12 ways to survive until payday

12 ways to survive until payday. Last payday seems like a distant memory and for most of us, the wait for more cash still isn't over. Luckily with my nifty savings guide you should make it through this financial drought.

Counting the days until payday can make you feel miserable and, if you're anything like me, the wait is often even more painful in January.

Many of us got paid earlier than usual in December, which can make the gap between paydays an excruciating six weeks. What's more, you may well have spent more than you can afford on yuletide extravagances and New Year revelry.

Taking out a payday loan might seem like a tempting way to last the month but this shouldn't be necessary with my 12 top tips for scrimping and saving.

1. Don't bury your head in the sand

Work out exactly how much money you have left and how much you need to live on before you get paid. Remember to include all of your expenses such as energy bills, lunches and even bus fares.

2. Come clean to your creditors

If you know there is a good chance you will need to exceed your overdraft limit this month, approach your bank, explain the situation and ask for a temporary extension. This is much better than paying a fine for exceeding your limit without the bank's permission, damaging your credit rating in the process.

Alternatively if you have to use credit, try to do so as cheaply as possible. Using a credit card that offers 0% on new purchases could help give you some breathing space, but you must remember to pay off what you owe before the offer ends and interest rockets!

3. Cut back on luxuries

Think very carefully before going out for dinner or enjoying a post-work trip to the pub. Why not find alternative ways to amuse yourself such as watching DVDs you were given for Christmas or tackling that copy of War and Peace sitting on your bookshelf?

4. Always pay cash

It's easy to convince ourselves we're not spending when we put our purchases on the good, old plastic but the reality is harder to ignore when you hand over a crisp £20 note.

Set yourself a strict limit on how much money you can withdraw each week and try not to visit the cashpoint once it's gone. If there is a social occasion you can't miss, leave your cards at home. Budgeting is often the furthest thing from our mind after a third glass of our favourite tipple.

5. Pound the pavement

Walking to work could save you a packet on petrol. If your destination isn't within walking distance, brave public transport. Under no circumstances are you to set foot in a taxi (unless you're driving it!)

6. Watch what you eat

Shopping online is a fantastic money saver. MySupermarket.co.uk compares the prices of thousands of items sold at Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda and Ocado. Then once you've completed your selections, you can buy your shopping from the store that sells your goods at the lowest price.

Alternatively, have a rummage in your freezer. Forgotten foodstuffs can easily be transformed into delicious dinners.

7. Call in your debts

If anyone owes you money, ask for it back. You shouldn't feel like a Scrooge if you need the cash during these tough times. Casually mention you're a bit short to whoever owes you. Hopefully they'll take the hint and offer to pay you back.

8. Raid your piggybank

Spare change soon adds up. Research by esure home insurance last year found that the average sofa hides an astounding £58.20 in change during its lifetime. Just think how much could be lying around your house!

9. Have a premature spring clean

Did you really want that ceramic pig your auntie gave you this Christmas or the boxset of a TV show you haven't watched since you were 15? Flog them for a few quid on eBay. It might seem cold hearted but desperate times….

10. Don't take shortcuts

Using your credit card to withdraw money from a cash machine might seem like a good idea but beware of hidden pitfalls. The interest rate on a cash withdrawal is normally higher than standard card purchases and you'll probably be charged a fee to withdraw cash.

11. Swallow your pride

OK, it's embarrassing to admit you're having cashflow problems but a loan from friends or family could be a life saver. Plenty of us have loved ones who would be happy to help. Remember - they've probably been in a similar position at some point themselves. However, make sure you can repay them or you risk damaging your relationship.

12. Don't ignore bills

You might be tempted to forget about that whopping gas bill until after payday. This is never a good idea. You will probably end up with a late payment fee and even worse, a black mark on your credit file. This is something none of us can risk now you need a squeaky clean credit history to borrow money!

If you think you're paying too much for utility bills, you could save £430 by switching energy supplier today. One of easiest ways to compare prices from a range of suppliers is to use an online comparison service such as BeatThatQuote.com's utilities tool.

Think ahead

When your next pay packet finally does arrive, don't shout Hallelujah and hit the shops, be sensible and use this experience as an incentive to get your long term finances in order.

Try not to spend your entire salary and instead start squirreling away some savings each month. A tax free ISA can be a great way to save for a rainy day. Alternatively, easy access accounts let you have access to your savings any time without any penalties.

Finally, check you're not paying too much for other essential spends such as insurance by using our online price comparison tool. ( mailcompare.mailonline.co.uk )