Christmas is fast approaching as another year edges to a close. Although it’s the season to be jolly, many households around the UK are still feeling the chilling pinch of the fragile economy. 2012 has seen continued rises in household bills, increases in government taxation and further reductions in job confidence.

Despite the cloud of the double dip recession still looming over vast areas of the economy, the last financial quarter has seen remarkable resilience across the wider economy with unemployment falling by 82,000 and the GDP rising by 1%.

Although the recession is officially over, consumer confidence is still low and disposable incomes are squeezed, therefore many shoppers are looking for ways to make their money go further this holiday season.

Well you will be happy to know that there are plenty of ways to cut your everyday costs and increase your disposable income. You may or may not be aware but the internet is full of fantastic money saving tips that all promise to make you a “credit crunch warrior”, however some of which over complicate the situation and in some cases even offer no-go emergency payday loans that will only make your financial problems worse.

With this as inspiration below highlights a few simple techniques that everyone can understand and implement today into their lives.

Step 1

To start with the money saving process all that is needed is a recent bank statement and a highlighter pen as this will allow you to focus on your fixed monthly costs, such as rent/mortgage and your variable monthly costs such as gas and electric. Once you have added up your essential monthly costs for energy, food, fuel and rent subtract the total from your average monthly income. The figure you are now left with is your disposable income, which you can use as you please.

Step 2

There are many ways you can increase your disposable income amount through simple daily changes. For example if you own a car it might be worth considering a downsize in engine or a reduction in usage. If you require your vehicle for the essential daily commute to and from work the acquisition of a Chooseafuelcard.com Fuel Cards will enable you manage your spend further.

Step 3

Prevent further debt, by only spending what you can afford. Don’t impulse buy any large purchases unless you have the money available. Take time to save up and continue until you actually have the cash amount. The chances are that by the time you have saved up the money you will no longer want or require the product in question.

About the author: Chris Algar writes for Chooseafuelcard.com who offer a great way to manage your fuel consumption and expenditure. For more information click here