My money-saving tips for life on the road

It's enough to make even Jeremy Clarkson wince. The average yearly bill for motoring is now £4,600, not including buying the car. So here's how to cut the bills…

● Fight unfair fines

If you get a parking ticket you believe is unfair, you don't have to accept it. For instance, private parking firms can't fine you. Their tickets look like tickets but are actually just invoices.

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Money Mensch: Holiday protection - beyond sun cream

Don't jet off this summer without financial protection. While sun cream and beachwear may top the list, a little bit of planning can save serious cash and prevent problems while you are abroad.

European Health Insurance Cards

Check if yours is one of four million European Health Insurance Card cards expiring this year.

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Money Mensch: How to go further with your holiday cash

Your money should stretch much further if you're heading to dollar destinations this summer. The pound is up 14 per cent on last year at $1.70, a five-year high. It's also at an 18-month high against the euro, at €1.25 - 10 per cent up on last summer. Yet, just because the rate is strong doesn't mean you'll gain. Here's what you need to know:

1. Don't waste big money on foreign money.

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It is now time to wise up on age-old benefits

It is said that like wine and cheese, some things get better with age. I’m never sure whether money-saving skills fit that criteria. In any case, a range of new financial challenges open up as you get older.

But don’t think there’s nothing you can do. For the over-50s, it’s crucial to get on top of the changes.

ALL CHANGE FOR ANYONE NEARING RETIREMENT

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Let’s not swipe bank accounts that give back

Bank accounts were once ugly creatures that bit hard when you went overdrawn, and gave nothing back when you were in credit.

Most still do that. But a few innovative gems are starting to sparkle. So instead of bank-bashing, I’m going to applaud the accounts that pay.

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Money Mensch: New Year resolutions for a more profitable 2014

For most people, taking a deep breath and sorting your finances could lead to the equivalent of a 25 per cent pay rise in just one day. To help, here are my suggestions for the top 10 New Year financial resolutions:

I resolve to budget

How much do you earn a year? Easy question. And how much do you spend? Errrr...

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Don’t spend unnecessary cash on your next holiday abroad

Here’s a New Year’s resolution. If you plan to go abroad, don’t pay more than is necessary. Too many people overspend on foreign shores, so I’m going to explain how you can save with perfect exchange rates.

HOLSTER UNBEATABLE EXCHANGE RATES

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How to ensure you really need your insurance

Are you walking out in the world naked? Insurers try to scare you into thinking you are if you do not buy their cover. The right policy is a suit of armour protecting you from the world’s randomness — but what’s necessary, what’s nonsense, and how do you cut the cost?

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