Great Isn’t it Obvious MoneySaving Hunt: Tell us the secrets you didn't know you had

Mine's_a_guinness

coinchaser wrote: »

Here's a few tips, this is a great thread!

Don't have a printer - especially if you have keyboard happy kids!
Instead email anything you need printing to work and do it there. Also use the work's photocopier...

Make your kids swap/trade in their console games if they want a new one. (If they can't borrow it from a friend)

Only ever have £10 in your purse (for emergencies) unless you have something you specifically want - that way it doesn't get frittered away.

Teach your kids to cook basic dishes from scratch so that way they will learn to appreciate home cooking and won't be nagging for fast food or take aways.

My bold. I haven't read the whole of this thread (yet) and apologise for picking on this post in particular, as there were other posts in a similar vein. Although I always try to save money I would never, EVER, think of doing anything like this. It's no different to stealing in my eyes. Why do some people think it's okay to do something at the expense of someone else just to save a few bob? Save money, yes, but please have some morals.

stphnstevey

Just had a thought (with everyone talking about kettles), what about taking a kettle with you on holiday - not only will it enable you to do a cuppa, but you could also boil water to drink during the day (by passing having to buy bottled water).

Ferris

HC wrote: »

I shall pay attention to every nuance of the T&Cs and I will get my cashback. You do have to be very organised, but if you can be, it's a very good way of getting a year's free mobile phone usage.
...

i hope it goes smoothly for you! unfortunately, the problem is, often the companies do not even pay attention to their own t&c's, so you may well have to be tenacious. i sometimes think the hassle isn't worth it. that's the only reason i posted - they can be good moneysaving, but if you end up having to spend days on the phone and worrying about when your cashback is going to arrive then it can prove to be a false economy in the long run, especially if your budget is such that you simply couldn't afford the deal without the cashback. but i'm sure you'll be fine

may i ask which retailer you went with?

Mine's_a_guinness

flying_teddy wrote: »

I am absolutely flabbergasted at the number of contributors to this thread who advocate using their employer's resources for their personal use. Making expensive (or any) personal phone calls from work, using the office photocopier, taking paper home, etc., etc.

At a previous place of work, there were people who regularly put their personal post through the company's post room, and even a few people who sent their entire Christmas card list that way. Staggering!

Sometimes I despair at the attitude of some people - "I can save money by making someone else pay."

To consume your employer's resources for your personal use is wrong, incorrect, immoral, and is theft, which makes it illegal. If discovered, you can be summarily dismissed, and quite right too! How MoneySaving is that!? Don't get me wrong, I'm no angel. Yes I've taken the odd pencil home - but to openly encourage this sort of behaviour is absolutely astonishing.

I call upon the thread moderator to delete any contributions which encourage illegal acts.

I'm still ploughing my way through the thread and, thankfully, found this. Glad to see from the number of times the 'thanks' button has been pressed that I'm not the only one with this opinion. Most of the posts on here are really good advice, some just blow my mind as to how stingy people are and the lengths (depths?) they will go to save the odd penny.

HC_2

Ferris wrote: »

i hope it goes smoothly for you! unfortunately, the problem is, often the companies do not even pay attention to their own t&c's, so you may well have to be tenacious. i sometimes think the hassle isn't worth it. that's the only reason i posted - they can be good moneysaving, but if you end up having to spend days on the phone and worrying about when your cashback is going to arrive then it can prove to be a false economy in the long run, especially if your budget is such that you simply couldn't afford the deal without the cashback. but i'm sure you'll be fine

may i ask which retailer you went with?

One from e2Save and the other from Phones4U, both via Quidco.

Tenacity is my middle name (as is supreme organisation - I clearly have two middle names, one double-barrelled), though I do appreciate the hoops those companies may force me to jump through. If I don't get my cashback, I'll eat my feet with a spoon (and post a pic here).

My budget is not really a problem. I'm not broke, I just like money-saving.

Mine's_a_guinness

gillette147 wrote: »

Last time I'll say this......
Anyone can get a contract phone on cashback deals.
If you abide by their rules and don't slip up (write dates on your calandar) it will cost you LESS than free!!!

I am amazed how many people are posting saying that they are doing better than that because they pay £10 per 2 months.

Errrr..............less than free OR £5 a month.........hmmmmm........which is cheaper?

But I guess it is this stubborn unwillingness of some to believe that what I am saying is true that is what allows me and others to have a 400mins and 500txts a month mobile phone that cost me -£12 (yes minus £12)...... Is free for the full 12 mths of the contract......and I am selling the handset on ebay as we speak.

One problem you may be forgetting is that a few companies offering cashback deals have gone bust (remember Phonebox Direct?). Whilst, on the whole, cashback deals are a good option, there is always a risk associated with taking them out.

Just finished reading the whole way through this thread (phew!!) and have seen you have mentioned above in a previous post.

HC_2

Mine's_a_guinness wrote: »

One problem you may be forgetting is that a few companies offering cashback deals have gone bust (remember Phonebox Direct?). Whilst, on the whole, cashback deals are a good option, there is always a risk associated with taking them out.

Both companies I've gone with are part of Carphone Warehouse. As Gillette said earlier, you have a certain level of protection with such a large company.

hazy_2

Following on from the brown paper wrapping quotes for pressies I have also used plain paper and then with highlighter pens written the person who is receiving the pressies name over the paper in different coloured pens.

Personalised wrapping paper !!!!!

Mine's_a_guinness

HC wrote: »

Both companies I've gone with are part of Carphone Warehouse. As Gillette said earlier, you have a certain level of protection with such a large company.

I've edited a previous post of mine since reading Gillette's post re this. You're posting quicker than I'm reading - sorry!

Son

jinkssick wrote: »

-Disconnect your mobile chargers after use as they still use electricity
-Have your computer on the most energy option. I have mine to turn off every minute but overides when being used.
-When cooking, turn the hob off 5 minutes before as itll still heat it and allow you to use the conserved energy.
-Curl the toothpaste to get all of it out. Rinse your toothpaste under hot water to get that last drops
-Place used batteries in the freezer for an hour or if you want a lot longer. They will give you a bit of life, say 10 mins use.

Cant think off anymore.

my mobile chargers are plugged in but not switched on, like my kettle and toaster, are they all still using my electricity?!