Great 'ways To Cut Back' Hunt

mossy

EXTRA NOTE:

I know that some people don't think much of the rates at Barclays so this may depend on how much money you keep in your main bank account....(I think there may be 1 or 2 other banks that offer a similar service.

(EDIT: The originator of this fantastic IMHO account (The Woolwich) have an open plan bank account for existing customers however I hear on the grapevine that this will not be available soon for NEW customers....EXISITING CUSTOMERS WILL STILL HAVE IT SO DON'T PANIC its just new customers may not be able to have this type of account from Woolwich but Barclays and Woolwich are the same people now anyway.)

I use the Open plan account which lets you set up around 12 pots which are linked to your main account. I find these amazingly helpful - salary goes into main account, s/o in bill account. Whats left in main account I split into pots so I have a Car pot for petrol, Presents, DH, ME, Kids, Spare, Treats etc etc. I split out my budget and put the relevant amount in each pot as I spend in I put the money back into the main current account.

I know it may sound a bit complicated but its a really good way to see if you are overspending on something. Its a good way to clearly see how much money you have left to spend on treats such as takeaways or days out. If you bank online then all your accounts and pots show on the same screen and you can transfer money from account to the other easily. It really helps me manage my money better (although not perfectly lol). Hope it helps someone, its not cutting back exactly but it can help you manage your money more effectively.

beach_3

use cash and don't memorise your pin for credit cards.

Keep your purse or wallet tidy fold all of your notes.

rubber_2

When food shopping, start at the furthest end of the shop and work your way to the entrance. Supermarkets are designed to stimulate impulse buying, through marketing and 'GOOD VIBES'. Thats why all the fresh looking fruit and veg are at the front of the store.

tesuhoha

Use cash, not a card, to pay for as much as possible. This way you are much more likely to realise that it is real money that you are spending. If you are used to spending on a card, this will make you more careful. Honestly.

tesuhoha

If like me you are an uncontrollable food impulse buyer, shopping on line can be a good idea. Although there is a service charge for this, occasionally you can get vouchers to reduce the cost and at those times it pays off. The main financial advantage of food shopping on line is that you are very unlikely to impulse buy because a) you can't see the goods on display and b) You can see the amount you are spending adding up at the side of the screen. Unless you are the kind of self disciplined person who takes a calculator to the supermarket, this is very useful. You can indicate that you do not want any substitutions, so that they only send what you order. I find that this is a very useful way of controlling shopping spending although of course if you dont have an e-voucher, using a list and sticking to it is better. Any ideas on how to obtain more supermarket e-vouchers would be greatly appreciated!

tesuhoha

The most brilliant cleaning product on the market is Bar Keepers Friend, price £1.95. It is far, far superior to Cillit Bang. It doesnt smell that good, but to remove hardened grease from the top of the cooker, you only need to use that and a j-cloth.

lynzpower

If you are going away for the weekend or away for any other reason, do check out megabus.com - me and my fella are going from london to bournemouth to visit family, and its costing 7.00 between us! Also look at national express in advance as usually they have some "fun fares" starting at a pound each way. Ive lost count of the amount of money ive saved doing this journey from bournemouth to london! The further in advance you book, the more bargains to be had

Check what youve got. Ive got a lovefilm subs at 15 a month, im reducing to 12 by just having 2 at a time.

Just cancelled my talk together or whatever it is for 17.50 a month ( unlimited landline calls) we never use it as we have mobiles or using MSN, keep an eye on what youve got!

Keep an eye on ebay, and if you see things that might be popular on there in charity shops/car boot, just resell on ( heads up - books on adoption go really well!!)


Love the site x

Karen_L_2

It is possible to travel very cheaply by British Rail provided you book in advance.

As an example, a return journey from Sunningdale in Berkshire to Manchester costs £105 if booked on the day reducing to £62.50 if prebooked as a Saver fare.

However, if you book a week or two in advance, it is possible to get the same journey for just £25 by booking 2 Value Advance single fares at £12.50 each way.

shanny_3

Buy and sell books secondhand from http://www.greenmetropolis.com

Great for the environment

thebarefootchef

I hate it on this board when people say things like; got 500 burgers for a quid from Aldi - they're great! - no they're not - why bother with rubbish like that when you can go to the butchers & buy proper organic quality meat in bulk,
Last month I bought half a hogget (older than lamb, but younger than mutton - delicious & £35 ), Yesterday I bought a whole goat (astonishing, tastes like lamb but with next to no fat - £40 ), next month I shall be looking for half a pig & will post the cost up here.