So what are the best deals available? I have compiled a list of the top 7 ways o enjoy the credit crunch by spending. Here we go:

Mobile phones and connections

If you’re eligible to get a contract phone, I would suggest 3 Mobile. I recently purcahsed the Nokia E71 with the 20 Pound texter plan, in which the handset was free and I got unlimited internet and texts, alongiwth 200 any network minutes! Unlimited 3 to 3 calls also included.

An even better deal only recently offered by the company is the Mix and Match 1100 with Sony Erricson K660i. In this plan you get 1100 any network texts or minutes at a reduced monthly rent of £20.25 instead of £27. Its a steal! But the best thing about 3 mobile is that it offers FREE SKYPE CALLING. That means if you’re online on Skype from your phone, people can call you anytime anwhere in the world for free through Skype. Orange, 02 and Vodafone pale in comparison.

Movies and DVDs

If you want to buy movies, there’s nothing better than buying from HMV these days! A Lord of the Rings DVD for £2.99, are you kidding? A whole stock of cheap DVDs are up for grabs.If you’re the cheaper sort, Lovefilm offer a DVD rental service. You can try it for free for 30 days, i.e., rent unlimited DVDs in those 30 days and you wont be charged if you close your account before you exceed those 30 days! In fact, if you enter this code – LFZZ98769 – you can actually extend your free trial to 3 months!

Join seefilmsfirst.com to get invited to ocasional free cinema screenings across UK.

Books

Nothing better than eBay and Amazon to buy your books. When buying books at Amazon, make sure you also check the prices offered by third party sellers. Often you get good deals from them, and they are mostly reliable because Amazon acts as the middleman between you and them. Check out a seller called BookLoversInc who is selling books at very attractive rates.

A lesser known but equally good site for buying book is Alibris UK. The second hand books available on this site are quite cheap very often.

Computers and Laptops

Of course, you can get nice deals from Amazon and ebay, but its sometimes better to buy from a vendor like PC World, especially when discounts in the air! For example, you can currently save over £85 on the HP Photosmart C4585 – All-in-One Printer, Scanner, Copier now £69.99 (RRP £156.58)

Hewllet-Packard (HP) also runs various promotions for hardware bought from its website.

Software

Being a student is best during the current climate, as you often get software ultra cheap if you can verify your university ID. I got the Microsoft Office 2007 Ultimate Edition for £38, can you beleive that. Of course it was genuine! Often, eBay and Amazon will have good deals, For example, Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 (PC) is available at a 64% discount.

Online freebies is a cool page to get legally available free software and toolbars.

Groceries

Going out to ASDA, Tesco and Lidl can be fun. If you’re the lazy type, shop online, as almost all of these chains have an online presence and its easier to sport offersand discounts online than instore. However, browsing Tesco’s website can be a pain in the ass thanks to the design.

The best thing I found out is a website called My Supermarket. It allows you to shop and compare products from four big chains – ASDA, Tesco, Sainsbury and Oxado. If you buy a garlic bacquette in ASDA and there’s a cheaper one available, the website will suggest you to take that option! Frankly its one of the most innovative shopping site that I have seen in a while.

Travel

Did you know that you could get accommodation in Central London for 10 Quid a night? In fact, most of the European capitals really if you decide to stay at St Christoper’s inn. So if you’re looking for a backpacking holiday then St Christoper’s inn located in various European capitals and International Students House in London are amazingly cheap inspite of their central locations.

If you want a proper planned holiday with a decent hotel stay etc, I would recommend Expedia, since many of my friends have had positive reviews about this travel site.