Money
Getting the best deal
Think outside the box to save cash
Andrew Stucken hunts down some money-saving ideas that are a little off the beaten track
Make friends with your neighbours if you can. Not only does being on good terms with those living nearby reduce isolation and help restore community; add money-saving to the list of benefits. You can borrow things off each other, saving cash on buying for yourself.
Beware 'stress shopping' Just been invited to dinner? Buy in haste and repent at leisure. Shopping under self-imposed pressure often leads to expensive mistakes. 'Shop in your wardrobe' and reinvent something.
Shop with a friend Supermarkets abound with Buy-One-Get-One-Free offers - but often the bonus product simply goes to a waste and negates the saving. Share the spoils with a pal and split the bill.
Don't be tempted to splurge if you're feeling a bit blue Participants in the Emotion and Decision Making Group at Harvard watched either a sad video or an emotionally neutral one. Afterwards, they were how much they'd be willing to spend on a sporty water bottle. Those who watched the poignant film offered almost 300 per cent more. The explanation: sadness devalues one's sense of self. The urge to pay more may be an attempt to elevate your own worth.
If you have a car, drive at 55 mph on motorways – it is the optimum speed for fuel consumption. With petrol edging ever upwards, the saving is well worth it. Driving at 55mph instead of 65mph can boost fuel economy by two miles per gallon.
Plan your journey times Getting caught in the rush-hour is not just frustrating and time-wasting - idling engines burn fuel to no purpose. Time your journeys with this in mind. Likewise, on public transport, travel outside peak times - normally after 10am.
Use the free envelopes provided with junk mail It saves buying new, and is green, too. Just be sure the original address and return address are not visible.
Keep your eyes open for new restaurants in town They typically offer grand opening specials. Meanwhile check your local newspapers for advertisements of specials – and look for coupons.
When eating out, be wary of the waiter's advice Unsurprisingly, waiters will tend to tell you to go for the more expensive choices. Load your question, eg "Which main courses can you recommend in the £8-10 price range?".
Use old and bruised fruit to make smoothies Make healthy and tasty drinks from food which is just a little too ripe or bruised to eat. Exercise caution, however, with any bad areas.
