We've all been feeling the pinch recently and everything nowadays just seems so expensive! We're constantly tortured by pricey Apple products, games consoles, designer clothes, fancy cars and expensive food that we just 'need' to have, but can't actually afford it. However, that doesn't mean that you can't have fun on the cheap! Have a read of our top money-saving tips and you'll have enough money to buy the iPad 2 you always wanted! Of course, by then there'll probably be an iPad 3 out, but that's another story…

Finish your phone bill

Having a mobile phone can rack up a huge cost, especially if you're on a generous tariff with a billion free texts. Try downgrading to a cheaper allowance (will you really use 2000 minutes per month?) for a massive saving! Plus, by signing up for a free Internet chat service, such as Skype or Google Talk, you'll be able to video call your mates over the web for free! There are also tons of free applications out there for smartphone users which allow you to make free calls and send free messages so have a look at your app store!

Cut cinema costs

Depending on which mobile network you're on, you could save tons on cinema tickets! Orange still run their Orange Wednesdays promotion where you can get BOGOF tickets for the price of a text and O2 Priority Members can get one free entry every week. Alternatively, you could sign up to SeeFilmFirst who will send you emails about upcoming screenings and film previews, plus notifications when free tickets are available. Usually the films aren't even officially released yet so that's a bonus too!

Save money on music

If you can't afford a few MP3s, head on over to free streaming service sites such as Last.fm, where you can build up a library of artists and customise your own radio station based on your personal favourites! Spotify is a similar service, but allows you to integrate your personal music collection along with the free tracks! Plus there are even some free tunes available for download! Try checking out your favourite bands' sites too from time to time for other freebies.

Stamp out steep software

For every expensive bundle of computer programs, there's always a cheaper alternative or, in Microsoft Office's case, a free one! Open Office is a completely free to use piece of software that includes everything you get with the bundle from Microsoft. Compatible with Windows, Mac and even Linux, Open Office is a worthy substitute for document-creating. However, if you're desperate for the real thing, you can usually download free trials for expensive programs, such as Photoshop, for a limited time.

Tame transport tolls

By getting hold of a 16-25 Railcard, you can save a third on train tickets if you're between the ages of 16 and 25 or a full-time student. With the ever-increasing cost of train tickets, by getting hold of a railcard from only £28, you can save loads on your commute! It's also possible to book train and bus tickets together through sites such as Plusbus, which is handy if you're planning a day out.

Purchase pre-owned

If you really need to get your hands on the new FIFA or master the latest Call of Duty game before any of your mates do, then feel free to buy it new. However, if you don't mind waiting for a little bit, you can save a fortune by buying all of your games pre-owned. Stores such as GAME, Gamestation, HMV, CEX and even supermarkets all buy and sell games that people have got bored of at a fraction of the usual price! This rule also applies to CDs, DVDs, consoles, Blu-rays and gadgets, in some cases.

Flog your old stuff

If you've got a wardrobe full of clothes that are too small for you, an old Furby, a huge Pokémon card collection, a CD rack full of B*Witched and Limp Bizkit albums or a Gameboy that hasn't seen sunlight since you were seven, get yourself an eBay account and sell, sell, sell! You'd be surprised at how much people will pay for your old junk, but then again, one man's rubbish is another man's treasure!

Hustle your hobby

If you're into beauty or hairdressing, try promoting yourself on social networking sites. Offer your services for dirt cheap and, if you do a good job, you'll soon end up with an army of loyal customers at your whim. Musicians or arty types, try and put together an e-portfolio or demo together and sell your wares that way. All you'll need is a microphone and recording software for your PC, such as Audacity.

Hunt down hotspots

Browsing the Internet on your mobile can get very costly, very fast with some contracts offering very little data allowance and some not including any at all! Networks charge up to £10 per megabyte (MB) downloaded, which means that viewing this picture of a cute kitty on your 3G connection would add an extra £50 to your bill! Instead, use a service such as JiWire to find any free Wi-Fi hotspots in your area.

Ban brand brainwashing

Though you may be convinced that having a little crocodile on your shirt, some bloke's name on your boxers or a certain 'fruity' logo on your gadget is evidence of just how awesome you are, you're in for a financial nightmare. Budget brands supply the exact same product at a discounted price so if you can go without the logo, do so. If you're not so forgiving, try having a look in charity shops or buying refurbished electronics. 

Of course, this is just a general guide. You'll know yourself where you're wasting money, whether it's on pricey cups of coffee, store card interest rates or taking taxis instead of buses. Before spending money on something, ask yourself "Do I really need this or do I just want it?" and you'll be shocked at how often you put your cash away!