There is no need to pay charges on your current account, when the days of competition have left banks fighting for your money.

If you need to go overdrawn, arrange it in advance with your bank, since most have a policy of charging for overdrafts which are not pre-arranged.

Switching bank accounts is possible: if your bank charges for providing a list of your direct debits, ask your new bank whether they will cover the cost. Your new bank should give you as much help as possible in moving.

If you're still on a variable rate mortgage, now could be the time to switch to a fixed or capped rate - since most experts believe base rates are likely to rise early next year.

Shop around for the best deal. There are thousands of mortgage products available, so you will only be able to compare a few, but one trick is to compare the cost over three, five or 10 years, based on the monthly repayments.

Discount and base rate tracker mortgages, unheard of until recently, also tend to offer better value than variable rates.

And new flexible mortgages, which allow you to pay more of the loan off in good times and less in lean times, are a dream come true for many borrowers.

Before switching, ask your current lender whether they can offer you a better deal, as they are likely to want to keep your business. Ask whether they would charge you a penalty for moving away, then try to negotiate the charge down.

Remortgaging could save you thousands of pounds in the long run - and could be the most profitable part of your financial overhaul.

Websites such as Emfinance or the Mortgagesupermarket may be helpful here.

Experts agree it's a good idea to keep about three months' pay where you have instant access to it - not tied up in notice accounts or bonds.

There is no shortage of instant access accounts around, with internet-only accounts usually paying a slightly higher interest rate.

If you can spare any more cash to put away, consider tax-free savings. You can invest cash, shares or insurance in Individual Savings Accounts (Isas) - within certain limits.

Rules surrounding Isas are complex, but remember you may not hold a mini and maxi Isa at the same time, and if you take money out of a cash Isa, you cannot later pay it back in during the same year.

Various websites, such as Interactive Investor International, list charts comparing current interest rates available on savings accounts and other investment products.

Alternatively, if you can afford it, you may want to consider putting any spare cash into your pension (because if you're in work, you do have a pension, of course, don't you?)

If you're going to be with the same employer any length of time, investigate the company pension scheme - usually a good bet, since the company contributes to the retirement pot, as well.

Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) are considered valuable, because the more money you can put into your pension earlier in life, the more it will be worth in your old age.

Since people are living longer, and since the state pension is scarcely enough to live on comfortably, other retirement incomes are vital these days.

It may sound dull, but it makes sound financial sense.

You can always use the money you're saving on your bank account and mortgage to fund those AVCs.

Since tax-free savings have become more widespread, however, some financial advisers say stashing your cash in an Isa until you reach retirement age can be just as profitable.

As with mortgages, the golden rule is: shop around to find cheaper deals.

Extra time spent comparing quotes can save you substantial sums.

Again, you may be able to get better quotes for home, contents and car insurance online than by telephone.

But cheapest is not always best. Compare what the policies offer if you need to make a claim and pick one that you think will suit your circumstances. It's a chore, but read the small print to check for exclusions.

Heard the one about the electricity customer who didn't shop around? He got a shock when his bill arrived... Yes, again, it's not easy, but there are indeed savings to be had for those who change energy suppliers.

Since deregulation, most homes in the UK can choose from which companies to buy both their gas and electricity.

If you compare the price per kwh, remember that some suppliers quote with VAT and some without - so check. Then some have much higher standing charges.

Website Buy can help here. Key in your current average bills and it promises to tell you which provider would be cheapest for you in your area.

But it cannot yet help with 'dual fuel' offers, which promise discounts for having both gas and electricity from the same supplier - though this is set to come online soon.

In the meantime, get your calculator out.

For all general financial planning, another website you might want to look at is Find, which contains links to a wide range of financial products and services, from offshore investments to pet insurance.

Above all, remember it never does harm to seek independent advice, but bear in mind that some 'independent' advisers are 'tied' to certain financial providers. Always ask what commission they are earning.