Top Ten Tip for Newbies!

BlueFleur

This is really useful

When I first started I found that writing everything down helped me see what was actually going out every month. I had to keep adding in odd bits and pieces that I'd forgotten. My SOA keeps increasing in size! I think I have the definitive list now... I've found keeping a spending diary has made me think twice about a lot of purchases. Setting targets has also helped with this.

OberonSH

Go through your house, box everything unwanted, not needed or just plain ugly, into smallish boxes. Then every week ebay/amazon/ebid one box. make sure the money goes straight onto the debts without you getting chance to spend it.

Buy a slow cooker. Love your slow cooker. I even have mine on a timer to cook during the cheap electric period, cheap just got cheaper. I need a life....

Pick one challenge, and stick with it. Don;t try and do them all, you'll end up going mad. hen when that challenge has beome second nature, pick another one.

chaossaver

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has contributed to this site. I'm a brand new DFW and am feeling a lot more positive about my challenge than was when originally added the total up. It's rather scary really. Now think I've got some work to do to get the total down, but all of your suggestions and advice on here will really help. think you're all fantastic, thank you!!x

savingholmes

Also remember the tips on when to go shopping and when shops reduce food - I've just saved £2 on eggs today, and founds some whoops soap twin pack reduced by £1 as the wrapper had come loose.

Also remember Martin's advice - save for the sales and then buy presents in the sales. I've just got my daughter's and a few other Christmas presents half priced at Wilkinsons and Asda... It all adds up.

Look at the special occasions and celebrations board. I'm loving the finished baskets thread and some of the other cost neutral Christmas projects etc.... I'm well on the way to have Christmas sorted and it is still August.

:j I only started quidco in the last 4-6 weeks and I have earned over £100 already..... I've also joined pigsback, money monster, greasy palm, pinecone, lightspeed etc. I've also entered about 40-50 competitions. I have gone to a time share presentation -and got a cheap holiday (didn't sign up to the timeshare) and got a £25 voucher. I have also won a membership of Season holidays until 2069 worth nearly £4K :j - I will have to pay an annual management fee but it will still work out cheaper than what we've spent in the past.....

I've done reviews with Bview - pm me if you would like a referral (I use a different name on there). You get £10 for 20 reviews (I would get £10 for referring you). You can then also refer your friends and make money that way too.

I've signed up to the finished baskets thread, the olympic challenge and the what small dfw things have you done today threads....

Good luck all!

Robbda

bump!.....

BridgetJones_2

What are 'clicks'?

magneto

magneto :cool: top 7 money saving tips

• Switch your mortgage: If you have a mortgage and your interest payment is too high. Why not switch your mortgage to a better deal. You will surprise at the savings you could make. To find out the best deals on offer use a fees free broker to check.
• Use energy saving appliances: Your annual fuel bill will fall, when you use the most efficient home appliances. New electrical appliances have the energy saving logo, so choosing the most efficient one. Using energy saving light bulbs can last longer and reduce your electricity bills.
• Cut down on driving - Running a car can be very costly especially as petrol prices, insurance and road taxes continue to rise. The best action is to abandon your car and use public transport. But if having a car is a must, why not consider buying a less powerful, more fuel efficient car. Your running cost will be lower. Slowing down when driving can save you money on car fuel bill. A recent research found that most car engine run most efficient at 50 -70 miles per hour than at 80mph.Save on car insurance but searching for cheaper car insurance online. A good website to search for insurance deals is money supermarket
  
• Avoid using expensive credit cards – Do not buy anything you can not afford with a credit card. Credit cards are an expensive way of borrowing than your local bank loan which offers better rates and better terms for you. If you are going to use a credit card, use credit card that offers 0% on balance transfers.
• Cut down on expensive sandwich and junk foods – sandwiches, Burgers, fizzy drinks, sweets, potato crisps and takeaways are more expensive and do not nourish your body like the less cheaper fruits and vegetables. Instead of buying a expensive sandwich from a shop, taking a pack lunch will save you a lot of money.
• Stop smoking and drinking – last April the government increased the taxes on cigarettes and alcohols. You could save thousands a year just by stopping smoking and drinking. The average price for a packet of 20 in the UK is £5. For a 20 a day smoking habit will cost over £1500 a year.
• Do your shopping online. – shopping online can save you money. Online retailers are usually cheaper than high street retailers due to lower running cost. Thousands of online retailers offer cash back deals, which will reduce your shopping cost even further.

moanymoany

georgiasmum wrote: »

Ohh - just thought, if you do use Mr T's etc try to shop on line. I find that even with the service charge I spend less because I'm not tempted to stray from my list!

ALWAYS check the Tesco code thread. I have only had to pay full price once, I've had up to £12 off.

These tips are excellent for getting out of debt, and they are even better at getting cash in the bank afterwards.

Tinkabell25

I cut out or save any coupons for branded products and hand them in at the till at sainsburys or tesco, they take the little amounts of the total bill. Every little bit helps is so true!!!

CAFCGirl

One of my top tips would be...

If you must shop.... get reward cards wherever possible!

Boots advantage card etc can give some great deals throughout the year to earn extra points and also gives you vouchers for freebies!
Then you can redeem your points against presents (3 for 2 anyone!)
Only thing is you should always balance out what might be an increased price compared to other retailers vs the points reward.
So if its £2 in boots and you get 8 points (4 per pound I think) and its in Wilkinson for £1.59, you'd still be paying more in Boots (£2 - 8p in points £1.92)

GOD I HOPE MY MATHS WORKS OUT RIGHT! LOL

Same with if you have a monthly treat for say a coffee and muffin with friend in Nero... get a reward card, order yours, then send your friend, 2 stamps, and after 9 (i think its 9) your 10th is then free!

Just dont get caught in the trap of reward cards which require you to shell out for.... I once paid £10 for the Body Shop reward card.... didnt buy anything in there for another year... what a waste!

Great thread Robbda......
Getting started can sometimes be the hardest part without feeling bombarded with all the wonderful tips on here, so the small, easily done things can really help people feel like they're on the right track! xx