Supermarkets make it difficult for us to get the best value for our money. They game us with their loyalty cards, special prices, extra points, yo-yo pricing and price matching.

The last quarter of the year is the most profitable for them.

We all need to work hard to make sure we are not made fools of by attractive displays, misleading prices and two tier pricing.

Shopping takes a little longer, but you can save a lot more by checking prices and trying own and basic brands than you will by being seduced by the loyalty card prices.

And you will soon see the patterns of when prices are increased. Big shopping baskets at the end of the month are likely to be more expensive than mid month because shoppers are less price conscious when they have just been paid, and the stores know it.

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The way we work has changed in recent years and employees are set to get more opportunities to make work work for them and their families.

Compressed four-day weeks will give employees the chance to complete a full working week in four days and continue to earn their full salaries. They will also be able to save big money as they are more productive for their employers.

Working from home saves big on travel costs and a four-day week allows parents to cut their child care costs by thousands of pounds a year as well as cutting commuting costs.

You may also be able to claim the cost of working from home from your employer or HMRC.

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Our finances have never been so sorely tested. Energy bills are increasing so are water bills and tax is also a worry among Mrs Mean listeners.

But that does not mean we have to accept the bad news without fighting back. There are lots of tips to save money on energy and water bills. Now is the time to check them out. Those trying to improve their financial positions also need to make sure that side hustles do not increase their tax bills.

New rules announced at the beginning of the year for people selling stuff on websites such as eBay, Vinted and Depop will increase the admin for the apps and websites but should not incur tax bills for most users. Check out the details and keep records to keep yourself safe.

Taking a lodger can also rescue a stressed family budget with £7,500 a year rent without incurring a tax bill, as lots of students and people starting their first jobs need better value accommodation than offered by private landlords.

Listen and save money.

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