There are many ways you can make your cash go that little bit further. Just tiny changes can achieve big results over time.
Save energy
- You might have heard it countless times before but switching off your appliances at the wall really will save you money. Switch off your iron, hotplates and oven a few minutes before you would normally – they will still stay hot – as these kinds of appliances are real money guzzlers. Also try to turn off your kettle just before it boils rather than waiting for the automatic cut-off to kick in after it has been boiling for a while and only put in the water you need. Perhaps use a timer for your heating system and if you don’t have one installed why not turn down or even off some of the radiators in your home. There are all sorts of radiators from main living areas to bathroom radiators and perhaps some of them could be left off at key times.
- If you need to put your oven on for something small, fill as much of the rest of it with baking trays and cake tins. This will minimise the space it has to heat and allow it to get hot quicker.
- Shop around for the best deals for energy suppliers and always be on the look-out for other energy-saving tips. If you are a novice to this try using a website which allows you to ask a company a particular question or post a general query for advice. You can also log onto the Citizens Advice Bureau at http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/consumer_e/consumer_energy_supply_e/consumer_choosing_and_switching_supplier_e/switching_gas_or_electricity_supplier.htm/
Back to basics
- Make sure your finances are as organised as possible. Transfer credit card balances for lower interest rates if you can and, if not, use any available cash to clear debts. For more information about managing debt log onto https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/taking-control-of-debt/
Clean up
- If you clothes are just averagely soiled only use half the amount of detergent that you would normally. You will be surprised how little difference this makes to your clothes but be delighted with how much you can save. To brighten whites, forget expensive products and opt for a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda instead.
- Use what you have. Don’t waste money on expensive window cleaning products, for example. Simply fill an old spray bottle with half water and half vinegar and use for a smear-free shine.
Read-y to save
- Why spend money buying books and magazines when you can borrow them from your local library. Many also rent out films as a fraction of the cost you would normally pay and if the title you want isn’t there, you can often order it from another branch.
Take care of yourself and your pocket
- Try out supermarket own brands when choosing things like cleansers, soaps and shampoos. Many have been proven to be just as good if not better than the big name brands. Use virgin coconut oil as a moisturiser and a conditioner for your hair – and you can cook with it too!
The food shop
- Make a menu plan for the week and a shopping list and stick to it. Buy your basics from the cheapest supermarket you can find and then you just have to top-up with little extras.
- Buy in bulk as much as possible. Generally, the more you buy, the cheaper it will be so buy big bottles of laundry detergent, for example, and bumper packs of toilet rolls.