What's your best OS moneysaving tip?

ringos1st

I bought a cheap liquid soap dispenser and I use it for my dishwash and now I always use the same amount every time I do the dishes which makes a bottle last so much longer. I use a supermarket brand ecover type and it also doubles up as a handwash too because it's not harsh on your skin.

keep_trying_3

I freeze even the smallest amounts of leftovers, then reheat and serve with bread for my lunch etc. Started using dried beans instead of cans, much cheaper. Grate a big block of extra mature cheese and freeze, then just use what I want and put back in freezer. Often cook extra potatoes to use in next day's meal etc. Lots more but can't think of them now.

Becky_2

When using mouth wash I use less than half of what is recommended.

I make my lunch box at the same time as I am cooking my dinner. Making my lunch box in the morning would not work for me.

maman

mookybargirl wrote: »

Most of mine have been said but haven't seen this one.
Buy plain wrapping paper for all ocassions (ie no happy birthday writing etc.) Stick to one colour if you like as 'your signature' wrapping. You can glam things up with a bit of ribbon etc so they don't need to be just plain.

To add to this, cut off the satin ribbon 'hangers' that come on tops and tee shirts and use to attach gift tags to presents.

Lalaladybird

I use blankets and hot water bottles instead of putting the heating on
I water down my handwash
I use soap instead of shower gel
I buy value products as much as possible
I never cook a meal that costs more than £4 to make
We eat value porridge for brekkie
I make loads of homemade soups for lunch
We don't buy alcohol, cigarettes, food luxuries
I use less washing powder than I used to
I use a pressure cooker or slow cooker and if I use the oven I leave it open to heat the room
I have sold my car, reclaimed the insurance, cancelled the AA and now walk or take the bus
We use candles in the evening instead of putting lights on
I switch everything off that is not in use except the fridge/freezer, WM, freeview recorder and phone.
I have a pay as you go mobile that I only top up about £5 a month!
We cancelled our gym memberships and go for long walks instead:o
I don't buy magazines or newspapers or rent dvds anymore
We don't go on nights out anymore :rolleyes: but that is more because we have a baby:rotfl:
We use energy saving bulbs
I menu plan
I dry my laundry outside or on airers


I still make myself about 3 cups of tea in the morning, reboiling the kettle each time and using another tea bag so I will start to fill a flask instead.
I will start to stretch my mince with lentils (do oats not make it sticky?)
I don't know how to use less washing up liquid than I do :rolleyes: I go through a bottle a week...any suggestions?
I will be buying stardrops after reading about it on here (flash is too expensive the rate at which I go through it)

We really need to get our outgoings as low as possible because we want to buy a house and will need to buy everything in it... we live in a rented furnished flat that is very well equipped. So, I have been reading and learning as much as I can from all of you wonderful OSers but I can't think of anything else... I'm sure you all certainly can

Penelope_Penguin

I'll add this to What's your favourite OS money daving tip? later

Penny. x

aurorahelios

I water my washing up liquid down with vinegar to stretch it a bit further. I do start with a good quality washing up liquid though as I find with the cheap ones I need to use loads to get my dishes clean - so I think they are a false economy.

falady

I have shelf in the fridge which is for 'things that need using up'. I always look here first when I am planning what to have for breakfast / lunch / tea / snack. I haver also got OH in the habit too. We buy a lot less food and what we buy doesn't get wasted. (How much can 2 people really eat in a week anyway?!)

kittykat500

Follow what Aurorahelios recommends above and maybe squirt a small amount of the solution directly onto a sponge, not in the water. Squidge it so it foams and then use.

Also I fill a 6.5 litre slow cooker with water and using a timer that comes on about an hour before I need to wash up to heat the water (usually on low). That way I don't need to heat the main hot I only do this in the evening as it usually gives me enough hot water to wash up and use in the bathroom before bed. You may have to leave it on a 'warm' setting if you want the water really hot before bed! It can also be used to refresh hot water in your hot water bottle.

Tozer

aurorahelios wrote: »

I water my washing up liquid down with vinegar to stretch it a bit further. I do start with a good quality washing up liquid though as I find with the cheap ones I need to use loads to get my dishes clean - so I think they are a false economy.

Does that REALLY save very much?