Home insurance bills are racing ahead. It means we all have to do our research early and be ready to move fast when renewing our policies if we want to save money. With average increases of 42% we need to check every aspect of our cover.

Too many people pay too much for their buildings' insurance because they insure for the sale price of their home and not the rebuild cost. Lots of people are also encouraged to pay for cover they do not need and may even pay twice for specific cover such as travel insurance without realising. And even worse they may pay for travel cover that they will not be able to claim on because they are too old.

Most important of all do not allow your policy to auto renew. This allows the insurance company to charge you what they like.

And when you think you have the best value policy do not allow the insurance company to charge you up to 40% more by offering you so-called easy terms. Paying annually is far cheaper than in 12 instalments.

Renewing insurance policies takes time but it is time well spent and should allow you to cut the cost.

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Cyber attacks and IT glitches are happening more often, affecting millions of customers, and they can put our money in danger.

Not only are hackers after our money, but fraudsters are ready to use news of IT glitches to persuade us to hand over our account details.

They pretend to be from our banks, credit card companies or other organisations. They are very apologetic that our information is in danger and tell customers what to do to make sure our money is safe.

They are nicely spoken and persuasive. Put the phone down. Do not open any links.

Mobile phone thefts have overtaken cash and payment cards as the items most stolen from individuals in the UK. As our phones are also used as our bank accounts, payment cards, travel and event tickets they also put us in danger of losing far more than the value of their phones.

Banks will be compelled to pay compensation to customers from October. Until then you have to be even more careful as some banks try to pay very few people who lose money.

In the meantime keep your phone safe, believe no cold caller even if they appear to be calling from your bank. Fraud is the leading crime in the UK. Do not lose money.

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We can all make extra money, and in most cases we will not have to pay any extra tax into the bargain. Whether it is selling on clothes that no longer fit, hiring out power tools, renting a room or space in your driveway you can start earning in days.

With taxes at a 70-year-high and food and energy prices still much higher than they were a couple of years ago most of us need exta money, and it has never been easier to start a side hustle.

There are also tax breaks that many are not benefiting from. Couples should make sure they use their tax allowances effectively. The marriage allowance is unclaimed by millions, many of whom could get £1,258 straightaway.

The personal savings allowance allows basic rate taxpayers to earn £1,000 in interest without paying tax and those who have no other income can receive up to £18,570 in interest without paying any tax.

We can all start by selling our old clothes, which is fee-free and tax-free.

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