Proper old-fashioned saving the pennies

Form a small food co-op with your friends and neighbours and shop in bulk

Every time you see a penny on the pavement do not be ashamed to pick it up. Put in a jar, they do add up quickly (because people are embarrassed at being seen to pick up pennies, so there are always loads about!).

Give up the car altogether if you can/if you live in a good public transport area

Join a LETS scheme http://letslinkuk.net
or a Time Bank http://www.timebank.org.uk/
for a wider share of skills

Will post more as they come

Caterina

No problem 160, hope you find one of these schemes near you - especially LETS as they are great ways to make new friends and exchange skills!

I was in a LETS scheme for a long time and exchanged a lot of skills, including having my daughter's room plastered by a professional plasterer, borrowed tools, had babysittings etc - I did cooking and babysittings in exchange

Let me know how you get on!

Ciao

Caterina

Always check the reduced-for-quick-sale and reduced-to-clear counters - a dented tin is fine if the dent hasn't perforated it (you can tell by depressing the top - if it doesn't "click" it's okay). Food items on their "use by" date are fine too, and can be up to half price.

Never wash less than a full load, and dry outdoors rather than in the tumbler where possible. When putting your wash powder in, measure out your usual amount then sprinkle a couple of teaspoons back into the container. Save a load a fortnight!

Use second class post for most things - organize yourself to post bill payments and birthday cards a couple of days earlier.

Check out own brands and economy non-brands - sometimes they are just as good as the expensive ones. Especially for non-foods. Sainsbury's Value tissues @ 35p for 150 are great, ideal if you have rhinitis or hayfever.

Don't buy anything perishable unless you are absolutely sure you will use it. Thrown-away food is not only financially wasteful, it is morally disgraceful!

Don't buy a daily newspaper just out of habit if you never read it. There is plenty of news on TV and on the Net.

Still thinking.......

Always buy fruit & veg loose and preferably from the market.

Darn holes in socks.

Serve yorkshire pudding with onion gravy as a starter before a Sunday roast - you will fill up on the starter and would need need as much food for the main course.