Anyone who says entertainment doesn't come cheap is wrong. Although some of the things we all like to do once in a while can cost money - going out for a meal, catching a movie, watching your favourite sports team, etc. - there are also plenty of things you can do without breaking the bank.

Join a library or book club

If you're an avid reader you'll already know how much the latest titles can cost to buy new, especially hardbacks. Some new books can easily cost twice as much as the average CD, so reading two or more books a month can eat a serious chunk out of your earnings.

However, reading needn't cost an arm and a leg. Why not join a library - which should be free and carry most of the books you're looking for? Or if you're prepared to try new things, swapping books in a book club will help you to enjoy your hobby on the cheap while making friends.

Get fit

Most of us resolve to get fit at one time or another in our lives, and despite what you may have heard about gym memberships that cost hundreds of pounds a year, you really don't need to even set foot inside a gym.

A lot of fitness enthusiasts agree that keeping fit in the great outdoors is much more fun than pounding the treadmill for an hour - and it's free. If you don't like running, then cycling or even brisk walking could help to keep you in good condition.

Learn to cook from scratch

With a little practice, cooking can be a lot of fun, and it can be far cheaper to buy the raw ingredients than to buy everything ready-made. Finding recipes should be easy - the internet makes recipes for almost anything you can think of free and easy to access. After that, all you need is a bit of spare time - and perhaps someone to cook with.

Enjoy a few nights in

Who says you have to go out to have fun? We're not suggesting you stop going out altogether, but limiting yourself to once a week and spending a little more time with your loved ones could make a big difference to your outgoings. There's plenty you can do: watch TV or a movie, play a board game, or just enjoy a good meal - the list could go on.