money by borrowing slightly more. Currently, a 7,000 loan over five years from the AA is advertised at 13.9 per cent APR with repayments of 159.58 a month. But if you were to borrow an extra 500 the advertised rate drops to 6.4 per cent APR and the monthly repayments are lower at 145.76. So borrowing the additional 500 will actually save you 829.20 over the full 60-month term of the loan. 9. Don't apply for too many loans When you apply for a loan online, most applicants will leave a "footprint" on your credit record which lenders check before approving a loan. Having lots of applications on your record makes you look desperate or in financial difficulties. As a result lenders will see you as more of a credit risk, so your latest loan application is less likely to be approved. 10. Know the risks of secured loans Secured loans are cheaper than unsecured loans but you run the risk of losing your home if you don't keep up repayments. Secured loans are only offered to homeowners with equity in their property and mean the lender effectively takes a charge on your property. So don't sign-up unless you're 100 per cent sure that you will be able to meet your repayments -- this type of loan is basically less risky for lenders but more risky for borrowers. Game on: Oliver Thring joins a partridge shoot Everything but the turkey: Best Christmas trimmings What makes a cracking Christmas meal? It's