With the increase in vat this year and the hiking petrol prices everybody is looking for ways to make that pay check go a little further.
Here are some simple and yet very effective money saving tips:
1. CAR SHARE
Petrol prices are on the increase again and many motorists are quickly finding they can’t afford to actually drive anywhere. If public transport is not an option then try starting / joining a car share scheme at work.
It may be inconvenient organising yourself around other people but splitting those petrol bills between 3 or 4 can really cut down that monthly expense and you can treat yourself to something nice on Fridays instead.
2. SPRING CLEAN – DOWNGRADE
Over time it is ridiculous what little things we sign up to that we actually never use. Take some time to sit down and see what you are really spending each month. You can’t cancel your utility bills but you can downgrade your TV subscription, cancel that unused gym membership and switch to a lower mobile tariff (or simply go pay as you go!).
3. SWITCH PROVIDERS
One way of cutting your utility bills is to regularly review the market. Switch products, changing a payment method or switch providers (a lot easier than you may think) can save a nifty sum each month.
4. AVOID THE SUPERMARKET
Go and take a look in the cupboards and freezer and you would be surprised the sheer amount of food you actually have. Once every few months just buy the bare essentials like milk and bread then create fresh new meals using what you have in the house.
If you’re worried about getting your 5 a day add a bit of fruit or veg to your essentials list but remember that those tins of veg at the back of the cupboard count too!
5. VOUCHERS, VOUCHERS, VOUCHERS
Nearly every retailer has some sort of discount code or vouchers that can be used. Do you research and adapt your shopping slightly to incorporate vouchers and special offers and your savings could add up significantly.
Of course remember to look at the savings before switching products as you may have a voucher for a particular brand of rice but it could end up still costing more than what you would regularly buy.
6. SHOP ONLINE
Shopping online is a fantastic way to keep your self control in tact. There are no tasty temptations near the tills and you can stick to the list you have made.
There are also more online vouchers available to use than printable ones as well as various cash back sites that you can actually earn money from whilst shopping.
5 money saving tips and yet there is 6!
Anyway definately agree with car sharing, downside to it though it you want to leave early and have to wait collegue, financial positives far out weigh these though.
Def didn’t see my fav money saving tip there and its a good one for those who are willing to shop around and look for the best deal – cutting out a contract carrier and starting to use a prepaid company for service. Th best out there in terms of coverage, not price, has to be Net10 prepaid because its powered by ATT, Verizon and now TMobile as well so the coverage is solid nearly everywhere – I haven’t found a dead spot yet and I’ve had the phone for nearly six months. The price, $50 for the unlimited plan, is hardly the cheapest out there, but it is fair and I’m saving about $30 a month with far better coverage.