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High Street gets money savvy

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X-Ray production team X-Ray production team | 15:22 UK time, Wednesday, 12 May 2010

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Heol Y Cyw is a small village just outside Bridgend. And the High Street is the heart of it - here you'll find the village shop, school, pub, and rugby club.

Over the next three months we'll be challenging this street to become masters of their money. Will they become savvy shoppers, hardened hagglers and consumer champions by the time we leave?

Meet some of the residents

Natalie and Gareth are busy parents bringing up their three children Jessica, Alix, and baby Iestyn. Even though they're both working, they can't seem to make ends meet.

Kay Chaeter is a busy of mum of two and lives with her husband Luke. Kay is about to go back to work as a teacher after having a baby and worries about the impact child care will have on their budget.

The Powson family have very high energy bills - around £200 a month. But with three fridge freezers and leaving the television on all day, can they be persuaded to abandon their bad energy habits?

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The Powsons spend a lot on their energy bills

But Rob Owen is the haggler of Heol Y Cyw. He has saved thousands over the years, just by asking for money off. He recently got £500 off the price of his kitchen. He thinks people shouldn't accept the price tag, and is willing to share his secrets.

We asked a sample of the streets residents about their spending habits:

  • The average energy bill is £145 a month
  • The average food bill is £98 a week
  • Insurance policies cost a staggering £147 a month

Meet the experts

To help them look after the pennies we've recruited some top experts:

  • Heather Skinner is a marketing expert from the University of Glamorgan's business school. She'll be helping the street's residents understand the techniques retailers use to make us spend more in their shops.
  • Sue Clay is part of a group of financial experts from Cardiff who run a website called Debt Divas. She's keen to make sure people are budgeting properly.
  • And Esther Tallent is from the Energy Saving Trust. She's an expert in saving money on gas and electric bills.

Follow the street over the next few months and see if we can help the residents of High Street sort out their finances and save some money.

Do you have any money-saving tips you'd recommend to the residents of High Street? Let us know by posting in below.

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