MONEY matters

Our expert Rebecca Gamble helps make your cash go further

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READER QUESTION

Q How do I set savings goals and have the confidence that I’ll be able to achieve them?

A Start by deciding what you want to save for. Then go through your finances so you know where your money is going each month (an online budget planner may help) and try to identify any savings you can make. Once you know how much money you should have left each month, decide how much to put towards your goal. Then you can work out how long it will take to reach it. Find out more at moneyhelper.org.uk.

Go green for less

Buying the exact amount of vegetables you need for a recipe, rather than automatically reaching for a pre-packaged bag, can save money - and it reduces food waste too, as you'll only get what you need.

3 easy ways to...

Save money on car hire

Make sure you don’t overpay on your holiday rental car. Here’s how to book your vacation ride for less

1 GET IN EARLY

Never leave booking your hire car until the last minute. Ideally, book it at the same time you book your holiday, especially if you're travelling at a peak time or going to a high-demand country like Italy, Portugal or Spain. When you're shopping around, look for deals that offer free cancellation. As your trip approaches, check prices again — if prices have dropped, you can cancel and rebook at the lower rate. But don't just go on price — research the company thoroughly too. Look at reviews online, and check out the survey of the best and worst car-hire companies at which.co.uk.