Money saving ideas for family of 6

Adi123

Hi all

Not sure if this is entirely the correct place to post this but I couldn't seem to find anything more specific in this forum.

Basically, we are a family of 6 looking to save £100's a month if possible.

So far:

- Stick to a stricter shopping list
- Solar panneling with grant - is it worth it/ best place to find out?
- Change all light bulbs to energy efficient ones - best place to do this?
- Turn PC's off
- Turning lights off
- Change gas/ water/ electricity suppliers

Can anyone shed some light on other ways they've saved and what they've done to achieve it?

Any help appreciated

mum2one

Are you trying to save money because u need to or just want to, not meant as an odd question, just thinking ahead like a SOA (statement of affiars) think theres a link on the top of page.
Basically list incomings v outgoings and c from there if there are any saveings that can be made.

A lot is common sense as youve come across
Never leave anything on standyby
Turn lights off
Charging a mobile phone do in daytime, - more chance of not forgetting it
Energy bulbs, Wilkinsons, Morrisons, Tesco etc sell them
Turn ur heating down
Have thermosats values fitted to raidiator
Cavity wall insulation
Loft insulatation
May be entitled to grants towards them - if ur in rented etc then its the landlords responsibilty
save the washing to load
avoid tumble dryers

Adi123

We really need to and are already doing most of these things!

I shall check the link

Thanks for your advice

Mini_Bear

Like mum2one said if u put an SOA up we cane look at things like mobile phone contracts (which can be downgraded etc) also shopping round for car insurance and using quidco to buy all these things has saved me hundreds in a year! I advise looking on the old style board for meal ideas and sticking to a weekly shopping list (saves the most waste).
Good luck OP

RAS

Lidl locally have 5 60W energy saving equivalent lamps for 50p.

You get most benefit by using them in the places you light most hours.

Lidl were doing a little energy monitor recently - they may still have them? A TV programme recently showed a guy whose fridge or freezer was costing £360 to run. It was cheaper to buy a new AAA replacement.

Hot water - what temperature is it set to. Anything over 60 degrees, turn it down.

Nicki

The only way to save £100's per month is either to earn more or to spend less:p .

As you've given no information at all about your circumstances its really difficult for anyone to give you any specific advice other than to try on the DFW board with specifics.

For more general stuff about how to spend less, the main site has lots of articles about beating down the cost of things you already pay for such as utilities, mobile phones, insurance etc. For day to day spending if you look over on Old Style there are two massive threads running. One is called "Sneaky ways to save the pennies" and the other one is called "Things are tougher now", and there was IIRC an earlier one which was closed due to length called "If things get tough".

For earning more, there are threads somewhere (maybe on this board or on employment) about things like Mystery Shopping, etc which enable you to earn a small amount extra for not a huge amount of effort.

You really do need to give some details though. For example if two of your family of six were still in nappies wearing branded nappies, you'd get loads of people able to tell you where to buy equivalent quality nappies for a fraction of the price, which could potentially save £100 a month, but would be a waste of time if your brood are all teenagers are above. Equally, there's not much point in someone advising you on how to cut costs of raising secondary school age children, if all yours are under 11.

hth

Adi123

All members of the family:

2x 17 yo
19 yo
24 yo
2x 50+

Thanks for all replies with advice!

righter

we would need a bit more info...whos is working in your house?
who contributes and how much?
do you cook from scratch?
pets?
type of heating?
other household costs?

Colin121

May help you a bit - Audit you electricity usage at www earthpill dot com - shows you where the electricity is being used and suggestions of how to save. good luck!

Fritillary

If you have a gas hob switch to a whistling kettle.

Solar panelling is a long term investment, you won't see a return for a while so is probably only worth it if you plan to stay in your home longterm.

lolababy

Buy only things you need. Make a list and only buy whats on it. Get together and sort out unwanted items. Sell them on ebay or car boot. Have a box near the phone for calls. Share all bills ie electric gas food ect. They will soon turn off things if they know the bill will be high and so will their share . Learn to knit. Lots of people buy hand knitted goods. Buy shop own brands. Wash clothing at night cheaper electricity. Use showers not baths.
Have a limit on how much to spend on each other at christmas birthdays ect. Invite people round and each bring a dish and drink. Share birthday meals with other freinds and family. Learn to haggle you will be amazed at what you can save. Have a pot where everone can put loose change. At the end of the year use it for a family treat. Heat only the rooms you are in. Stop paying for expensive air freshners use fresh air instead or a candle. Buy baby lotion for make up remover or baby wipes. Grow your own food.
Dont buy books unless they are second hand. Go to your local liberary and borrow books cds ect. Have a clothes swopping party with freinds and family.