A personal assistant saved £380 in a matter of weeks by two artless money-saving guidelines.

She saved hundreds of dollars by switching bank accounts and haggling the price of her mobile phone and broadband deals.

Amanda, like many other people feeling the pinch of the cost of living crisis, has been taking advantage of simple tricks that can help your finances.

“I wanted to change bank accounts, but First Direct offered me £20 for simply opening a current account, so I did that,” says the mother of two from Plymouth, Devon. “If I move all my banking using the current account switching service, I’ll get £150.”

It almost sounds too good to be true, but many banks will provide it.

You can currently receive up to £170 for switching your current account to a different bank.

And, with savings rates at rock-bottom and inflation driving up the cost of everything from energy bills to groceries, it’s a simple way to make some extra money.

“If you Google ‘cash bonuses bank account openings,’ you can see what other bank deals are out there,” Amanda said.

Currently, HSBC offers new customers £170, First Direct £150, and Lloyds Bank £125.

Check the terms and conditions first, as you may not be eligible if you’ve previously been a customer, or you may have to pay a minimum amount each month to qualify.

Amanda’s other top tip is to bargain on your purchase.