- paying in advance can help - but keep in mind that the companies then have your money and are making interest off it. in some cases (if you have self control) it's better to have an account that you pay in the same amount (including money for car services, gifts etc that you've budgeted for) and bank it all and pay on due date - that way YOU make the extra interest dollars on your own money.
:yeahthat:

For a few more money saving tips have a listen/look at Suze Orman's site/show (if you have cable)/youtube episodes. She's coming from an American perspective so not everything she says is do-able here, but the advice that can "translate" is very useful!