How to save it ... catching cabs, Christmas shopping and credit ratings

Get a fare deal

Ordering a minicab in the capital is never an easy experience. But while a new app won't guarantee that cabs will turn up on time (or at all), it could help Londoners save money and read other users' reviews. The free minicab price-comparison app and website Kabbee (kabbee.com) sees users input journey details and then choose a fare based on the price, timing and user ratings. Pay via cash, card or prepaid account, then book and wait for the cab to arrive. The site lists fares from 60 licensed firms, with access to 4000 drivers.

Credit where it's due

The quickest way to trim the cost of financial services such as loans, mortgages and credit cards (and improve your chances of getting one) is to clean up your credit rating. These rate your reliability as a borrower, by recording your repayment history on things like mobile bills, credit, debit and store cards or loans. Spending an hour fixing errors or giving reasons for any delayed payments could make your borrowing bill far cheaper in the future. To do so, check your credit report via a provider like Experian (Experian.co.uk) and Equifax (Equifax.co.uk). They both allow a free credit score for those who sign up for a trial, but remember to cancel it afterwards. Read through the report and ensure it is accurate: if not, get in touch with the credit agency to correct any mistakes (you may need proof from your bank or credit provider), and add notes to explain any reasons for delayed payments, such as prolonged illness (a doctor's note would help). To improve your rating in the long term, close any unused bank or mobile accounts and store cards, install a landline telephone, go on the electoral roll and always pay bills on time.

Swap shops

Need to secure some cheap - but still nice - Christmas presents? Don't buy it, swap it. Sweep through your home looking for anything you no longer use or need, then either sell the goods on a site such as eBay or through a car-boot sale, or swap them.
For furniture, check out uk.freecycle.org.
Exchange unwanted books for ideal gifts or reads at readitswapit.co.uk.
Visit bigwardrobe.com to swap designer or High Street fashion - right now the site has Diane von Furstenberg, Dolce & Gabbana and Dorothy Perkins.
If you want to make something but don't have the necessary skills, check out Swapaskill.com or skillsbox.com - you can do someone's accounts or fix their window box and they can tattoo your arm. Or vice versa.
Another good source of presents is swapmyticket.co.uk. Exchange your unwanted Westlife seats for the Stone Roses. If you can find someone interested But these are free swapping sites and most don't offer assurances against fraudsters, so take care.