Moneymatters

Q I’ve tried the 50/30/20 method of budgeting, but found it too difficult. Is there an alternative? A50/30/20 budgeting involves allocating 50% of your income to essential spending like rent and food,

Switching supermarkets is a simple way to save money. Prices vary widely between retailers, especially on staples like bread, milk and fresh produce, so shifting this part of your weekly shop to disco

Q I’ve got a big night out planned and I’d love a new outfit. How can I do it for less? A The ideal situation would be having a friend the same size as you with a stylish wardrobe you could borrow fro

Just 23 sleeps until the big day – make sure you’re not wasting cash in the run-up to Xmas. Financial strategist Laura Linden, of Feisty FD (feistyfd. com), shares some savvy reminders...

Q I’d like to help others this Christmas but my budget is limited. Do you have any tips? A There are lots of ways to help others that don’t involve money. Are there any local charities near you lookin

IDEAL HOME’S COLUMNIST AND EDITOR OF MONEYWEEK.COM KALPANA FITZPATRICK SHARES HER FINANCIAL WISDOM