Choose an easy-to-repair car

published 10 April 2009

Last week's fuel duty rises have done the motorist's pocket no favours. But it is possible to save money elsewhere. If you're buying a car, "choose a model that will be easy to repair and which has a well-known name", says Melanie Wright in The Daily Telegraph. That way parts will be cheaper and easier to find. And don't modify your car once you've bought it. If you must have all the latest bells and whistles, choose a car that comes with them as standard. "Enhancing the performance of your car or fitting expensive accessories can ring alarm bells with your insurer," says Asia Manzoor of eSure in The Daily Telegraph.

Get smart about water use

Rates are rising, with increases of around 4.1% across the country. If you have a water meter then cut down on your water use. And if you don't, cut back on the amount of hot water you use to reduce your gas or electricity bill. One of the best ways to cut water use is to get a water butt. The rain water you collect can be used to water plants, wash the car, and even fill your pet's water bowl. Dogs apparently even prefer rain water to the chlorinated version that comes from the mains supply.

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Easter weekend is a popular time to do a bit of DIY, as many hospital casualty units will confirm. Cut the cost by checking Screwfix.co.uk for cheap deals on tools and supplies, says Which? Money. If you are over 60, it's worth joining B&Q's money-saving members club. Members get a 10% discount on all goods every Wednesday and membership is free with proof of age. Go to Diy.com, or visit a B&Q store for more information.

Ruth Jackson-Kirby is a freelance personal finance journalist with 17 years’ experience, writing about everything from savings accounts and credit cards to pensions, property and pet insurance.

Ruth started her career at MoneyWeek after graduating with an MA from the University of St Andrews, and she continues to contribute regular articles to our personal finance section. After leaving MoneyWeek she went on to become deputy editor of Moneywise before becoming a freelance journalist.

Ruth writes regularly for national publications including The Sunday Times, The Times, The Mail on Sunday and Good Housekeeping, among many other titles both online and offline.