Great Hunt: What was your biggest MoneySaving success of 2015?

snowgo

I usually haggle my car insurance when it is renewed in December. I've been with the same insurer for years (find they are easy to talk to if I have any problem, gives me peace of mind, etc) so I'm not inclined to move. But to help with haggling them on the price each year. I use the insurance comparison websites (gocompare, compare the market, etc) to find out what quotes other insurers are making, and then I ring up my insurer and ask them to match it. Usually they don't quite match it, but still offer some discount.

Well last month I got my renewal quote and when I checked against the comparison sites, I couldn't find anyone offering me comparable insurance at a lower quote! The renewal quote from my usual insurer was the lowest price I could find. I hesitated about ringing to haggle on the price. I was reluctant because I didn't feel I'd much grounds to argue for them to bring the price down. But then I asked myself 'whats the worst that can happen?' ..... all they can do is say 'no'. So I rang them and said that the price looked a bit high and could they bring it down at all. To my surprise they agreed to lower it by nearly £50!

I wouldn't have dreamt to haggle if it hadn't been for the wonderful guidance I've received from this site over the years. On the website Martin says "if you're looking to renew with your current insurer it is well worth getting on the phone to negotiate". How right he is!

hyacynth_2

I changed energy suppliers through MSE and saved £520 per year!!

basinga

Thanks to MSE I became aware of the AI Sentinel issue, used the templates and received over £300.
Great stuff.

pollypenny

Finally used Quidco, firstly to switch from Hsbc to Nationwide, then to update my phone via Carphone a Warehouse, as well odd bits. Made £115 so far, with £50 to come for car hire.

We were missing Orange Wednesday, but got a good price for car insurance and films through the Meerkats.

Had £130 back from AI.

All this through MSE.

vade04

Thanks to MSE switched from BG to BG collective saving £50 on energy per month. Switched bank accounts and ISA provider gained £50 per month. Also haggled down AA, Sky and BG Homecare and Aviva home insurance.

Timpu

About £1,000 saved on furniture. We spotted furniture we liked in the shop but decided to wait 4 months on the Christmas 2014/NY 2015 sales to see if it would be discounted. We were lucky and it meant with the savings we got a large bookcase.

We got about £300 off window shutters just by being cheeky and asking if that was the company's best price.

OH got a little bit (maybe £20) off car insurance by asking.

Happygreen

PPE refund! Completely unexpected as we thought we didn't qualify!

ChibiSiani

I graduated from uni 2 years ago and had no idea what I was doing with money. MSE (and the forums, even though I'm a lurker!) have helped me get my rear end in gear this year - I switched my bank account finally and I've had £250 in switching bonuses. I now get £25 per month in interest and I've got myself a credit card that I pay off in full every month. Feeling a little more confident about life - next challenge is probably saving for a house deposit. Thanks everyone

pjnoake

I got PAID £15 to insure my house contents (Cost £35 got £50 cash back!)

2nd year in a row I've been paid to insure my house contents ('only' 50p in 2014 though)