Here is my SOA, looking for advice.

InspectorSpacetime88

Lover_of_Lycra wrote: »

OP, have you looked into using the bus instead of the train to travel between East Kilbride and Glasgow? Alternatively, does your employer offer a season ticket scheme to allow you to buy an annual train pass which should be a bit cheaper than a monthly one?

Thanks I have thought about it but do think the train is the best option for me but I have checked and employer does have a travel scheme so will fill out application for that to allow me to get annual ticket and pay it back over 13 pay periods (I get paid 4 weekly).

Thats 78.16 every four weeks instead of 97.60 every month

InspectorSpacetime88

monetxchange wrote: »

For energy saving - get into the habit of switching off everything bar the fridge at the plug. You can even get timer plugs that do this for you. Lights off in rooms you're not using, 'mood lighting' in the ones you're in. Turn off useless radiators that are heating empty space - like hallways you only ever spend 30 seconds a day in, for example. There's loads you can trim here. And make sure you check the Cheap Energy Club to change the tariff!

Thanks I have used the Cheap Energy club just now and switched providers it says I will save £7 each month and get £25 cashback after 3 months

InspectorSpacetime88

EssexHebridean wrote: »

I'll second some of those things - also don't automatically tumble dry everything if you currently do, use the tumble drier for sheets, towels etc but just for an hour then they can finish off on an airer or radiator. The racks that you hang over rads are superb for drying most regular clothes - it's one of the things I really miss now with no central heating!

When you get home tonight think about actively walking around your house looking for things that are switched on, and evaluating whether they can be switched off or not - some things, the wifi & satellite TV boxes for example, you''ll want to stay on, but TV's can be turned off fully each night. If you don't like - as a single person - walking into a dark house, then use one lamp with a low energy bulb and set it to come on shortly before you are due home on a timeswitch (they can be purchased for a few pounds so no big outlay there if you don't already have one.

Smaller savings - make sure that you only boil as much water as you need in the kettle each time, and if heating water for cooking boiling it in the kettle and then pouring it into your pan is cheaper than heating it on the cooker. If you feel cold, then first evaluate what you

Thanks, I am guilty of using tumble dryer so will take your advise and use radiator or racks to dry my clothes.

I will go round tonight and turn/unplug everything.

Usuallly have the heating set to 18 but will try to and use it more sparingly and as you suggest wear more appropraite clothing to keep me warm.

Silver_Queen

I think all your expenses are fairly reasonable, the only thing that sticks out is the electricity bill, which has already been discussed in depth.

You may be able to shave a little off your grocery bill too.

Can you try to increase your income a bit? Surveys etc?

(Also, hello, fellow Community fan!)

OnlyPariah

Some good advice given all ready and it's nice to see you put some into action.

I would definitely look into doing surveys if you can. I made £40 last month by doing them. I'm able to do some during the working day though.

Also look into using Topcashback or Quidco if you make any purchases online and for renewing things. The pounds can add up.

InspectorSpacetime88

I've got two weeks off work over Christmas and New Year so I will spend some time looking into online surveys and stuff.

I already use cash back sites, less so recently since trying to cut back on spending but will refer to these for any essential purchases.