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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Customers are owed £3.7 billion by energy companies. The money has built up from overpayments of direct debits and should be returned. Companies err on the side of overcharging when they set up the amounts we have to pay for direct debits. A small buffer is sensible, but all too often customers are owed hundreds of pounds and more.

We need to get our money back and after a 12% price reduction in April and another cut due to start in July it is time to contact our energy companies if they have not volunteered a reduction in monthly payments or a refund.

It can take time to get through to the call centres and then to get a refund agreed. If you are owed money and the company is refusing to make a refund the Energy Ombudsman should help you and if the company still refuses to hand over your cash you can move to a rival energy company and then the old one will have to give you your money in 10 working days or pay a penalty of an additional £30.

Once you have got your refund it is worth checking if elderly relatives, neighbours or friends are due a refund.

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It is the peak holiday booking season as we look forward to summer sunshine. But first of all you need to make sure you get a great deal for your flight, hotel, hire car and holiday money. And as soon as you book you must protect the dream with travel insurance.

We tell you how to avoid being ripped off by hire car companies, which are the best days to travel, and how to avoid extra costs.

Avoid airport currency exchange bureaux and when abroad always pay in the local currency.

Read the terms and conditions before you book, highlighter pen in hand, so that you are not shocked by by the cost for extra mileage on your hire car and know that trying to return the vehicle empty is the most expensive deal.

Budget airlines are not always the cheapest and since Brexit passports expire sooner than you think. Check yours.

Holiday bargains are not always what they seem. But holiday memories are worth the prep.

Please send ideas questions, tips and warnings about rip-offs to Mrs Mean through the contact page on her website: www.mrsmeanmoneyshow.co.uk or to infomrsmean@gmail.com

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