Great 'ways To Cut Back' Hunt

weedav

Long thread, so I dont know if anybody has suggested this already.

A few years ago, I used to keep my head in the sand when spending money. I never opened my bank statements or checked my balance at the ATM. I would dread reaching half way through the month knowing that at any point the ATM could say "insufficient funds" - horrible feeling!

When I eventually registered for internet banking, I forced myself to check it online EVERY day so I could see how much I had spent and where. This really helped me budget - now I look forward to the end of the month to see how much I have left!

raino144

Yep long thread! For anyone who gets business mileage reimbursed at less than 40p per mile (up to 10k miles pa) send a short letter + summary of mileage to IR to get (eventually) tax refund @ 22% of difference

EG: Me: 4k miles @ 37p

Difference: £0.03 * 4,000 * 22% (tax rate)

£26.40 refund for 10 minutes work

Not massive but 'free cash' - and back from the taxman :-D

System

Denis_UK wrote:

Your right you can save bundles by having a water meter, the only downside is there is no going back so if you decide to sell up a larger family may not like the idea of a water meter. But for your own sake do it

Please check if your going to benefit from having a water meter before taking the plunge. I did an online calculator to see if we would be better off. I would have been worse off by £300 if we had installed a water meter.

Maisie

rubytuesday wrote:

Im surprised you can do that will have to give it a go!

rubytuesday there's loads of threads on here about using coupons from magazines etc. Tesco usually take them some MSE's say asda do too. Look for the coupons everywhere and also the threads. Use the online codes supplied on another thread and if you're a Tesco clubcard holder look for the extra points goods (another thread on here about extra points).

Maisie

Undercovercarrot wrote:

I dunno if this has already been mentioned, but what about online DVD clubs? I have no TV signal, so I watch quite a lot of DVDs. I joined a club called Lovefilm (https://www.lovefilm.com) and I get three DVDs at a time for £15 per month. I can keep them for as long as I want before giving them back.

"Oooh...sounds a bit steep" I hear you say, but wait!

1: This is cheaper than buying ONE chart DVD per month (from a chain store. Obviously places like play.com are cheaper).

2: They usually give you the first month free. Also, if you refer a friend, you usually both get a month free (I will happily refer people if they want! )

3: Generally, a rental costs around £3.75 per month from a store. Fair enough, but if you were to rent 4 DVDs per month, this would be more cost effective. Also, late fees are a !!!!!! and really can up the cost. There are also cheaper packages available.

4: DVDs come straight to your door. No traipsing to the rental store.

5: You can find a lot of old films or films you fancied watching but not necessarily renting. As it is one flat cost, there is no guilt.

6: As you can get 3 (or up to 5 ) at once, you always have something to watch.

7: If you really like it and are bored with normal TV, disconnect the aerial and inform TV licensing!

Before:
Per month: 1 DVD (shop bought): £12.99
2 rentals (@£3.75 each) £ 7.50
£20.47
(before late fines, petrol, hassle etc...)

After: £14.99

I honestly rate it. I am really saving a lot of money from this alone, especially as I do not miss TV!

Blockbusters have an offer until 31st December 05. FREE online rentals for one month. https://www.blockbuster.co.uk and enter zaaj56.

Cancel after the month is up so you don't pay any further charges.

Maisie

Close the curtains in the evening to keep the warmth of the room in.

Get the loft insulated. Some councils give a grant for this whether council tenant or private house.

Go to bed early!!

rubytuesday

Thanks have nt been on internet for awhile now at home with worst cough and cold ever so got the time dont usually get colds very annoying.I usually use coupons for things I ve actually bought or they never scan in my tescos!

avantra

Use a good kinetic watch, it is using body movement as energy.
Send faxes for free at http://www.tpc.int/

renamedbyacbon

Change your own oil in your car.
Wash your car on your lawn. Cheaper to do it yourself and you water your lawn at the same time.

lifesachallenge

1)Only Buy BOGOF offers
2)Only buy reduced items, if you know you are going to use them in time, or can freeze.
3)Cut open tubes when you think they are finished., eg foundation, toothpaste, moisturiser, tomato puree etc - you will always get a few more uses
4) Buy reduced or BOGOF mince and cook a huge batch of "ragu" which you can split up and freeze. Then use for Lasag, Spag Bol, Chilli (just add chilli powder), with jacket potato etc
5) Keep lights turned off when not in the room
6) Go to markets and butcher at 3.30-4 when they are finishing to get bargains. Make casseroles/stews to freeze with veg and cheap cuts of meat - If fruit is turning make sorbet / smoothies / pies.
7) When staying at hotels, take home as many of the tolietruies as possible and keep for guests/ for the gym/ swimming or when you are running out towards teh end of month and your favourite product is not BOGOF
8) After checking that your utility/ phone provider are the cheapest -call them to make sure that you are on the best tariff - I call 02 every 4 months and there is nearly always a better deal that I am entitled to.
9) If you enjoy wine, try the boxes they are great value, and as good quality as a £4-£7 bottle, for £11 - £15 for 3 litres. And you arent tempted to "finish the bottle, or its a waste".