Coins
Use shopbots for grocery shopping Shop whats? Shopbots are online shopping robots where you can compare prices effortlessly for any grocery item you choose. Examples include www.mysupermarket.co.uk and www.madaboutbargains.co.uk with www.fixtureferrets.co.uk another option. One of their most useful functions is to make you aware of special offers.
Save coupons Some really quite significant savings can be made by using coupons. Sunday papers are a great source - so if you only buy one newspaper a week, make it this one. And hunt around online for portals where more coupons can be downloaded.
Avoid sugar cereals and choose varieties made with whole grains instead. The more processed breakfast cereals tend to be more expensive, and what’s more they are loaded with sugar.
Always take a list Not knowing exactly what you want before you hit the supermarket is asking to overspend. And shopping when hungry is trouble squared. Impulse purchases will pile up in your basket and leave you with a shock at the tills.
Basic foods cost basic prices Rice, beans, potatoes, seasonal vegetables – filling and nutritious. Cheaper and healthier than packaged and processed food.
It is claimed that you can save up to £1000 a year on grocery shopping through various methods. Meanwhile…
Rent out your parking space In crowded towns and suburbs, public car parks are prohibitively expensive. You can make up to £200 a month from renting out your driveway to commuters and office workers. Several websites exist for this purpose but tend to take a commission.
Pay cash The temptation to slap purchases onto a credit card can be overwhelming. But paying by cash wherever and whenever possible will help you keep your spending under control. Nothing like regular runs to the cash point to make you aware of spendthrift habits.
Save your £2 coins A simple way to save is to throw your £2 coins into a piggy bank whenever they turn up in your change. Then treat yourself when piggy is fattened up.
Air dry your clothes instead of tumble drying With fuel prices high and likely to remain so, use your washing line or buy a clothes horse if you lack a garden. Tumble driers are juice-hungry beasts which are best avoided.
Budget, budget, budget… It really does help you get hold of your finances. Online is easiest – the Financial Services Authority planner at http://www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk/tools.aspx?Tool=budget_calculator is one example.
Written by Andrew Stucken, this article was published on August 20, 2009. Andrew's opinions are his own and for general information only. Always seek independent financial advice.