Saga, which represents the over-fifties, says although many of its members do browse the web, they also value the human touch. "To the pre-internet generation, human contact and judgment still plays an important role in financial discussion and trust in a source," says Paul Green, its head of communications. "To most of them, human contact is pivotal to the way people manage their money."  So if you're not mouse-savvy, do not despair. The tips below show you how to get good value from your financial products and other household bills – and without a www in sight.  Internet banking often offers the best rates for savings and current accounts. As Michelle Slade, from Moneyfacts, says: "Online accounts are cheaper to run for providers and the cost saving is passed on to customers through higher rates. Those customers who are not computer savvy or don't like banking online tend to lose out. Offline customers need to be more vigilant about getting the best deal."  In some cases the answer is to go postal, especially with longer-term savings products. For example, Northern Rock operates a one-year fixed-rate cash Isa (Individual Savings Account) by post at a competitive 2.85 per cent, as well as a 3 per cent non-Isa fixed rate account, the best on the market.  You may also be lucky with local building societies that offer special branch-based or postal deals. Norwich & Peterborough, Scottish Building Society, Principality and Saffron Building societies all run market-leading 4 per cent regular savings accounts, accessible in branch and by post. Only the Norwich & Peterborough account can be accessed via the internet.  The Best Buy tables in the Money sections of weekend newspapers are a good place to get an idea of top rates.  While there is plenty of information online on the cheapest home loans, this is one area where many people prefer to speak to the experts.  Some of the cheapest mortgage rates are offered direct to customers, but a broker may be more successful in finding a deal that matches up with your circumstances and attitude to risk. Make sure you speak to the right one, however, or you could end up either paying a high commission, or not being offered the full range of products.  Most people choose a "fee-free, whole of market" broker, which means they can choose from all the mortgages on the market that are available through intermediaries. Be aware that these brokers will be paid commission on what you buy (that's how they earn their money), and that you may not want or need the related financial products they will try to sell you.  David Hollingworth, from brokers London & Country, says that not all lenders deal with mortgage brokers, but that, in the current economic climate, it may be as much about who will lend to you as what the rate will be.  "Many of the cheapest deals will only be available to those that can provide very large deposits," he says. "Times are tough, so borrowers must realise that they need a more rounded approach to their mortgage search to take account of fees and rates as well as other criteria."  Although the easiest way to compare the market is with a comparison website, you can get yourself a better deal without venturing online. If you've been with your energy provider for a while, the chances are you are not on their cheapest tariff, so ring the number on your energy bill to ask if you can get a better deal from them.  This one call could save hundreds of pounds a year, no matter which provider you are with.  If you want to compare the market more widely, there are ways to do so over the telephone, too. Energy Helpline, which does have an online site, also has a Freephone customer number, and the company can manage any switching that you might want to do over the phone.  These and other useful numbers are in the panel on the right.  Here, too, a quick phone call to your current provider can pay dividends. You may be paying for calls that you could be getting free, or you may be eligible for cheaper line rental because of your circumstances.  If you want to compare the market more widely, a company called SimplifyDigital may be for you. They are accredited by Ofcom, the phone regulator, and although they do operate online switching, they actively encourage people to call and talk through their options.  "Switching is complicated, with all the different options out there," says Charlie Ponsonby, the chief executive of SimplifyDigital. "It's best to chat these things over with an expert, and they can match your requirements to the best deal on the market."  While mobile phones might seem like another whizzy online purchase, plenty of people want to see before they buy and talk through the options face-to-face. Carphone Warehouse, which is the largest chain offering mobile phones, says it tends to offer the same deals online as in store, so computer shoppers are not usually gaining extra benefits. Also, you'll get to see what phone you're buying and receive advice about using it.  The company recently launched a ''Walkout Working'' service, so that when you leave the shop with your mobile it will already be set up, and you won't have to spend hours leafing through the manual.  While there are thousands of vouchers available for cheap online grocery shopping, there are ways to save money from a physical trip to the shops. Get to know the right time for food reductions at your local supermarket and you can pick up some real bargains.  Many shops discount meat that is near its sell-by date in the evenings, but policies differ depending on the store or chain. And your local market, where fruit and veg will be on offer at a fraction of the supermarket price, will not have an online option.  Check the local papers for clip-out food coupons, which can only be spent in shops, and finally make use of loyalty cards – some, such as the Boots Advantage card, have points that can also only be spent in stores. £Northern Rock: 0845 600 4466  Norwich & Peterborough Building Society 0845 300 2511.  Scottish Building Society 0131 313 7700  Principality Building Society 0845 130 7630  Saffron Building Society 0800 072 1100  London & Country 0800 953 0304  Energy Helpline 0800 074 0745
The best deals aren't always to be found on the web. We seek out the best    offline deals.