After so many years of uncontrollable economic boom, the UK is set to face a recession as inflation hits an eleven year high. So, with businesses and families facing economic decline, what can we do to reduce the damage caused by the dreaded recession? With so many people wasting money, electricity and fuel every day - there is a long list for those who wish to save money and beat the credit crunch.

There are so many ways to save pennies and pounds that can really make a difference to your bank account. If you are reaching into your pocket and only feeling your leg, then read on and you can have a fatter wallet before you know it.

Saving energy is simple and effective so start now and fight climate change while saving yourself a heap of cash. From as little a change as buying energy-saving light bulbs to renewing your household appliances, saving energy can also save you hundreds of pounds every year.

When choosing the company that supplies your energy, visit price comparison sites and ensure you get the best deal. Every company will offer various benefits so do your research and get the price for you. This applies to all of your household bills, where bills fluctuate regularly as companies often chop and change rates and charges.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown recently announced that every household in the UK is wasting food every year equivalent to around four hundred pounds. With this in mind, it is essential that during the recession every effort is made to reduce shopping bills and also minimise waste.

To avoid overspending at the supermarket, make a shopping list of what you need to buy and stick to it. Don't be tempted by the amazing offers as they are generally things that you don't need or even want. Buy what you will eat, opting for smaller packets at a smaller price. Although the cost per weight will be a little higher, the average British family will so often throw the excess away anyway.

As with the comparison websites, shopping doesn't have to be all under one roof. There are so many food retailers out there, take advantage and find the best prices and products to suit your family's needs. Don't avoid your local butcher's, greengrocer's and baker's - they are sometimes cheaper than the big supermarkets and can offer just as good quality.

One of the most unnecessary expenses that people will be guilty of is expensive shop-bought sandwiches. To buy a sandwich from work can cost around three pounds so prepare in advance and buy some bread and the fillings of your choice for a much smaller price. You get to choose what you have and it can save you hundreds of pounds each year.

When investing money, the bank will advise you of the best account to optimise the interest you receive - so why do we leave our wages to sit in a low-yield current account. Visit your bank and speak to a banking advisor, they will be able to assess the best way for you to move money about earning you cash that wouldn't have existed beforehand.

As with your shopping list, planning your bills and outgoing can make the most of your finances. Paying bills by direct debits will ensure that bills are paid on time and on a set date each month. This allows you to plan spending ahead and organisation of your incomings and outgoings will stand you in good stead to avoid falling behing with payments and enable you to utilise the funds that you have available.

Whatever money is available to you - spend, save and use it wisely as the economy slows down. As money becomes tighter, learn to make the most of what you have and when the recession is over and inflation rates drop, you will find that you have so much more money than you ever realised. And then the spending can really begin as you forget all the tricks that got you there in the first place.