Martin's Wallet Workout: Take his five minute exercise class to gain those financial pounds

7. Travel by train even once a year? There's a railcard for you. 

Whether you're a family, under 31, over 60, disabled, a couple (or you travel with a mate), you have a chance of getting this railcard. They cost up to £30/yr and get you a third off most train travel, so if you'll spend over £90 a year, you can save - see Can I get a railcard?

9. Do you spend on a debit card or credit card? You could make your plastic pay you each time you do.

A range of credit cards pay you to spend on them, so get one, set up a direct debit to repay IN FULL each month, and you neuter its interest charging ability. Then use it for all your normal spending, and you'll be quids in.

To see what cards you can get, use the Cashback & Rewards Eligibility Calculator. Doing this is easy and lucrative - I asked on Twitter how people use these cards and drowned in 100s of positive responses, such as this from Mark Williams: "@MartinSLewis Amex Platinum. Use it everywhere that takes it, pay off in full, make £200 - £300 a year plus extra occasional small business discounts."

The card Mark mentions, the Amex Everyday*, is still a top payer, giving new Amex customers 5% back for 3mths up to a max £100, then up to 1% after, provided you spend £3,000+/yr. Though fail to fully repay and it's 24.5% rep APR interest. There are many more options though - see Credit card rewards (APR examples).

11. ...then max your points: itch your loyalty cards: E.g. 200 free Boots Advantage.

My adage has always been "Never choose where you shop based on a loyalty card, but always aim to use one if you're shopping somewhere that gives points".

The MSE team have lots of great research to show you how to max out Tesco Clubcard points, Nectar points and Boots Advantage points, including an instant 200 points.

13. ... And get a different type of protection: For only spending a penny

Under Section 75 law, if you buy something costing over £100 and up to £30,000 and pay for any of it (even 1p) on a credit card, then the card firm's jointly liable with the retailer for the ENTIRE amount. This get-out-of-jail-free protection is hugely powerful if the retailer goes bust or won't play fair or you buy abroad and can't take the item back. 

You can even go to the card firm with faulty items and if it disputes it, rather than going to court you can go to the ombudsman. Full info (including when it doesn't work and how to claim) in our Section 75 guide.

Not eligible for Section 75 protection as you paid by debit card, or for items under £100 on credit card? You're likely due chargeback protection according to the Visa, Mastercard & Amex `rules. Pay by bank transfer, cash or cheque and there's no protection like this.