WITH many of us rushing to the sales to bag that 'must have' item or complete that long overdue DIY project, I thought readers might like to know of an easier way to save more than £100 without even leaving home.

First, ensuring that your home is not overheated, that lights are turned off in unused rooms, that computers and even your mobile phone charger is switched off can save you more than £70 in 2006.

Secondly, if you live in one of the 10million-plus UK households that have not yet switched gas and electricity suoplier, then chances are you'll be paying around £100 too much.

So by shopping around for a better energy deal. you can watch that pay-per-view match, have your turkey sandwich and eat it and spend the save in the next sales!

And don't forget you can ring energywatch, the independent gas and electricity consumer watchdog from your armchair as well, to help you with free independent advice on a range of issues related to the energy market in 2006.

Karl Brokes, energywatch.