When money is tight the last thing you want is to ruin your possessions so you need to re-buy. Luckily there are simple measures you can take when it comes to washing to make sure your belongings last as long as possible.

If you have a delicate item of clothing, you will already be aware that you shouldn’t put it through the washing machine. But some items that do not specify they should be handwashed could really benefit from the luxury. If you have an item of clothing that has a black and white print, for example, handwashing the item in not-too-hot water will stop the black dulling the white. Any item with beading or other delicate embellishment should usually steer clear of your machine too.

After you’ve invested in some underwear that fits you perfectly, the last thing you want is for it to be pushed out of shape and ruined. Always handwash your bras.

When it comes to washing small things like knickers, make sure you pop them in the machine first. That way they are more likely to stay at the back of the drum and less likely to make their way into the seal around the door where they could get caught up and torn.

If you’re looking for a new caravan to take advantage of some budget staycationing this year, then you’ll want one which is relatively light, cheap to tow and looks good. In which case, the latest addition to the MINI range may be right up your street.

Parent company BMW has announced the launch of a “sumptuously appointed caravan”, which provides two sleeping bays, a twin-burner gas stove, a water tank with pump and dish-washing facility. For the eco-conscious, a solar module has been included to charge the on-board battery and there is a 230-volt power connection to supply the refrigerator, TV/DVD and hi-fi stereo system. On top of all that – literally – is a roof mounted two-man tent! The items in the range also come in the classic John Cooper Works-style paint schemes which people have come to identify with the MINI.

Why is this such a money saver? Well BMW has put “maximum touring pleasure on a minimal footprint” at the heart of the design. Not only is the battery solar-charged, the lightweight trailer requires less fuel consumption to tow it. You’ll want suitable caravan insurance for this trailer, but you can expect prices to be reasonable.

The MINI trailer may not be for everyone – if you want to spend long periods of time in your caravan you might be better off with a more spacious example from the likes of Bailey, but it’s a good option for young staycationing couples.

As a man, there are many things you can do that will age your appearance, the obvious ones being smoking, drinking too much and eating unhealthily. But if you have looked in the mirror recently and thought it is time to change, there may be a few more things you should consider doing to appear younger.

Of course, cosmetic surgery is an ever-increasingly popular route to take if you want to knock a few years off you looks, but if you can’t afford a trip under the knife you may be on the lookout for other ways to do it.

First of all: Your skin. You could probably do with a good scrub. Most men get ingrown hairs in their beard area which are caused by the hair getting caught under the skin’s surface by a build-up of dead skin, dirt or oil. This can make your skin look uneven and dull, or to put it another way; old. A good exfoliating session every now and then is the answer. You’ll soon have a glowing complexion with a much more appealing price tag than a chemical peel!

If liposuction would be number one on your list of cosmetic procedures were you to have a windfall, you may want to simply re-think your choice of outfits. A properly fitting pair of trousers and casual t-shirt or smart shirt can work wonders for you looks, making you appear more in-proportion, more on-trend, younger and healthier. If you’ve got concerns about not finding your size on the high street, you could look to online clothing sites such as the one here. 

Lastly, take a look at your expression the next time you are totally relaxed. Do you look miserable? Instead of paying out for a face lift, you could do with working out those facial muscles! Practice doing the widest smile you can and hold it. Get used to smiling as often as you can and you may find your face falls in a more flattering position next time you’re sporting your relaxed look.

You can cut back on your living expenses, reduce your bills and spend less on socialising, but sometimes you just have to spend. When your favourite pair of trainers gives out on you, there is no way around the fact that they need to be replaced.

Since we’re looking to save money everywhere now we’re back in recession, you might think that replacing your old trainers with a cheap and cheerful pair is a good way forward – but these can often prove to be a false economy. Cheap trainers invariable fall apart quickly, meaning you have to replace them sooner. And after all, why should style have to suffer?

A good way to find balance with new trainers is to invest in a durable pair in a classic style. This way, they should last a long time, and will always be in fashion. The Nike Air Max 90 is a good example; the classic retro look with visible air bubble in the heel has become an iconic fashion look. The advantage of these kind of trainers is that they were originally designed as a running shoe, so could work for a trip to the gym, as well as looking good with a pair of jeans. Versatility is the key to saving money on trainers. However, if you’re serious about running, you should get specialist advice on what footwear to have.

With petrol prices having recently reached record levels and the price of rail transport still rising fasting than inflation, commuters have been stuck between a rock and a hard place when trying to reduce their travel expenditure.

For those who travel less than five miles to work – particularly those who commute through congested urban areas – a scooter could be a great option. Owning a 50cc machine gives you the freedom that you would enjoy from a car without the running costs – you can get up to 120 miles per gallon from a typical scooter in urban areas, which is a big saving at the pumps. The machines themselves are cheap, and obtaining scooter insurance is also unlikely to break the bank.

And if you live in London, you’ll also be free from the dreaded congestion charge, while the scooter’s small size allows you to nip in and out traffic and dramatically reduce your commuting times. If your time is money, this can provide a real boost to your income.

When shopping for a scooter, these tips will help you identify the right one for you, then it’s just a case of booking a one-day Compulsory Basic Training session and you’re ready to go!

Bringing in highly paid consultants at a time when Britain is back in recession may seem like an odd thing to do, but for companies going through a period of transition they can be an invaluable resource.

In the last few years, many companies have undergone significant restructuring, often for the first time since the firm was founded. Getting the process wrong can have a devastating effect, so bringing in a specialist consultant to oversee the process with neutral eyes can be very beneficial. This article explains in detail the benefits that interim managers can offer, highlighting that they succeed and fail – and therefore build their reputation – on their ability to deliver positive results in a short space of time.

The good news for British companies thinking of bringing in an interim manager is that there are a number of experienced specialist firms in this area. European companies are already well aware of the value that UK interims can have; research from Russam shows that UK interims are “highly prized” by overseas companies, with companies in Western and Eastern Europe especially looking to associate themselves with the British “brand”.

So if you are looking to restructure and want to do it as quickly and efficiently as possible, it may pay to talk to an interim management specialist about how they can help.

Thick winter coats, knitted jumpers, cardigans and scarves – it may seem odd to be thinking about such things at this time of year, even if the temperature outside is not typically May. But if you want to make big savings on your wardrobe, then now is a good time to be thinking about how you want to wrap up warm later this year.

Shopping out of season means you can pick up some real bargains, as retailers try to get rid of extra stock. Shops have limited storage space, so you might not find much in the way of winter wear on your local high street, but if you shop online you still pick up bargains. The websites of retailers such as Bank can give you access to the shop stock that they didn’t sell in the winter at knock-down prices.

And if you’re worried that you won’t be on-trend if you shop for your winter fashions now – this doesn’t have to be the case. If you are interested in fashion and have a keen eye for it, check out the season guides for autumn/winter 2012-13. Mark Jacobs used New York Fashion Week to show off layers and understated shapes, while Oscar de la Renta displayed his take on fluffy sweaters and looped-up crochet shawls. So take inspiration from the designers but shop now for your winter wardrobe and you’ll be quids in come Christmas!

Keeping up with the latest fashion trends can be an expensive habit, but there are ways in which you can rein-in your spending and still look good.

Shopping online is a good place to start, and most people are aware that there are better deals to be had online. What tends to put people off however, if not being able to try the items on before they buy. This can be especially problematic for plus-size ladies who will find that certain cuts do not fill as well as others, even though they are supposedly the same size. But there is nothing to stop you going into a store and trying items on, before looking online for a discount. Alternatively, seek out a specialist plus-size online retailer with a reliable returns policy.

When you spot a brand new piece of clothing that you simply must have, wait a month or so and you may well find it has gone down in price, and when you do buy ask whether the items is going on sale soon or not – there’s nothing worse than splashing out on a top only to see it halved in price a week later.

These tips (and these) give you plenty of pointers about saving money on clothing, but I’ll just add this: be kind to your clothes! Treat your garments right and they’ll last much longer, and you’ll not have to shell out repeatedly for replacements.

Hearing loss affects many people as they get older, and there are a variety of reasons – from family history to infections and prolonged exposure to loud noise – as to why your hearing may begin to fade. In such cases, use of a hearing aid can be a vital lifeline, helping you to enjoy the lifestyle you want and securing your financial future by allowing you to continue working.

In many cases hearing loss comes on very gradually, meaning that it may not be immediately apparent that something is wrong. However, leaving a hearing problem unaddressed may mean that the damage becomes more severe, so it is advisable to get checked regularly when you pass 50.

Yet many people don’t heed this advice, with Action on Hearing Loss reporting that one in ten people can improve their hearing with an electronic aid, but only one person in every 30 does so. Looking through this questionnaire is a good place to start if you’re wondering about your own hearing or that of a close friend or relative.

Buying a hearing aid is an investment, so you should think about how you can save money in the long run by protecting it. Specialist cleaning products are advisable, as is finding a provider with a strong aftercare service.

One of the latest trends within cosmetic is for use of the dermaroller, a small device which pricks the skin with tiny needles to stimulate natural regeneration. But far from being just a fad, for many women it is a great way to improve the skin without breaking the bank.

Previously, a reliable skin treatment for sun-damaged or acne-scarred skin may have had to a surgical face lift, but the dermaroller procedure is much quicker is much quicker and non-invasive. Trained practitioners at firms such as MYA use the technique to stimulate the natural collagen in the face, helping it to repair damage and producing smoother, younger looking skin. The procedure is also much cheaper than a surgical facelift or chemical peel and, because it’s a natural skin repair, the results are permanent. But does it actually work?

Hollywood A-lister Angelina Jolie is understood to be a fan of the procedure, so Daily Mail columnist Amanda Platell tried it for herself, and was very pleased with the results of her “younger, fresher-looking skin”.

However, buying your own dermaroller to save even more money on treatments is not necessarily a good idea. As with any cosmetic procedure it is important to seek expert advice before you do anything, so seek out a free consultation and trust your treatment to the experts.