Sneaky ways to save the pennies

freedom2b

Hi everyone, Well I`ve stopped using conditioner in my washing and use something called Persil small and mighty, you only use a capful per wash and it lasts ages, also the clothes come out just as soft. I also don`t wash above 30 degrees. Make lots of filling soups from veggies that have gone slightly over. If you have time shop in the evenings as supermarkets discount then, fill your freezer! With face and body creams,toothpaste etc I actually squeeze and squeeze and then cut them open amazing whats still in there. Also use a lot of free samples.Same with makeup, lipsticks and cover up especially stick a toothpick or something in to eek the last bit out ,lasts much longer. Packed lunches for the kids... Much cheaper. The value brands are excellent try Sainsburys value choc around 28p for a good size bar! For olive oil I use the dregs from antipasta jars. Also make soup from bits of chicken and veg after a roast. If you live in the country make the most of your shoot We have quite a few free meals but you will have to prepare your own pheasants etc but worth it. Totally free reange with nothing added! The bones and bits make excellent stock as a base for soup etc. If you have a dog save those left overs and give it to the dog at it`s regular meal time and cut down your dog/cat food bill! Replace your cleaning products with natural things like lemon and vinegar. Keep your old bottles and refill them. Kim and Aggie have lots of good tips! Sure I`ve got more...Will think and thanks to all for some excellent tips

freedom2b

I`ve also stopped using a separate conditioner in my hair...So has daughter! Just use a 2 in 1. Try to barter and swap as much as you can. I`ve just negotiated a bike that my boys have grown out of in exchange for a whole load of riding lessons for my daughter! Very satisfying. We couldn`t have managed it otherwise!

kal25

marri_lou wrote: »

I also NEVER preheat my oven, waste of time for most things. I check the product before I take it out, but I don't feel that wasting all the leccy to pre-heat is any good.

I am glad someone else does this, I have never pre heated the oven, when cooking normally just add an extra 5 mins on or so if needed. Yet hubby does everything by the instructions when cooking so if it say pre heated oven that's what he does .
As far as I can see it's a waste, even if the oven takes time to heat surely what you r cooking will cook while the oven is heating even if it's slowly...it's better than it sitting on the side doing nothing.:rolleyes:

freedom2b

ShelBell wrote: »

I tried cutting my dishwasher tabs in half today and everything came out great even on eco. Thanks

Hi have just tried this, Made a bit of a mess cutting it in half ,it shot halfway accross the kitchen. Fab idea. Many thanks:T

[Deleted User]

kal25 wrote: »

I am glad someone else does this, I have never pre heated the oven, when cooking normally just add an extra 5 mins on or so if needed. Yet hubby does everything by the instructions when cooking so if it say pre heated oven that's what he does .
As far as I can see it's a waste, even if the oven takes time to heat surely what you r cooking will cook while the oven is heating even if it's slowly...it's better than it sitting on the side doing nothing.:rolleyes:

My OH is exactly the same, it drives me nuts! :rotfl:

rhiwfield

Saving pennies is great and we find it easier to avoid being "penny wise, pound foolish" by setting our domestic budget after using a mix of OS and other ways to save, many of them suggested in the different MSE forums! We work out annual expenditure e.g clothing, electricity, heating, haircuts, food, presents and one by one look to see where we can make savings. Take electricity:

• are you still on the cheapest tariff ?
• can you dry more washing outdoors?
• will ds agree to wear jumpers/trousers more than once to reduce amount of washing?
• wash when there is good drying weather
• use low wattage lighting
• switch off lights when leaving room
• switch unused appliances off at socket
• when buying replacement appliances get energy efficient ones
• put items like towel rails on a timer
• run washing machine on 30 degrees or less
• use shorter wm programmes if washing not heavily soiled
• use high spin speeds to reduce TD time
• keep electric showers short!
• only fill kettle with the water needed
• use eco settings on dishwasher and only use when full
• if using oven, use it for all parts of meal to save wasting electricity on hob
• cook in bulk for greater efficiency
• put fridge and freezer in cooler rooms
• use an energy monitor to see whats using the juice!
• fix budget at level of reduced usage, then keep track of usage to identify any other potential savings or spot abnormal use quickly

Ok, maybe only half are OS, and maybe each action will only save pennies a day, but this year we're saving £275 on leccy compared to 2 years ago .

newlywed

freedom2b wrote: »

Hi have just tried this, Made a bit of a mess cutting it in half ,it shot halfway accross the kitchen. Fab idea. Many thanks:T

Cut it while it's still in it's little packet Much tidier.

freedom2b

newlywed wrote: »

Cut it while it's still in it's little packet Much tidier.

Duhhh! Many thanks again...Scissors or knife...:rotfl:

freedom2b

If you`re in the country and have a working flue...Keep the home fires burning... Try not to pay for your wood..Our local landowner just leaves his fallen branches, trees etc. So we are doing him a favour by chainsawing a few and taking branches home. Whats on the side of the road is game anyway. Otherwise Council has to pay to clear it. Don`t get into trouble trespassing though..If you do make sure you have some cute kids with you and a smile!! Works for me! Put a guard round the fire..Great way to dry and air clothes on the cheap!!

Gigervamp

Another way to get cheap wood for burning is to scour the industrial estates for pallets. Companies have to pay to get them taken away, so most don't mind if you take them for firewood. Obviously, check first though!