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

Angua2

Cut back on oven usage with cold collation meals!

We have great fun theming suppers:
*Spanish: gazpacho andaluz, Manchego cheese, chorizo, salchichon, ensalada de patata, ensalada mixta, and, of course, Rioja/Tempranillo/sangria.

There are some lovely cold soups that give your cooker a break (granted you need to cook some of them and then cool/chill, which isn't that green or money-saving - so make your vichyssoise - carrot or potatoe - in the winter and let mother nature's deep freeze do the chilling!)

Money_saving_Diva_2

HannaB wrote: »

Get to work early and make any 0845 or 0870 calls I need to make...;)

(Needless to say, I won't tell you where I work, so you can't report me)

I am not sure if someone else hasn't said this already as I haven't finished reading all the posts, but there is a site called Saynoto0870 and you can find alternative phone numbers for just about anyone on there. Saves me a fortune in calls!

If I have worked it correctly, clicking on the name should get you through to the site... well, I hope so anyway!:rotfl:

Diva.x

David12

Son wrote: »

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

Something wrong if they are!

David12

Joannag wrote: »

Our local Chinese serves take aways in the plastic microwaveable containers. A big take away on special occasions say 3 or 4 times a year provides containers for.....
*my seeds in the greenhouse
*Half a tin of something to keep in fridge - saving on cling film
*sandwiches for packed lunches (as above)
*stacking boxes for DD's beads/trinkets
*baby mushed up food in freezer - write contents on with marker pen

Also j cloths from pound shops for floor spills etc can work out cheaper than floor wipes etc even if you throw them away after one use (though obviously throwing into washing machine preferred option. Oh and cut them in half too for general use)

Corks are good for drainage in bottom of flower pots

oh and slightly off topic a free game I have invented for my children this hols if you have a digital camera and some pegs. Clip 6 pegs around the garden on branches, garden toys etc and take a close up photo of them. Give camera to child who locates peg through looking on camera, collects them all. Delete and start again..hours of fun...except when roles are reversed and I can't find the bloomin' things!!!

Jo

I've waited years for a use for old corks - thanks!

Andew_Hove

Money_saving_Diva wrote: »

I am not sure if someone else hasn't said this already as I haven't finished reading all the posts, but there is a site called Saynoto0870 and you can find alternative phone numbers for just about anyone on there. Saves me a fortune in calls!

If I have worked it correctly, clicking on the name should get you through to the site... well, I hope so anyway!:rotfl:

Diva.x

Hi when I need to call my bank or credit card company (interest free) or any other service for that matter, look for the words. "if calling from overseas" this gives you the normal 01/02 number to call and is the same number as the 0870 etc.

Also check out suppliers web sites, Sussex Police for example list 0845, but when looking further have a local 01273 number.

hope this makes scence and is helpful.

Angua2

The mention of corks reminded me: I use the old corks from whisky/sherry bottles as wine stoppers - that's after losing any number of those ugly grey rubbery ones and getting totally cheesed off replacing them.... lol

Chi_P'Skate

Wash your hands under the cold tap, not the hot. It doesn't make any difference - how often does the hot water actually come through by the time you finish washing your hands?

howardtog

In winter after boiling vegetables drain and keep the hot drained water in the pan with the lid on. Stays hot for a long time and means your central heating will be used slightly less.It feels good not to pour the expensive heat down the drain.
When walking in the country keep your eyes peeled for useful things.Perhaps a log or mushrooms.Spotted a self seeded gooseberry bush deep in a wood a couple of years back and have collected the gooseberries ever since.

originalkat

The mention of using charity bags as bin liners when distributors refuse to take them back reminded me of a very cringe-worthy moment. I ran out of bin liners so used a charity bag intending to put the whole thing in a bin liner later. Unfortunately the bag collectors called while I was out buying the bin liners and I found a very nice free bookmark and a note thanking me for my donation which I had left in my front garden!! I felt so guilty that I went to the charity shop and gave them a big box of goodies that I would normally have sold.at a car boot sale. No money saving there then!!

One money saver that I find useful is having a quick look round any trade exhibitions that I might see. They offer a good supply of free mugs, coasters, sweets, pens, pencils etc. My best freebies were a leather football, golf umbrella, t shirt and a very nice buffet lunch.. There are often free snacks and drinks as well. If you see any advertised, email for tickets although you can often just walk in.

WEEGIE

Angua2 wrote: »

Don't buy those plastic clip thingies for closing crisp bags, etc. - use a spare clothes peg!

I have done that for years, especially porridge oats.:beer: :cool: