An awful lot of us are guilty of wasting money by not making the best use of it – whether it’s a small amount or large, long term or short term. From not cashing cheques to leaving cash in low interest accounts because you’ve forgotten about it or can’t find the time or be bothered to move it.

Here are a few tips to get you thinking about whether you are making all your money work for you:

• Don’t leave money inactive in bank accounts – move it around to high interest accounts, even if it’s only for a few days. Electronic banking means money can be easily and simply switched from one account to another – even for very short periods.
• Never be satisfied with the interest rate you are getting – there’s always a better one out there. Keep actively looking.
• Shop around for all services you pay for. There are always cheaper options. Don’t just pay for a name, pay for what you are getting.
• Don’t leave property empty – it may be increasing in value but you are missing valuable rental income.
• If you invest in anything that is appreciating in value, could it also be useful? Would a classic car you can drive be more useful to you as opposed to a painting you can only look at (although that could be regarded as useful in the sense it might be relaxing or therapeutic but let’s not go there).
• Explore all options. Don’t be content ever with what you are doing but always be on the lookout for ways to improve, enhance, perk up, progress and advance. This does not mean fiddling of course.
• Crack on. Don’t put anything off for tomorrow. Do it today. Do it now. If you take four months to bank a cheque then that’s four months’ interest you’ve lost.
• Always remember idle money is wasted money – use it or lose it.