More about making the most of your money

Financial products and services

Always compare product features and value for money, for example by using our comparative tables

These cover a selection of financial products and there is also a lot of other helpful information.

You can also compare products, including credit cards and loans, at a number of other comparison websites.

Use these sites to help you review the cost of your existing loans and credit.

Could you get a better deal by switching? Don't forget to take into account any charges for paying off your current borrowing early.

Check regularly that you are not paying more than you need to.

Visit Energywatch, the website of industry regulator, Ofgem, for a list of companies approved to offer advice about switching fuel supplier.

Alternatively, use an internet search engine to find sites that compare fuel prices.

And for many other purchases "best buy" websites can help you find the best deal.

If you need to cut back your spending, look for areas where you're confident you can really make savings.

Set yourself targets and stick to them. But be realistic.

You may be entitled to more benefits and tax credits than you are claiming.

Check with:

HM Revenue & Customs - for tax credits and most child-related benefits
Your local authority - for housing benefit and council tax benefit
Jobcentre Plus - other state benefits if you are of working age
The Pension Service - other state benefits if you are over state pension age
Directgov - for information from various government departments

The advice agencies listed below can also help you to make sure that you are getting everything you are entitled to.

Connexions - offers advice to young people between the ages of 13 to 19.
http://www.connexions.gov.uk
Gingerbread - helps single parents.
http://www.gingerbread.org.uk
One Parent Families - Information and advice for one parent families.
http://www.oneparentfamilies.org.uk
One Parent Families Scotland - Information and advice for one parent families in Scotland.
http://www.opfs.org.uk
Age Concern - provides support for older people.
http://www.ageconcern.org.uk
Low Incomes Tax Reform Group - tax help for those on low incomes.
http://www.litrg.org.uk
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk
JobCentre Plus
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
The Pension Service
http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk
Directgov - for information from various government departments.
http://www.direct.gov.uk
Consumer Direct - a telephone and online consumer advice service, supported by the Department of Trade and Industry. It provides clear, practical advice to help consumers sort out problems and disagreements with suppliers of goods or services.
http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
OFGEM - regulates the UK's gas and electricity industries.
http://www.energywatch.org.uk
Trading Standards - details of your local trading standards service can be found in your local telephone directory.
http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk