Don’t forget to claim your benefits

published 15 August 2008

Almost £5bn of benefits go unclaimed by older people every year so check with Citizens Advice (www.adviceguide.org.uk) or call Age Concern (0800-009966) and make sure you are claiming everything you are entitled to, says Stephen Ellis in The Daily Telegraph. A third of people eligible for pension credits don't claim them that means they are down an average of £1,352 each. Also check what discounts you are entitled to, says Ellis. Everyone over 60 can get free medical prescriptions so, "instead of buying your drugs over the counter, ask your doctor to prescribe them and get them free".

Browse the web for free stuff

Check Magicfreebiesuk.co.uk for information on offers for things such as free cinema tickets, DVD rental and beauty product samples, says Jennifer Hill in The Sunday Times. You can also get free technology-based goods such as online games and free software on Thefreesite.com.

Buy an old camera

"Going for models that have been out for several months can save you a fortune," says Kelkoo managing director Bruce Fair in The Sunday Telegraph. For example, the Canon EOS400 is the most popular digital camera of the past year. But while the cheapest price for it in July 2007 was £700, it is now available for half that. Its price has dropped as Canon plugs its newer models.

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Choose white white goods

If you are about to buy a washing machine or fridge, don't go for colour. "You can save £50 or more by choosing a white machine," says Which? Manufacturers produce more of these than any other colour. If you can't see one in the shop, it's worth asking if they can order one in. And make sure you buy the most energy-efficient model you can afford. White goods carry EU energy labels that rate how energy efficient they are. The better the rating the more you will save on energy bills.

Get 75% off at Pizza Hut.

If you have a Tesco Clubcard you can use your points at Pizza Hut for a limited time, reports MoneySavingExpert.com. Pizza Hut has been added to Tesco's Deals brochure where you can trade in £5 of clubcard points for £20 of deals which is effectively 75% off. To take advantage you need to order Pizza Hut tokens before 20 October and use them before 31 October.

And one to avoid

Save money on petrol by making your own fuel. It's legal you are allowed to produce 2,500 litres of bio-fuel per year tax-free. You will have to spend £1,000 to get a processor and also pay out for oil and chemicals, but then "savings can quickly offset start-up costs" with a litre costing 10p to produce compared to 130p for diesel on the forecourt. "Bear in mind that it is a potentially dangerous process, so make sure your home insurer will cover any damage," says Jennifer Hill in The Sunday Times. We'd love to hear that conversation. The increased cost of home insurance and the safety risks make this a tip to avoid.

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.