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But often the place to start is to look at ways to reduce household bills including gas, electricity, water, phone and broadband. The majority of householders in the UK have failed to take advantage of competition in the utility markets and as a result are paying hundreds of pounds a  year more than they need to for their gas, electricity, telephone, Internet access, broadband as well as for mobile phones and digital TV.

In recent years UK consumers have seen big increases in their gas and electricity bills reflecting world energy prices. This is unlikely to change in the future as gas and oil prices increase reflecting increased demand for limited supplies.

Often it isn't even necessary to change suppliers to save money, often existing suppliers will have an alternative lower cost tariff, or will offer discounts for payment by direct debit, or even just to keep you as their customer if you threaten to switch to another supplier.

Consumers will often save money if they opt for a dual fuel tariff using the same company to supply both gas and electricity.

If your main concern is avoiding unexpected increases in your energy bills look for one of the fixed rate tariffs offered by many of the energy suppliers.

And do look at the Green tariffs that are available, these may not cost more than standard tariffs but you can be sure that the electricity you use is matched by the company purchasing electricity from renewable sources. See npower juice.

For anyone with Internet access a good place  to start is one of the price comparison websites such as Energy Helpline.

Reducing energy consumption will save money as well as reducing household carbon emissions. For more go to the Money Jungle Climate Change page. Simple measures like better insulation, installing energy saving light bulbs, taking showers instead of baths, turning the central heating thermostat down by 1 degree can make a big difference.

You can't switch to an alternative water company but you can reduce consumption by installing a water saving device in the WC cistern or buying a water butt to collect water from your roof or shed. Of course this will only make a difference if you have a water meter, if you haven't it may be cost effective to get one installed particularly ina  one or two person household. Check with your water company who will be able to estimate your consumption to check if you would save money, most properties will qualify for free installation.

Recent increases in world oil prices mean the cost of filling your tank now much higher than just a few months ago. Shop around for the best prices in your area, www.petrolprices.com will tell you where to find the lowest petrol and diesel prices.

Changing your driving habits can easily reduce consumption by 10 or 15%. See the Money Jungle Money Saving Blog for more tips.

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