Research shows British shoppers could have approximately £1.2 billion sitting untouched in supermarket loyalty schemes.

A study of 2,000 adults found 75 per cent currently maintain balances across about three different reward programmes.

Participants had saved nearly £31 on average, available to boost their buying capacity.

Reasons for building up points varied, with 45 per cent planning to use them for bigger seasonal buys, while 32 per cent wanted to maximise their value across the year.

Around 64 per cent are also applying this budget-aware mindset to areas beyond food shopping.

This includes timing major buys to coincide with the best offers (43 per cent), cancelling subscriptions they no longer use (32 per cent) and switching between streaming services (13 per cent).

Many are additionally exploring other possibilities for cutting costs, with 79 per cent of energy bill payers showing interest in more flexible energy use.

Those who pay upfront for their energy supply demonstrate especially strong interest, with 93 per cent happy to move their consumption to different periods if it meant lower bills.

Victoria Bacon, director at Smart Energy GB, which supported the research, said consumers are discovering increasingly inventive methods to stretch their buying power, whether by saving supermarket rewards for bigger shops or arranging purchases to get the best deals.

The same money-conscious attitude is visible in other parts of everyday living.

For some people, this includes household energy, with growing awareness not just of costs but also of when gas and electricity are used.

The figures from OnePoll.com show 63 per cent feel they have become savvier about spending habits and timing over the past five years.

At the same time, 77 per cent say this applies to how they manage their household energy.

To help with energy costs, 60 per cent of bill payers switch off any appliances not in use.

Victoria added many households are investigating different types of flexibility around both spending and energy consumption.

Technology such as smart meters can give access to tariffs and schemes that reward customers for moving energy use to different times.

They also provide additional practical benefits, including accurate bills based on actual usage, and those with smart prepayment meters can top up credit remotely and check their remaining balance more easily.

The survey also revealed 31 per cent have tried to enhance home insulation to stop heat escaping.

Meanwhile, 24 per cent have swapped inefficient equipment and appliances for more economical alternatives.

Victoria said from supermarket rewards to flexible tariffs and schemes, more tools than ever are available to help households manage spending and energy use.

For some homes, more adaptable energy consumption could deliver savings, though it is vital to fully understand how these options work and whether they suit your property and lifestyle.