Your top money saving tip

Always take a shopping list of what you need for the meal plan you've made, and stick to it.

I think there is an article about this around here somewhere, but look if you have any brand name goods that you buy. When they run out, buy a comparable replacement but in a cheaper brand, the store' own brand or even a basic/value line. In my experience, you will get some misses (my DH hated own brand razors, as an example) but the hits are usually enough to make it worth trying. Particularly food, there's very little taste difference. To give another example, I think Sainsbury's Basics tinned (carton) tomatoes are actually WAY better than any posh brand and only 35p instead of £1!

thriftwizard wrote: »

My tip would be, unless it's something you've been planning & researching & already budgeted for, never buy anything on impulse. Even if it's an amazing bargain, make yourself wait two days before you buy it. It's amazing how often you forget all about it/realise you don't need it or you already have one/realise that there are far better uses for the money!

Also this. I shop mostly online so if something catches my eye that's not a planned purchase, I will add it to my basket but using the "save for later" feature that most sites have. I usually find that by the time I next visit the site for something I need, the desire for the impulse item has gone.

I second the making a list and sticking to in when going to the Supermarket.

I would also add taking a packed lunch to work rather than buying food.

If non perishables that you use regularly are on offer, stock up.

I have saved a fortune over the years doing this and it gets to the point where if I run out of something and can't find it on offer any where, I get agitated.

Olay 7 signs moisturiser is my top saving doing this. It retails fully at £14 which I refuse to pay. Can often be found in Superdrug or various supermarkets for £10 or sometimes even less.

A woman was giving tips on the radio this morning and suggested, anyone that has regular forirgn holidays. Change any cash you've saved during the year into euros, that way you're less likely to dip into it.