With the cost of living on the rise, we’ve been looking for ways to help you make your money go further in your day-to-day life. From simple solutions to a few more unconventional suggestions, these money-saving tips should help you squeeze your budget just that little bit more…
1. TAKE A PAUSE BEFORE GOING TO CHECK OUT
For those of us online shopping, it’s easy to get swept away in the moment and immediately race to the checkout. But it might be worthwhile taking a 10-minute or half an hour break before going through with the sale as it will give you time to think and see if, when you come back to it, you really do want the item as much as you initially did.
2. SHOP AROUND FOR THE BEST PHONE DEAL
Instead of letting your contract with the old faithful roll on over, take a look at what the competition could be offering – after all, many mobile networks reward new customers over loyal ones. Try calling up the network to haggle your next subscription or go somewhere that compares a wide range of networks to find the right one for you. Plus, if you already own your phone, it might be a good idea to opt for a sim-only contract…
3. TRY ORDERING TAKEAWAY DIRECT FROM A RESTAURANT
Food delivery services are great if you’re looking for mealtime inspiration, but if you know exactly what you want (and the restaurant you want it from), it’s often cheaper to call the restaurant/ By ordering from them directly you will often be reducing the service charges and any other hidden amounts.
4. SAVE MONEY AND SHAKE UP YOUR SOCIAL CALENDAR
Meeting up with mates and dates doesn’t have to mean dinners or drinks out. Instead, why not invite your loved ones over for dinner or make the most of the warm weather with a picnic? Switch a catch-up at the local for a cafe or look online for discount codes, cinema deals and free activities you can enjoy together.
5. USE INCOGNITO TABS WHEN YOU’RE ONLINE
Going incognito online is a simple way to save money when shopping online. This will stop companies from tracking what you do online and from putting prices up when you come back to them – especially true for those of you looking to plan your next holiday. Sneaky, we know.
6. SHARE YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONS WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILIES
Is it just us or does everything seem to run on subscriptions now? From Netflix and Amazon Prime to gym passes and food boxes, it can easily all add up if you’re not careful. One of the easiest ways to save money is to see if you can choose ‘family plans’ instead that let you share accounts with a number of family members -that way, you can all chip in and save on the overall price.
7. COVER UP CHIMNEYS (WHEN YOU’RE NOT USING THEM!)
We’re a big fan of a roaring fireplace on a cold winter’s day but, when they’re not in use, fireplaces can bring a real draft into the room. When you’re not using them, make sure you keep the dampnr to your chimney closed or buy a chimney balloon that’ll help you reduce the cold airflow.
8. GIVE SOME OF THE USUALS THE OLD DIY TREATMENT
Smoothies, face masks, cereal bars… pocket the money you’d spend on everyday items by making them yourself! Simply search for an easy recipe and get the ingredients listed and then there you have it: a brilliant alternative for the fraction of the price.
9. CHECK THE ‘REDUCED’ AISLES IN SUPERMARKETS
Whether you’re looking for some food inspiration or are just on the hunt for some tasty deals, the reduced section of a supermarket often offers great savings on your usual dishes. As long as you’ll be able to eat it in the next day or two (as the use-by date is often the reason for its cut-price discount) then this is a great way to make your money go further.
10. DON’T HEAT UNUSED ROOMS
Don’t waste money heating those rarely used spare bedrooms or unused playrooms! Instead, turn the radiator in the room down to the lowest setting – but without turning it off completely. This will help you save more than you might think. Also, if you fit reflective foil behind radiators that are placed on outside walls, you’ll help to reduce the rate of heat loss in these rooms.