Is there anything else i can do to save cash?

christmas_donkey

Thanks for your further ideas folks, they are appreciated.

I wasnt aware i could exchange my tesco vouchers for clothing vouchers, pity i didnt know that a few weeks ago when i replaced all my sons undies and nightwear. Cost me a small fortune i must say. Am going to check that thread as soon as i finish this post.

I have checked that we are entitled to any benefits and as i thought, i am not. I presumed that if i applied for cash for looking after mum, that she would have to know ie would have to sign something or other. I just couldnt take the risk, she already moans that we dont take her on holiday with us (she picks on my husband and kids mercilessly, and critisises me constantly).

System

It does mean a small outlay in the beginning, but energy saving light bulbs can really cut your electricity bills. I have a 2 bedroomed flat with 2 adults living full time and one part time and I pay £6 a month for my electricity (and that includes my cooker though my heating is gas - and I'm on a 'green' tarrif which is slightly more expensive than the cheapest available).

The cheapest option I have found for energy saving lightbulbs is IKEA. Can't remember exact price but I think a bulb is a couple of quid, with savings if you buy a multi pack.

KG

System

Oh yeh - and some electricity companies / councils / green organisations sometimes give away free energy saving lightbulbs. Can't think of any off the top of my head but will try and do some investigation.

KG

markedgar

How do you all travel around? By car? How many vehicles per household do you contribute towards?

Cars can be very expensive (says I who owns an 'old' but very reliable car).

Apart from insurance and road fund licence, there's breakdown cover, any warranties that may exist, purchase repayments, fuel, routine and unexpected maintenance, etc.

If you have a vehicle, how do you use it? Short or medium journeys? Does the vehicle need to be used and does it need to be the (engine) size it is?

Can you save money by using certain appliances less or at other times (e.g. during the electricity economy 7 period), if this applies?

Do you know what item uses the most electricity in most homes?

There are lots of ways to spend less - many easily missed by all of us on a day-to-day basis (me included).

I didn't realise my PC monitor used as much energy as it does - even though I generally, but not always switch it off if I go to do something else.

There are loads of hidden things that we all miss at home every day that could help us save just that little bit more.

Got me thinking again now...

;)Mark E

nh

I always take advantage of supermarket offers when they are on eg. PG Tips two for one which Asda did recently, even if I don't actually need the item at that time. You will always use them eventually. And always buy the biggest size of washing powder etc, because it always works out cheaper to buy bigger. But beware! Never buy two for one biscuits - they just get eaten twice as quick!

jg

it always works out cheaper to buy bigger

Not Always! You have to do the maths and check the unit cost. Usually larger sizes are cheaper, but I've seen it the other way multiple times. It pays (or maybe I should say saves ;D) to check and see before buying.

trafalgar_2

Never buy two for one biscuits - they just get eaten twice as quick!


Isn't that the truth ;D ;D ;D

I agree you gotta be careful and do the maths jg I've pointed this out to my hubby while shopping
Check everything , or you could miss out

student100

Not Always! You have to do the maths and check the unit cost. Usually larger sizes are cheaper, but I've seen it the other way multiple times. It pays (or maybe I should say saves ;D) to check and see before buying.

Yes! Our local Asda has a habit of putting special offers on smaller packs/tins etc. which makes it cheaper to buy two small than one big pack. Silly but still...

If things like washing up liquid, shampoo, soap, toilet roll etc. are on a really good special offer (like BOGOF) and you have the storage space and can afford the initial outlay, then buy lots! They aren't going to go off! Just don't be tricked into buying something more expensive than you normally would just because it's on offer.

One of the best money saving investments could be a small calculator to take shopping. It probably makes you look really sad but it can help a lot in working out the best deals.

Sometimes you can save a lot of money just buy buying things in less "convenient" formats. Like loose vegetables are often (but not always) a heck of a lot cheaper than the prepacks. And forget laundry tablets and liqutabs and things - old fashioned powder (or sometimes liquid) cleans just as well but costs an awful lot less per wash.

halloweenqueen_2

Hi
I use tesco for their clothes mainly. I'm snapping up bargains in the clothes department at the moment for xmas presents for the numerous children in the extended family, I'm getting babies complete outfits for £4. They also have a bag sale, £8 to £2, theres always an auntie etc who you could get one for and they are good quality. Its a question of laying out a bit of money to save a lot.
I do the bulk of my shopping at Netto (yes I know!) they have improved a lot - they have a lot of customers so the fruit and veg has a quick turnover and is better quality than a lot of places. I was behind a family in there that had a trolley stacked full for £57. I get recipes from recipezarr.com brilliant budget meals also try the campbells soup website lots of quick easy and budget recipes. I watch moneyspinners on bbc they have a website on the bbc site which is full of money making tips/saving tips. Aldi i think are similar to Netto if you go armed with a list for your meal planner you can save a lot of money. The meat etc is good there as well. I have friends that turn their nose up at Netto but sit and eat at my house and enjoy the food!! I think it tastes better as its cheaper! Also a lot of the tinned stuff seems better than Asda's.
I buy the things I can't get in there from Morrisons, a lot of people who work in other supermarkets shop there. I also put a couple of quid on saver stamps each time for xmas, they are very good for cards, dvds etc.
Browse ebay for inspiration, you may have things in your garden, garage or home that people want, check the P+P of any big items before you list it, you don't always need a camera, if you can find a picture on the net of it you may be able to poach the piccy!! If you have a scanner sometimes you can use that.
I also have the elderly mother problem so I don't work either so I save money rather than earn it, I feed a family of four on around £30 a week, I make most meals from scratch and find the american recipe sites have the easiest recipes. Do you have a sweet/chocolate/veggie/food factory near you that sells to the public? I find once you start talking to people about where to get bargains and budgets they all look for the same thing- spending less cash!

System

Good points there raised Halloweenqueen, oh and by the way. Welcome to the forum.