HOW MUCH COULD YOU SAVE IN A WEEK?

Monica Cafferky, 53, wanted to see if being a bargain queen could really result in her spending less...

- MONICA CAFFERKY

The last three years have been tough for everyone, but the cost-of-living crisis has hit the over-50s the hardest, according to new research from the University of Edinburgh. I'm 53, and I've noticed that my money is buying less even though I've cut outgoings down to the essentials. I live with my partner, John, 62, and recently we've had to use our savings to pay for building work on our home. I need to try harder to save money, especially as I'm self-employed, so over the course of a week I've scrutinised every pound I spend. Here's how I got on...

MONDAY

When cash is tight, it's tempting to cancel insurance payments to reduce your monthly bills. Even though my dog Molly, who's 10, is rarely ill I've kept her pet cover for peace of mind. But today, I receive a monthly renewal quote for £64.50. I'm shocked, but not surprised, as research from Which? reveals one in five UK pet owners are being hit with huge increases. I go online, and using a price comparison site, I find quotes from £15 to £70, but one for £21.02 a month with Sainsbury's catches my eye. I can buy a lifetime policy with an annual benefit of £7,500, saving me £43.48 a month compared to my current policy. Plus, Sainsbury's are offering me 7,000 nectar points - worth £35. In all, by changing my pet insurance I'm £78.48 better off. SAVINGS: £78.48

TUESDAY