Inflation is often higher for older people because they spend a larger proportion of their income on basic staples such as food and heating, which have tended to go up in price faster than other items such as televisions and mobile phones. On the plus side, retired people have more time to look for ways in which to save money and greater flexibility to take advantage of holidays in term-time, free eye tests, reduced gym fees and a plethora of other cost-cutting opportunities. We have provided some ideas below to help you make your money go that bit further.

Travelling abroad - Shop around for foreign exchange rates. Don’t leave it until you get to the airport. Many currency firms will beat the rates on offer from the High Street Banks, without commission charges

Travel Cards – look at the availability of travel cards including, where appropriate, those for the over 60s – great value if you use the trains

Government Grants – Check your eligibility for various types of grants for upgrading your boiler, insulating your home etc.

Share the cost of travel with car pooling – Browse the internet for schemes in your area. If there isn’t one, why not create one yourself?

Petrol Prices – Fuel price comparison sites can help you find the lowest priced fuel in your area

Sell – Sell your unwanted gifts, clothing and accessories on eBay - it’s not as hard as you may think!

Standby – Almost a billion pounds of electricity is wasted in the UK every year by people leaving appliances on standby. Switch off and save money!

Tickets - Look out for discounted tickets to sporting events, cinema, theatre shows – look for last minute deals on returned tickets.

Comparison sites - Browse the various comparison sites for deals on your home insurance, telephone, broadband, car insurance, energy supplier, travel insurance – switching can be easy and the cost savings vast

Life Insurance - Have your life insurance costs reviewed by an Independent Financial Adviser – plans taken out years ago can be a lot more expensive than newer style plans, even though you are now that bit older – you r course speakers can help

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