Ways of Saving Money
As the purse strings tighten we’re all looking of ways of saving money. Well we had a good scour of the web, asked around the office and tried to think of all the ways that we could save a little extra cash in these tight times. So, without further adieu here is our list of the best money saving ideas.
Cut your fuel bills
We all know that the petrol pump is where it’s hurting the most and with oil prices spiralling beyond control and green eco pressures meaning that you can’t even drive to work without feelingly like you’re haemorrhaging money and poison into the atmosphere, saving money on fuel would be a welcome breath of fresh eco air! So, lighten the load of your car by removing unnecessary items, pump up your tires regularly and make sure that you’ve got enough coolant and oil, walk if you can or cycle longer distances. Use independent suppliers rather then BP or Esso and go to supermarkets and shell instead. They’re cheaper and the fall in demand for the two big names should cause them to drop their prices.
Home phone and other technology solutions
Have a look around for the best providers and there are loads of companies out there that offer broadband and phones for far better prices then BT. Plus if you join up with someone like Sky you can get satellite as well as saving money on your technological out goings or someone like Virgin media who will give you satellite TV, phones, broadband and mobiles too.
Reform your food shopping ways
Food takes up a huge portion of our budgets and we also tend to get sucked into impulse buying in the shops. Eat before you go shopping, write a list of things you actually need and don’t deviate from it, take advantage of own brand products where you can. Don’t buy ready meals or sauces it’s cheaper and better for you to make your own at home. Shopping online means that you don’t have to make the journey, saving money, petrol and time.
‘No’ isn’t always a bad thing
Don’t give in to ‘pest power’ from your children for sweets that’ll rot their teeth, you don’t have to go out every other night for a ‘quick half’ you don’t really need a new pair of shorts/shoes/sunglasses so on and so forth. Time to get thrifty people. Luxuries are important to keep your spirits up but budget for them, choose wisely and you’ll soon be saving money.
Cut your drinking down and cut smoking out of your life
Cigarettes will be costing you a fortune, ruining your health and that of those around you, putting up your life and home insurance and making your teeth yellow, your clothes and hair smell as well as being really unattractive. Give it up already! There’s loads of help out there and much of it is free on the NHS. As for drink, well we all like a sly glass but drink at home with some mates and don’t go out as much. Don’t drink yourself stupid because it isn’t funny or clever. What’s the point on spending £40 on booze when you can’t remember any of it the next morning and are throwing up everything you paid good money for? Don’t cut it out, cut it down, and start saving money.
Swap the gym and save on the membership
Cancel your gym membership. Swap the treadmill for the park, the weights for the garden and treat those aerobics classes as a means to escape the house and indulge. That way you’ll be saving money, improving your health and green credentials and probably start seeing exercise as fun rather then a core.
Claim what you’re owed
Money saving aside, try claiming what you’re owed. Simple really but you’d be surprised how many people don’t claim their benefits; even more surprised how many people have credits and benefits that they don’t even know about. Check out what you’re owed at www.direct.gov.uk