Need to cut back big time this month. Any advise ?

cjj_2

Long story but Im having a very tight month money wise. Im racking my brain thinking of ways to ease this. So far I have
Cancelled planned camping half term break
Opened bank account through Quidco (£45.00) but wont see money from that for ages
Listed some things on ebay and plan on adding more from clearout
Cut back at supermarket and using store cupboard items
No alcohol
No takeaways (dont have often anyway)
Any advise/ideas would be appreciated:beer:

Tixy

Have you any items that would be better listed on gumtree? larger items and such - you are likely to get the money quicker that way.

Depending on your skills etc -any odd job type work around? babysitting? cleaning, cleaning windows / gardening (admittedly the last 2 are not ideal at this time of year!)

Food is often one of the easiest ways to cut back, try doing a meal plan for the rest of the month mostly using store cupboard items and then work out what else you need to make up the planned meals.

Check if you have credit balances on your gas or elec accounts, and if so insist on a refund.

What else do you need to spend money on before the end of the month? (so we can think of alternatives?

cjj_2

Thanks Tixy. The rest of the month I will need diesel as DS has sporting comitments which are not local, however I will be walking when I can as always.
Car needs taxing at end of month but I think we have a break from council tax Feb/March so that will take care of that. Dont think I am in credit with gas/elec but I will check thanks. DS could do with some new school shoes but Im trying to make them last until I spot a bargain. I would like to do something with kids in half term as we have cancelled our break, so I will use my tesco points that I exchanged for cineworld tickets x

Tixy

Have you read the article on getting the most from your fuel - its mostly about driving efficently but you may pick up some tips. http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheaper-fuel

How old are the kids? If quite young then an afternoon at the library and choosing books can be fun, plus at the library you might find information on other free activities in the area.

katsu

Try some of these:

* look for coupons and vouchers for things you must buy - check the shopping boards here, myvouchercodes (google it), and free magazines in supermarkets.
* hang washing out to dry - avoiding using tumble dryer (not an immediate saving but gets you out and moving so you feel like you are achieving something).
*check amazon for prices on old books and list them there not ebay if prices look good.

tazzy2010_2

Could try car boot/ table top sale to get rids of bits and pieces you may not be able to sell on ebay.

Definately do the meal plan thing, that cut my food bills dramatically and I wasn't throwing food away at the end of the week.

If you have any free time call round local cafes, shops and bars and see if they have any jobs going.

Could you have a friend or family member on standby willing to lend you a bit of money interest free if you really need it towards the end of the month?

Can you switch any credit cards etc to new interest free ones?

You could get involved with Avon or similar and sell their products for a comission.

Cancle any sky/virgin media packages if possible.

Reduce mobile phone tarrifs.

Trying to think of any more...........

chivers1977

Any broken gold jewellry? - I sold mine to Hatton Garden Metals (google them - they were recommended from this site) and got £120 sent next day by faster payment.

chivers1977

How much do you need to find - and when does the tight month end?

cjj_2

Thanks everyone. Some good advice here. Chivers1977 already sold gold to Hatton (they were great) thankyou. tazzy2010 I am about to switch to interest free cards and mobile is payg, thanks for your help the meal planning idea will help me. I need to cut back as much as possible, possibly for 2/3 months. Katsu thanks for the tips I will give amazon a try as i did not do well with my books on ebay.