how big or small – spend a little time checking it’s what you really want and need.

Find a few different quotes or search online to find other prices.

You may not find a better price, but if you do, you could find you save yourself loads.

6. Get cashback.

When shopping online, cashback sites offer a percentage back from what you pay.

Some cashback websites also have apps, which mean you can track the purchases you make via your smartphone too.

7. No spending days.

Set yourself a few days of each week where you won’t buy a thing.

By making sure that you aren’t going to be spending money, it will mean less impulse purchases and more money in your pocket.

It’s the days you can’t make a purchase where you’ll learn to cut back on unnecessary spending.