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

Slinky

We always use a bath puff type body scrubber with shower gel to make the shower gel go further. When I first met my OH he used to just tip shower gel into his hand and rub it on - used to be very wasteful. Now by using a bath puff he uses much less shower gel and has lovely soft skin. Ahhh.

Taffybiker

Son wrote: »

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

No, provided the switch is off at the socket.

Taffybiker

While I think of it, I saved a fortune (and am still saving loads) by getting rid of our electric shower and replacing it with a mixer shower plumbed directly to the combi boiler. There are 5 in our household each showering at least once a day. The elecricity supplier owes me money now (three figures). This more than compensates for the small increase in gas bills.

David12

sandrajean1955 wrote: »

When filling a bowl of water to wash up with (or do anything with that requires 'hottish' water, don't let the water run away until it's heated up and then ADD cold 'cos it's too hot. Put the cold water in first and the hot last (same difference but the other way round but you use less water). If you've got a long run from your water heater to your tap use some of the cold water to fill your kettle (or anything). I turn my hot tap off just enough to cut the water heater off but not enough to stop what hot water is left in the pipe from coming out. You end up heating the same water twice otherwise.

I keep a bottle just the right size to run off the hot water in the kitchen and then use it as cold water for things that need it cold.
In the bathroom, same idea, different sized bottle (trial and error at first) then pour the water into a bucket kept in the corner of the shower for flushing the WC.
ncidentally soap bought in quantity and kept in the airing cupboard for months goes much harder and lasts much longer, especially if it is not placed on a wet surface after use - I use an inverted nailbrush.
The real secret is not washing too often - only dirty people wash!

David12

Nobody buys bubble wrap do they? Not when it is free from the apple shelves in the supermarkets. I have asked if I can have it and they always say, "yes".

David12

halia wrote: »

probably already had these but here goes:
turn iron off then keep going until its cold
tip left over hot water into flask for next boiling of kettle
Get shopping delivered from tesco and use vouchers to cover delivery (points, no petrol, less hassle, fewer 'additions')
Buy boggoffs and store
Buy ownbrand or basics where possible
have arrangement with local newsagent for freebies of front of out of date kids magazines for little toys for DS
Save all shampoo etc satchets from magazines and use for nights away
walk or cycle everywhere I can
Always hunt for a discount
Use Tesco vouchers to pay for things in DEALS I would get anyway,
Buy wine by the case a few times a year when I spot a deal, also use virgin winebank as I a) get interest and b) £20 goes out regularly every month rather than a huge sum once in a while
Use nectar and boots points for presents, (case of wine, theatre tickets, smellies)
Only shop at tesco, sainsbury's, boots if the product is only available there or is cheapest there!
Try and buy in bulk, and not just for obviuos things. I sleep badly so use earplugs and get them in bulk boxes from workear safety suppliers - £2.50 for 3pr from boots versus £20 for 200 pairs!
Be flexible in purchases and snap up bargains when you see them. This only works if you have a list of things you need and think ahead. Buying a winter coat in the sale for £15 in July etc.

Cottonwool works well once you learn how to make the right size plug. Cost? No idea, the roll I bought many years ago is still going strong.

Angua2

Oh! We re-use plastic shower curtains (once they're looking a bit grotty or the curtain ring holders rip) as ground sheets. We keep 1 or 2 in the car for going under the picnic rug or for when you've got to get down on hands and knees - or even the flat of your back under the car!

David12

halia wrote: »

I'm with you here, I have a PAYG because I prefer not to be tied into a contract. I got the cheapest possible basic phone from tesco and get £10 worth every 2 months. I'd never use the minutes they give you on most contracts so it would really waste cash for me!

I used to be on a mobile phone contract and never used up the free minutes. Each month I would curse the DD statement and resolve to cancel the contract - but forget!
Once I did change to PAYG, it became MUCH cheaper as I put on the minimum amount of cash so I can honestly tell people that I have to ring off as the money has almost run out.

David12

Potatoes, carrots, parsnips, etc, all chopped to roughly the same sized pieces and done in the microwave (if you have one) is nutritious and economical. No waste at all if you don't peel any of them.

Angua2

The way to have pets without having pets is to live nextdoor to a sheep farmer! My son's allowed to play with the collies when they're not working/tired - there are puppies almost every spring - and the lambs - and the pony to feed carrots to - and the donkeys - HEAVEN! And most heavenly still: no purchases, no vets bills, no livery or feed to pay for :-)))))

PS: We're soooo excited! Puppies are due on the farm next month!