WotsOn4u: Wise up : Credit crunch

Credit Crunch

Plan a week's worth of meals, make a list of ingredients, and shop for these items only - that way, no food will go to waste and you'll be less tempted by unnecessary goodies. Use supermarkets' own brands (they probably taste just the same!!) for the basics rather than their premium ranges.

Going to the cinema? Ask a friend who has an Orange network mobile phone and two of you can go for the price of one every wednesday! Also, this can be combined with 2 for 1 at Pizza Express first! So pizza and a cinema ticket at half the price! Check that your local cinema and Pizza Express is participating in this offer first.

If possible consider taking a packed lunch to work instead of going into town or to the local shops. Much cheaper and you can get creative by making up sandwiches that are better than ones you can buy!

When buying a CD or DVD it is sometimes cheaper to pre-order it online than to buy it straight away, or wait a few months until it is in the sale or even better is to consider borrowing it from the library!!

The YWCA has produced a Credit Crunch survival guide aimed at young women, find it here.

Travelling by train? Then make sure you have a Young Persons Railcard!! Also, for journeys out of the county it is cheaper to book in advance where possible, and always compare the price of two single tickets instead of a return. Check each train operator's website for discounts too, First Transpennine Express are currently applying discounts to advance tickets that are bought by people using a Young Persons Railcard!! Carlisle to Manchester one way for under £6 is possible! Megatrain and Megabus can also be a good place to look for cheap transport but make sure you are not travelling alone if possible late at night

When booking gig tickets it can be cheaper to pay cash or cheque from the venue direct to avoid postage and booking fees as opposed to using an online ticket site, check with each venue though.

Many leisure centres and museums have concessionary prices for young people so ensure you take advantage of these!!

Help cut your parents' energy bills by switching off the telly and the lights when you leave the room, don't just leave them on when no one is using them!!