For he's a trolley good fellow

I have a good friend and work colleague who's (soon to be 16)year old son suffers from hodkins-lymphoma. He was originally diagnosed aged 11 and has not spent any time at high school. Andrew(her sone) is the sweetest/kindest boy you could wish to meet and his mum,karen,works all the hours she can to make ends meet. I am at a loss to know what to do to help him enjoy himself and for her to relax about bills etc (for instance she has to keep his medication outside because she her fridge-freeser has broken) she doesn't know which way to turn. He is not eating following harsh chemotheraphy sessions and she is worried sick, could you help ???

By Karen Baines. Posted February 12 2009 at 7:21 PM.

Money Saving Tip!!

If you have a condensing tumble dryer, use the water collected to water your plants etc saves tipping money straight down the drain!!

By Emma. Posted January 31 2009 at 12:15 AM.

Hey...quick tip for those trying to save money on rising water and gas bills-invest in a washing up bowl rather than simply using the sink to do your washing up.They only cost about 1.50 and will save you lots of money by using less heat and less water!

By laura foley. Posted January 29 2009 at 7:45 PM.

if you need fresh lemon juice, cut the lemon in half and put it in the micro wave for three minutes and bingo you have enough lemon juice for what ever you need it for

By agnes henderson. Posted January 26 2009 at 2:10 PM.

When shopping for milk look out for a small selection of cheaper milk - Supermarkets like Tesco's and Morrisons have 2ltr milk for under £1 from a separate supplier but only have a limited quantity - you can save over 40p per pack !

By cathy b. Posted January 25 2009 at 5:55 PM.

Instead of buying expensive mattress toppers use the summer weight duvet on the mattress. No storage problems either, just keep swap over the duvets in the summer.

By heather evans. Posted January 13 2009 at 9:04 PM.

instead of buying ironing water just keep an old bottle. fill with cold water and add two drops of poppy refresher oil cost about £1 a bottle this will make about 30 BOTTLES of ironing water this does the same job as buying ironing water from the shop and will save you pounds during the CREDIT CRUNCH !!!!

By janet . Posted January 12 2009 at 5:14 PM.

Talk about bad luck ... despite adequate security, we had out shed broked into during the first week of December, then on his way to work, my husband was involved in a car accident and my excess etc came to over £700. Then I had my cards stolen followed by another burglary on Boxing day when I had my little boys presents stolen. Could you please help to remind me there are decent people in this world. Thank you.

By Vicki. Posted January 8 2009 at 9:10 PM.

Make a slit in a sponge and put the last slivers of bars of soap inside to use in the bath

By S Newton. Posted December 23 2008 at 10:35 AM.

if you are lucky enough to have a car why not offer to do an elderly neighbours shopping and if you have the time take them shopping with you once in a while you'll be surprised how much pleasure this will give and make their day to know somebody cares. keep up the good work captain your one in a million

By joan carlisle. Posted December 2 2008 at 11:55 AM.

Turn off your micro-wave when not in use. This will save you ££'s

By Majella. Posted November 28 2008 at 9:27 AM.

When making Bolognese or cottage pie I always add some onion, a dozen carrots, a pack of mushrooms and any other veg that ive got lying around in the bottom of the fridge. Its packs the meal out and makes it go that bit further and its cheaper than buying bigger packs of meat!

By Michelle Robbins. Posted November 25 2008 at 9:20 PM.

Wait for your toast to go cold before buttering it. It saves on £s and lbs! Also only butter 1 slice of bread when making sandwiches. You wont notice the difference and again your saving money and inches!

By Michelle Robbins. Posted November 25 2008 at 9:16 PM.

Hi, when you have used up a spray bottle (not an aerosol) of Fabric Freshener (like Febreeze) you can refill the bottle afterwards with Water & your fave Fabric Conditioner, you can mix it to your preferred strength , it works just as well as the expensive spray & is a fragrance you can pick yourself & costs hardly anything

By Zara Sheppard. Posted November 25 2008 at 8:43 PM.

Always use thermal linings for your curtains rather than standard ones. You'll be amazed how more effective they are at keeping the heat in and it saves on your fuel bill too.

By Mrs Rebecca Barnes. Posted November 24 2008 at 9:58 PM.

RE:Captain Cash Tips

Make sure that you have enough plates and cutlery so that your dishwasher only needs to go on when it is filled to its maximum capacity, thus saving on both water and electricity.

By Mr Paul Barnes. Posted November 24 2008 at 9:28 PM.

if you have men in your life ie husband,father,father in law club together and buy some hair clippers.you will save yourselves a fortune on barbers costs

By joanne whittaker. Posted November 24 2008 at 5:46 PM.

This cristmas save money by making your cards and gifts it is so simple and saves loads dont go spending on items in the shops when there are so many great gift ideas that can be made in the home

By Kim. Posted November 24 2008 at 2:05 PM.

I had my atm card cloned and my bank account cleared this was 3 weeks ago and im getting now where with the phone number i was given to reclaim my £600 back,they have lied and said a letter was in the post i have had to borrow money from friends to just shop etc for food for me and my 3 children i only work 20 hours a week can you help .

By kerry. Posted November 23 2008 at 10:34 PM.

hi. i have been made unemployed and now have to sign on. i want to work and asked off the benefits for £272.00 this was to renew my passport and driving licence and to get glasses as i have an pupil that does not contract and sunlight makes my eye close. i was told that i have to be unemployed for 6 months be a criminal or be on drugs or be an assulum seeker. i am none of these so they will not help.i do not want to be unemployed and i am bassing my head against a wall. can you help ?.

By nik callow. Posted November 21 2008 at 10:58 AM.

A good money saving tip for Xmas - buy your turkey now and save a fortune as the price increases towards Xmas. Just freeze it now, take it out a couple of days before and it will be ready for the oven on Xmas morning.

By Mark and Tammy. Posted November 20 2008 at 6:40 PM.

Our tip to save money on a takeaway curry for 2 is to swap one of the 2 main course's for a starter like bombay pototo , there is just the right amount for 2 to share and you'll save £5

By David and Tara Brennan. Posted November 20 2008 at 4:23 PM.

Particularly impressed with a service or product? Then have you thought about writing a letter of praise? As praise often heaps rewards in terms of discounts and freebies. And I don't know about you, but I hate complaining.

By Joanna Sargent. Posted November 19 2008 at 10:11 PM.

i have my paper delivered, the sun mon-sat & news of the world on sunday, i am single parent & can't afford 2 go shopping on a sunday. So when are you going to cum surprise sum1 like me in the post office que on a monday morning.

By Anne Davies. Posted November 18 2008 at 11:03 PM.

My top tip is when you buy chicken breasts, buy them with the skin on as it is often a pound or two cheaper (free range) and only takes a few seconds to remove!

By Kelly Wells. Posted November 17 2008 at 3:52 PM.

my money saving tip is to join your supermarkets xmas savings club, every time you shop round up your total bill to the nearest £5 or £10 and put the extra on the savings card, a couple of pounds a week and you have £100 saved up for christmas presents etc.

By S Peck. Posted November 17 2008 at 11:54 AM.

When ever its a friend of famiys birthday i can never afford to buy them a present. So i make them a dvd on windows movie maker. I put music to it and loads of pictures and even home made videos. Its so easy and all you have to buy is a recordable disc. I use a packet from an old dvd i dont watch anymore and decorate it. They always tell me its nicer than buying a present. And its unbelievably cheap!!! A lovely personal present they can keep forever.

By Charlotte Fulham . Posted November 15 2008 at 11:42 AM.

Me and my friends don't really have much money to spend at Christmas this year and as theres 5 of us it can get quiet expensive. So we deiced to do something nice together. We have booked £8 ticket to see a show together instead for christmas. Therefore we will being having a great christmas together without spending much money! By Charlotte Fulham Age 14

By Charlotte Fulham . Posted November 15 2008 at 11:37 AM.

Look out for ways to earn extra points on your store loyalty / reward cards - whether by coupons, instore offers, submitting meter readings via email etc.

Instead of exchanging them for small items throughout the year, save them up for christmas - they can be used for buying food, drinks and gifts.

If you're really lucky they could cover the cost of christmas !!

By Janet Hepworth. Posted November 13 2008 at 7:27 PM.

My money saving tip is to make sure you overpay your direct debit bills like gas, electric and phone by 1 or 2 pound a month on your suppliers estimated monthly cost. Also ensure your energy bills are not estimated and actually contain your accurate meter reading.
Over the 12 month period you will either end up getting back a nice lump sum from the suppliers or if they have underestimated your usage you will not end up with a large unexpected bill.

By John Lakes. Posted November 13 2008 at 8:02 PM.

When your getting BOGOF's with your shopping, buy saver stamps with the money you have saved and it will soon add up ready for next christmas!
I have so far managed to save up £150.

By Karen. Posted November 13 2008 at 4:21 PM.

Transfer all your favourite & more expensive beauty products such as shampoo, moisturiser & conditioner into pump dispenser bottles. You will naturally use less making it go much further.

By Samantha Temple. Posted November 13 2008 at 7:52 AM.

If you're shopping online this Christmas always check for 3 things before you purchase. 1) Always check to see whether the retailer is one of nectar.com's estore partners to top up your loyalty points. 2) Search the web for voucher codes and promotional discount codes that will earn you money off your purchase at the checkout. 3) Go to sendmecashback.co.uk and see whether you can make the purchase through one of their retail partners for additional money off.

By James Gibson. Posted November 12 2008 at 9:13 PM.

Decant your washing up liquid, it works as well at half strength. Use packed lunches instead of bought sandwiches.

By Nick Fletcher. Posted November 12 2008 at 8:53 PM.

When using your oven if after a quick look you can see that it would be ready in five minuits, turn your oven off . The oven will still keep enough heat to carry on cooking for a good 5 - 10 minuits, i always pop my ready made yorkshire puddings in after i have turned it off. Thats two hours and 20 minuits ENERGY and MONEY saved month or 26 hours and 40 minuits saved a year if done every day!!

By melissa cooper. Posted November 12 2008 at 7:56 PM.

Instead of liquid soap go back to old fashioned bars of soap - lasts much longer and the kids don't waste it! Instead of baby wipes for messy faces go back to old fashioned flannels. Pop a damp soapy one in a plastic bag for out and about.

By S Sherriff. Posted November 12 2008 at 11:44 AM.

I plan my shopping trips very carefully, always using a list. Before leaving the house I estimate the cost and only take that amount of cash with me.

If doing a big shop and I have money left over I use it to buy savings stamps to collect for Christmas. Doing this each month means I've got loads of savings stamps collected which will make the Christmas shop feel like its 'free'!

By Kathryn. Posted November 11 2008 at 7:11 PM.

When doing your supermarket shop, use the calculator on your mobile phone to keep track of what you are spending, you are more likely to stick to your budget as you can see exactly how much you are spending.

By kristine craig. Posted November 11 2008 at 5:13 PM.

As a mum of 2 young children, I save a lot of money by using cotton wool and water instead of baby wipes to changes nappies when we are at home. I keep a store of cheap wipes for when we go out for the day.

By Claire O'Donoghue. Posted November 11 2008 at 1:14 PM.

I would like the goverment to help families of carers .I am a carer for a mentally disabled woman whom lives with us i dont work due to being a full time carer, I survive on £85 pound a week carers allowence we get no rent rebate or council tax rebate as my husband works. By me being acarer(carering in my own home) i save the goverment over £600 a week if she was to be put into a nursing home. In this credit crunch i think more money should be paid to these caeres whom give up their lives for caring for a family member Ie winter fuel payments, and a little extra as i basically work 24/7/365 days a year for just £4420 a year.
Now you tell me who would work in a job for that a year 24/7. We do it because we care but a little extra would help keep the house warm and as i said us carers save over 30k a year for the goverment by carering in our own homes.

So give us a little thought please xxxx

By sarah. Posted November 11 2008 at 5:41 AM.

Save on buying plastic lunch and freezer bags. Use the plastic envelopes stuffed full of junk mail, which we receive every day. Saves the planet too!

By Frances Heaton. Posted November 10 2008 at 7:46 PM.

I am on a water meter that seems to save me money. I have lots of ways of saving water in our house. After I have used the 'loo' I wash my hands in the sink into a small bowl and use this water to flush away instead of using 2 or 3 gallons of water! You'll be surprised how much water you use to wash your hands!

By Miss Stanley. Posted November 10 2008 at 3:57 PM.

Morrisons is doing a great offer. Spend £40 or more in a transaction until 14th Dec. Save 4 receipts and swap them for a voucher worth £20. Voucher redeemable between 15th and 24th December when you spend £40 or more.

By ELIZABETH MURRIN. Posted November 10 2008 at 4:12 PM.

Cancel monthly broadband subscriptions, most libraries allow you to use the internet for free for a few hours a day and some open late (till 7 or 8pm). If you need to do anything secure like buying stuff online, use a dialup pay as you go service after 6pm at home so you only pay for the time on the internet that you are actually using.

By Chris Walsh. Posted November 10 2008 at 11:32 AM.

Save electric, save the planet !!!
Hoovers use a heck of a lot of electricity - use a carpet
sweeper instead - they are remarkedly efficient ! They are only £8-99 in Argos. Just use your hoover on occasion.

Please print this one - it is one of the best !!!

By Steve Elliott. Posted November 10 2008 at 12:33 PM.

freeze leftover wine from dinner in an ice cube tray.
Then drop the frozen cubes into soups and stews for extra flavour.

By k pedro. Posted November 10 2008 at 1:26 PM.

Don't keep spending on book!

Join your local library. If like me you commute and spend did spend a fortune on books, join your local library. That's what your council tax is paying.

Also mine has internet access, so I've stopped my broadband at home. I can get an hour free, and more if I want to book a PC.

Failing that visit local charity shops, near commuter areas, full of the local reads!

By Loraine Scott. Posted November 10 2008 at 1:04 PM.

Here is a money saving tip I use all the time.
Turn off the hob or oven several minutes before the food has finished cooking.The residual heat will be enough to finish the cooking off and save money and energy too.

By Teresa Hodges. Posted November 10 2008 at 10:48 AM.

One for all you 8 million sky customers. If you have completed your mandatory 12 month contract and are going on holiday for 2-3 weeks or longer simply phone up sky and reduce to the minimum package available. When you get back just phone them and revert back to your previous package, although this will cost you £1-2, if you are on a really high costing package this could save you up to £30.00.

By Seany B. Posted November 10 2008 at 9:41 AM.

I BUY THE NOTW EVERY SUNDAY,AN WHEN TESCO HAVE THE £3 MONEY OFF VOUCHERS OFF UR SHOPPING IF U SPEND £30,IT REDUCES UR SHOPPING TO £27. BUT WHAT I DO IF IM STOCKING UP ON A BIG SHOP AND KNOW IL BE SPENDING £60 OR MORE IS GET 2 NOTW AN WHEN U GET YO THE CHECKOUT THE STAFF IF YOU TELL THEM ARE ONLY TOO GLAD TO HELP AND PUT UR SHOPPING THROU AT£30 A TIME, AS GETTING TO PAPERS TO SAVE AS TO GO THROU ON 2 SEPERATE TRANSACTIONS AND THE BONUS IS YOU SAVE £6 ON YOUR SHOPPING THANKS TO THE NOTW

By pat king. Posted November 10 2008 at 7:08 AM.

Invest in a Slow Cooker - not only is cooking simple and healthy but it also uses a lot less electricity than a conventional oven.

By K Conway. Posted November 9 2008 at 10:21 PM.

As we all face sky high energy costs, I have insulated my home cheaply by putting ordinary cling film over my windows to form secondary glazing and tin foil behind my radiators to conserve heat.

By Claire O'Donoghue. Posted November 9 2008 at 9:00 PM.

If you want to change the variety of clothes in your wardrobe, arrange a home clothes swapping party with your friends - that way, you can have different outfits and keep up with latest fashions without the expense of buying them!

By Lisa. Posted November 9 2008 at 8:34 PM.

When renting dvds, instead of renting them from your local video shop, rent them from your local library, they are much cheaper usually between £1-£3and you get them for longer usually one week instead of overnight or 2/3 nights.

By Dominique. Posted November 9 2008 at 6:29 PM.

Hiya we are in the same boat our electric has gone up from £50 to £130 and the gas also £50 to £70, we are on income support and we struggle so much, as I am disabled due to a flu jab that went wrong and myself my husband and son and daughter find it really hard to cope as the food bill has gone up so much as well....

By mum of 3. Posted November 9 2008 at 5:05 PM.

I would like to share my tip for credit busting.
Buying from charity shops rather than stores is saving me a great deal as well as helping others in need.
Branded clothes in these shops give me the opportunity to get outfits for that special occasion that look classy at less than a quarter of their original price. Taking a bag of clothes in to the shops at the same time gives others the same chance to buy something new whilst helping their favourite charity.

By carol ellis. Posted November 9 2008 at 5:35 PM.

my heating is on low, as is on for 5 hours a day, if we get cold during the time the heating is off, we sit under blankets and all have hot water bottles.
Bills have risen so much even essentials are hard to buy.
My family live to far to visit very often ( even going 3 months at a time is about normal)

By Ali. Posted November 9 2008 at 4:10 PM.

Batch baking
When cooking meals such as Lasagne, Stew, Spaghetti Bolognese, etc. always make more than you need, and freeze the rest. It's great to have a home made meal without having to prepare - and saves on fuel costs too!

By Frances Heaton. Posted November 9 2008 at 2:29 PM.

Cut out all money-off coupons from magazines as even if you don't buy the product you can still use them in some supermarkets - Asda allow you to have 10% off your bill in coupons.

By Mel Lodge. Posted November 9 2008 at 2:06 PM.

your local farm shop should be cheaper than any supermarket for meat, fruit and veg.

Supermarkets are great for bogof on toothpaste, shower gel etc..

By Rob M. Posted November 9 2008 at 12:32 PM.

come to gravesend help my family!
my baby sisters never had branded baked beans! we could seriously do with the dosh, but never happens to people like us.

By sam. Posted November 9 2008 at 12:25 PM.

I try to shop just before Morrisons close ! It's amazing the bargains you get ( cheap bread, cakes, meat, etc) all with short use by dates. If you don't want to eat straight away, just pop them in the freezer!

By Deborah Swain. Posted November 9 2008 at 12:20 PM.

I save all my reward vouchers from Tesco throughout the year and keep them for christmas, then when we go to do our food/drink shop it doesn't cost us a penny

By Michele Taylor. Posted November 9 2008 at 11:23 AM.

well said john am single mother of 3 struggling to keep warm bills soaring cant afford to live, but suppose just another statistic eh? the real british people are left to rot while the gov do nothing but bring tom dick and harry in the country haway why dont ya come over common everyone eles is gordon browns deffo after a blue peter badge seen a article other day in paper bout immigrants going to sue us for being held for up to 2 weeks while checks r done dont they wanna be thankful there here? eh coz a wud free everything handed on a plate gsh dont get me started ill b here all day

By booty. Posted November 9 2008 at 10:58 AM.

any chance of helping us,2 children and were struggling bad.

By colin jones. Posted November 9 2008 at 8:36 AM.