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Money, budgeting and saving tips
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As we're nearing Christmas, in what is already very hard times for most, the financial pressure is building once again.
I wondered if we could build up a thread with advice on money saving tips, budgeting advice, ways to cut costs, sales, sharing money worries etc. I mean it's not going to make Christmas disappear unfortunately, but if it helps one family to save a few pennies then it's worth it.
Please keep judgment out of here and make this a safe space for those feeling the pinch.
I'll start, a big help for me has been a weekly "shop" ran by a local church, where you pay £2 and buy 12 items. It's mostly cupboard staples; tins, pasta, biscuits, jars of cooking sauces, noodles, tinned fruits, cleaning items, body care, cat food, dog food etc but my god it's cut costs on the weekly shop.
Its not well advertised but I've heard there are similar things run up and down the country. So if you're struggling with the food shop it may be worth an ask around to find out if there are any local to you?
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**please only consider this option if you really have to**
For those in receipt of child benefit check out your local credit union, they offer loans which can be paid back via your child benefit - no missed payments! They also provide the opportunity to save some of your child benefit if you'd like to. Please do a budget check (incoming Vs outgoings to make sure you can afford the repayments. |
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By *enk15Man 16 weeks ago
Evesham |
I would recommend taking advantage of the bank switch bonuses out there. Its free money.
Last year we made £1,725 by simply switching bank accounts  (only £720 this year)
Cashback websites are also great for online shopping or insurance/utility renewals.
We also love a good car boot or charity shop. |
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"I would recommend taking advantage of the bank switch bonuses out there. Its free money.
Last year we made £1,725 by simply switching bank accounts (only £720 this year)
Cashback websites are also great for online shopping or insurance/utility renewals.
We also love a good car boot or charity shop."
Great comment i also do this.
I feel like car boot sales in essex are expensive |
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Contact friends and family now to agree a price limit on gifts, a secret Santa type arrangement with a spend limit or no gifts at all.
Cut back on cards.
If you have Amazon deliveries save the brown paper they wrap everything in, get the kids to paint it to make wrapping paper.
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By *ir tootMan 16 weeks ago
Burton-on-Trent |
"I would recommend taking advantage of the bank switch bonuses out there. Its free money.
Last year we made £1,725 by simply switching bank accounts (only £720 this year)
Cashback websites are also great for online shopping or insurance/utility renewals.
We also love a good car boot or charity shop."
I need to switch banks when I can, the cooperative is garbage. |
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By (user no longer on site) 16 weeks ago
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Honestly.... Flatbreads.
Chapatti flour
Bicarb
Yoghurt ( cheapest)
Salt
Make into a dough, roll into flat shape and fry in a pan.
Kids come home and take one or two which cost pennies to make and use it in a dip.
Stops them going in the fridge snacking on the expensive stuff.
Honestly it made a difference, now I knock up a flatbread and dip and it keeps them going until dinner time. And I don't have to keep replacing the expensive snacks in the cupboard. |
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Parents/families
Before Christmas have a good sort through your little ones toys and clothes and anything not broken / excessively worn can be donated to charities. It provides others a chance to buy on a budget and reduces clutter.
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"If you can get there Aldi and Lidl are good money savers too
Aldi has some good food.  "
I know. I shop there a lot, there's nothing to be ashamed of just because it's cheaper.
Their cheese is excellent. |
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By *ir tootMan 16 weeks ago
Burton-on-Trent |
"If you can get there Aldi and Lidl are good money savers too
Aldi has some good food.
I know. I shop there a lot, there's nothing to be ashamed of just because it's cheaper.
Their cheese is excellent. "
No and sometimes cheaper is better too. |
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"If you can get there Aldi and Lidl are good money savers too
Aldi has some good food.
I know. I shop there a lot, there's nothing to be ashamed of just because it's cheaper.
Their cheese is excellent.
No and sometimes cheaper is better too. "
I buy fruit, vegetables, cheese obv, wine, frozen croissants, frozen fruit, cooking ingredients, nuts and meat in there. I don't buy flour because it's not great or cereals because neither are they  |
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By *enk15Man 16 weeks ago
Evesham |
We also buy a lot of second hand (auction sites and FB selling pages)
Some online China retailers are great for bargains too, and I have had no issue with quality (Partner bought some Bra's for about a tenner and said they were the same quality as £40/£50 Bras from highstreet). I've saved a fortune on "Lego" for the kids. |
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By *ir tootMan 16 weeks ago
Burton-on-Trent |
"If you can get there Aldi and Lidl are good money savers too
Aldi has some good food.
I know. I shop there a lot, there's nothing to be ashamed of just because it's cheaper.
Their cheese is excellent.
No and sometimes cheaper is better too.
I buy fruit, vegetables, cheese obv, wine, frozen croissants, frozen fruit, cooking ingredients, nuts and meat in there. I don't buy flour because it's not great or cereals because neither are they "
Yeah never was a fan of the cereal, but I'm also not a fan of the price of cereal altogether now.  |
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- Have a good clear out now and sell unwanted clothes/ children’s toys/accessories on vinted etc (Toys in particular will sell well for people looking for a bargain for Christmas gifts, as do sparkly Christmas outfits/dresses etc for Christmas party season).
- Grab a box and put one or two ‘treat’/luxury items in with your weekly shop (biscuits, packet stuffing, jams, chutneys, crackers, bottle of wine etc) to help spread the cost and reduce the hit of a big Christmas food shop in one go.
- Do a secret Santa with family. We have done this the past few years and it works great. Set a limit (we do £20-£30 and then you only need to buy one present). We did unisex gift cards last year (eg M&S, Amazon, H&M, Boots) in a lucky dip so people could choose what they actually would like/use
- If you’re having a Christmas dinner, family could bring one course or dish each. Helps to share the cost. Places like Iceland also often do a fixed price Christmas dinner where you get turkey, sides and dessert for a fixed price. |
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"Don't be afraid to explain to kids that they can't have everything on their list.
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YES
Children don't need excessive money spent. But I completely understand the pressures with the massive present piles posted on social media every Christmas eve  |
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Unfortunately a lot of money saving tips require you to have disposable income in the first place. Often that isn't the case and people are looking for ways to cope with Christmas on an income that barely covers day to day living.
I really wish the commercial aspect of it could be dialled down, it puts so much pressure on people.
I second the suggestion to check out Iceland. |
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"Don't be afraid to explain to kids that they can't have everything on their list.
YES
Children don't need excessive money spent. But I completely understand the pressures with the massive present piles posted on social media every Christmas eve "
And Christmas eve boxes! |
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For the meat eaters, many stores do occasional offers, we use these to snag our Xmas day meat, yesterday Sainsbury’s was doing half price on lamb joints and we grabbed a large leg with 50% off (we aren’t a fan of turkey) ,
It seems tho closer to Xmas these offers are harder to find so get it early if you can.
We also start what we call our Christmas bank box in our kitchen around August, each week dropping items in towards Xmas (long life items of course) to ease the sting of that last visit to the till before Xmas day, consider not bothering to buy chocolate, if you are like us you’ll probably get plenty as gifts and will have tons of shortbread comming out of your ears and will only have to force yourselves to eat it all before Easter 😂
Try to do your present buying on Black Friday if you can, this will also save you loads too. |
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I’m actually horrendous with money.
All I can really think add/is meal prepping. Saves me a fortune and doesn’t stop me having nice food, I’m just more thoughtful and considerate about what. Thinks like pasta dishes, and things like batch cooked chicken thigh fillets which I can have in a wrap one day, a salad the next and with rice the following day help create just enough variety at low cost. |
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If you are in a position to help others, could do a reverse advent throughout November where you put one thing in a day and then donate on 1st December. Could do unwanted children’s toys or books to take to charity shops, food bank collections or donations for the homeless (gloves, socks, toiletries etc). It’s good to get kids involved. I also buy a few £5-£10 Greggs gift cards to give out to the homeless. |
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By *IXEN200Woman 16 weeks ago
newcastle upon tyne |
I use too good to go app, you have to collect but you can get meals and some groceries at more than half the price freeze what you can.
I also get my grandchildren to help make gifts or I do them myself |
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By *929Man 16 weeks ago
bedlington |
Bit late for this year but when my kids were young I’d always put the Christmas money aside out the payment from very first decent job or two of the year so don’t have to pull it out at the time when so much other stuff to buy |
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Check out your local supermarkets for baby / toy events throughout the year and put bits away for Christmas.
Wrapping paper, gift tags, cards, Christmas Decs will be much cheaper come boxing day. Plan ahead and save yourself a bit on the faffy bits.
A bit late for this Christmas but something that might help next Christmas |
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"Don't be afraid to explain to kids that they can't have everything on their list.
YES
Children don't need excessive money spent. But I completely understand the pressures with the massive present piles posted on social media every Christmas eve "
I only remember the gifts i got from two Christmases. The one where I got a puppy and green eyeshadow and the one where I got a blue anorak and blue ski pants. Otherwise ally memories are of being with family and eating chocolate and satsumas and being allowed fizzy drinks . |
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Viz style
Get free expensive carpet sample off cuts and glue them to your slippers
Get that luxurious feel without carpeting the whole house
On a serious note good post
Find out which own brand food are still nice but half or a third of the price ie baked beans etc
Batch cook food
No the time the yellow clearance labels go on foods
Make sandwiches for lunch and don’t buy from shops |
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By (user no longer on site) 16 weeks ago
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Change banks as said above as for aldi you can't beat it, anyone on benefits have access to cheap broadband, rates, water rates and I would say buy bulk items like pasta and everyday items, have a look on amazon how cheep 25kg is. |
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"My kids make their grandparents gifts themselves. Always have, keeps them quiet for a little bit and a lot more thoughtful than a bought thing with gran etc on it. "
Yes I used to get my kids to do that.
String tins, recipe books made from notebooks with recipes from magazines stuck in them or copied by them and illustrated, jam jars decorated with glass paint with tea light in them, write a special poem and frame it. My mum and dad used to treasure those things |
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Save having loads of toys around the house when family members ask what the children would like, maybe consider asking if they could put some money towards an annual membership for zoos etc. even better if a few can club together. You'll have things to do year round without paying for admission each time and you'll only have to pay some of the membership fee. |
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Aw this is a lovely post
I do the chase banking and use their saver pots as well as doing sinking funds. I try and use cash back sites though don’t get much but can slowly add up
The changing bank account I keep meaning to do as it does sound like a fairly easy way to earn a wee bit of cash.
I’ve used the too good to go app a few times which is usually value for money and when I get time and plan properly I like the do meal prepping |
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By *r TriomanMan 16 weeks ago
Chippenham Malmesbury area |
My work wants £45.00 for the firms Christmas diner being held at a pub, that's far too much for what essentially is school dinners so I'm joining them after the meal for drinks, this makes for a cheaper night out and I still get to enjoy the company of my work colleagues for a Christmas social.
Also, I'm agreeing a cap on Christmas gift spending amongst family to kept costs from spiralling.
A big cost for me at Christmas time is eating and drinking out so I'll be having more meals and drinks at home with friends and family instead. |
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Keep the kids busy and save on wrapping paper by using their paper drawings to wrap smaller presents. 2 gifts for the price of 1 😉
Making foodie gifts can work out cost effective too - fudge is the easiest thing to make (just condensed milk and chocolate - can use microwave or slow cooker) and it makes a nice gift; so do homemade cookies, jams, granola, chutneys. Can recycle jars and tie with a nice ribbon - job done. |
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By (user no longer on site) 16 weeks ago
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I make up Christmas hampers for my kids now they are in their late teens and don't really need for anything.
I'll put their favourite foods into a hamper along with a book and some pampering goods like bath bombs etc. a lot of it can be bought well in advance and put in over a long time. They love their hampers come Christmas. If I had a way to share videos of them opening them I would send them to you. |
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Wow, so many great ideas already! I'm slowly reading through them all.
Please feel free to copy and paste into a notes app on your phone so you have it readily available. Or just make a note of the bits that you find useful. |
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I actually saw a great post on IG earlier too which is the reverse of this which said that if you know you’re getting your kid(s) lots of toys for Christmas to try and see if you can get donate the old ones before Xmas as often struggling families go to charity shops before the holidays and they are overloaded with toys after the holidays |
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By *ags73Man 16 weeks ago
glasgow-ish |
Agreed limits on Xmas presents or only buying for kids is most sensible things that extended families can do.
I’m happy with a tub of chocs most of the time.
I’ve bought gift wrap for following Xmas in January.
Savings, I look at putting money away after getting back from holiday
Getting kids and others presents, I look to spread it across October, November and December. Too big an individual hit in December and particularly when need to buy food too |
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By (user no longer on site) 16 weeks ago
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I mostly find that my children want my time now rather than things. I thought that when my daughter turned 16 and had all her friends to chat to that she wouldn't need me around anymore but it's just the opposite. Now we have our night set aside with snacks and a movie and no phones. She looks forward to that night when we can set everything aside and just be in each others company without distractions. I'm able to introduce her to the classics and she can explain Harry Potter and Marvel movies. |
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By *ags73Man 16 weeks ago
glasgow-ish |
"I'm trying to do no spend days as I've so many things planned, I don't want to struggle.
It sounds simple but it actually makes a big difference "
I try to do that. Imagine it’s harder commuting in and out to work though |
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Look out for charities that support children and families. Local to me we have kidsbank who provide seasonal clothing essentials such as coats, shoes, hats, and a few outfits you can self refer twice a year via their website and you also can get wipes, nappies, tooth brush and tooth paste and age appropriate books.
Be sure to donate back as things like this can only run with people's donations |
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By *ookie46Woman 16 weeks ago
Deepest darkest Peru |
I work for a children’s charity which provides goods and clothing to families free of cost.
This is not so much a money saving tip but to say don’t be afraid to ask or accept help and support if you need it. For years there has been a huge stigma and judgement around this and at times lots of hoops to jump through to get the help needed but there is lots of work going on out there to break down the barriers
Check out your local baby banks and for lots of working families who are just over the threshold to receive additional benefits most local authorities have a pot of money such as the household support fund which can help
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By (user no longer on site) 16 weeks ago
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Do not be embarrassed or ashamed to look at the reductions sections in supermarkets
I worked for sains and the amount of people that would only go to the sections when no-one was there because of embarrasment was high. |
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I’m already starting to brick it.
My car insurance is due in December, which will swallow up the months money.
Hitting the charity shops, and the local giveaway groups.
Decorations are made from recycled stuff.
Stay away from the ‘Christmas’ range of foodstuffs. It’s the same stuff you always have, but £‘s more expensive.
Don’t be afraid to tell people no. We don’t visit, waste of fuel. We don’t do parties or gatherings. |
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By (user no longer on site) 16 weeks ago
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There's nothing wrong with a good sarnie, buy reduced bread when you can and freeze, take out what you need. Keeps your freezer topped up and energy efficient.
Same with milk.
Same with butter which can be a real saving given the standard price of butter these days.
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By (user no longer on site) 16 weeks ago
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If you knit
Make gift items for the family.
Make Xmas stockings
If you sew
Teach your kids, use unwanted material to make cool gifts like blankets for the grandparents
I'm not taking the piss either. My nan kept my handmade blanket for 25 years |
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By (user no longer on site) 16 weeks ago
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"I work for a children’s charity which provides goods and clothing to families free of cost.
This is not so much a money saving tip but to say don’t be afraid to ask or accept help and support if you need it. For years there has been a huge stigma and judgement around this and at times lots of hoops to jump through to get the help needed but there is lots of work going on out there to break down the barriers
Check out your local baby banks and for lots of working families who are just over the threshold to receive additional benefits most local authorities have a pot of money such as the household support fund which can help
"
There are also charities dotted around that help with school uniforms - even sports gears and accessories /shoes. Contact your local council /third sector leaders and ask if they have a scheme
There are lots of charities offering free winter coats too xx |
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By (user no longer on site) 16 weeks ago
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Buying chicken fillets is 3 to 4 times more expensive than buying bone in thighs or legs that you can divide up and freeze.
Do you have to buy branded washing up liquid? Washing powders? Sauces? |
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Great thread OP. Lots of people struggling and especially around this time of year. One thing I do with family and close friends is gift things I know they need, including food essentials so it liwers theit bill for xmas a little. I also batch cook for some or do a cake and that sort of thing. Hopefully it helps a little. I have never been brilliant with taking dvantage of some of the offers people have been mentioned but endevour to do better |
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Look on local ‘pass it on’ sites on fbook. A lot of people post toys/clothes for free and may even offer to deliver locally. Some also post really low cost bundles of toys/clothing if you need something for a particular age group. |
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By (user no longer on site) 16 weeks ago
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Make a piggy bank! Or buy
Take a look at your spending. Outgoings are essentials/priorities/elec water etc
Luxuries are Netflx, prime etc.
Cancel for a month, put that money in the piggy bank |
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Great post OP.
One thing I've heard a few times before, not strictly saving but more not spending.
Don't compare your purchases to others on social media platforms. Often the biggest and most flash spenders can't afford what they show the world, and it's all stacked on credit cards. Trying to "keep up with the Joneses" puts unnecessary stresses on both your finances and mentality. |
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In a few weeks the shops will start offering their Christmas dinner deals.
Last year Heron Foods did a frozen deal of a turkey joint with stuffing or a gammon joint, red cabbage, aunt Bessie's roasties, yorkshires, pigs in blankets, sprouts with bacon, carrots and stuffing balls to serve 4 people for £15.
Iceland's deal was £12 but didn't have nearly as much stuff in it.
It does assume you can spend £15 on one meal, I know.
It's only a roast dinner when all is said and done. It's not a contest and the kids won't care that it's not a £100 Norfolk bronze turkey.
When I was a kid we often had chicken and I couldn't tell any difference (but then I've always been a bit dense). |
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Lots of good suggestions. For the last few years I have made gifts for family members. Flavoured salts (big hit!) reusable hand warmers, beeswax food wraps, beeswax candles, fat balls for the twitchers book cushions for my great nieces. I knitted a lot of items last year. I do have a lot of craft items lying around anyway, so that helps.
This year will be ultra frugal, though, as Mr and I have a big expense right before.
I have a couple of loyalty cards with supermarkets. I don't dip into the vouchers/cashpot unless about to expire, then I have extra 'money' to help pay for groceries at Christmas time. I've also in the past collected saving stamps, which again is very useful for food/household shopping. Buying a couple of stamps each time you shop and it soon builds up.
Another thing is do is any loose change in my purse at the end of the week goes into a jar. All the coins go in, whether £2 or 1p. Again, surprising how quickly that builds up and can be an emergency fund.
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"Contact friends and family now to agree a price limit on gifts, a secret Santa type arrangement with a spend limit or no gifts at all.
"
We absolutely did this when I was a kid - there were too many cousins and no way we could afford to all buy for each other.
It requires a very clear conversation as early as possible but is well worth it. |
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Check the website of your local councils. They should have signposting to food banks, food market places (like the one described in the OP) and if charities/organisations you can be referred to for help buying gifts for kids at Christmas if you’re struggling. Some even have schemes for adults.
And to anybody reading, and secretly worrying themselves into insomnia… There’s an enormous pressure on families to provide all the latest goods. I know you’ve probably heard it before, but Christmas is what you make it. Not what you buy for it. Happy to signpost/advise if you’re not sure where to turn 😊
Aaaand that is my ONE serious post for the year. |
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By *929Man 16 weeks ago
bedlington |
I know it sounds miserable but agree not to buy each other with as many people as possible I only give money to my kids and my mother me and my sisters never exchanged gifts and agreed not to bother buying each others kids years ago. More important is spending the time together than a daft gift that probably wouldn’t even have wanted had you had to buy it yourself |
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For the people struggling and on benefits always check what you are due and not getting and tip for the workers among us check you’re entitlement to universal credit may help you when you need it the most  |
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Buy a house so you don't have to pay rent.
Save £20k a year into a shares ISA to create a healthy residual income and tax free capital gains.
Drink Perrier at breakfast rather than Champagne.
If your castle is a bit chilly, wear a jumper.
Try economising and spending less than your income.
Courtesy of David Cameron and the Silver Spoon brigade |
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"Don't be afraid to explain to kids that they can't have everything on their list.
YES
Children don't need excessive money spent. But I completely understand the pressures with the massive present piles posted on social media every Christmas eve
I only remember the gifts i got from two Christmases. The one where I got a puppy and green eyeshadow and the one where I got a blue anorak and blue ski pants. Otherwise ally memories are of being with family and eating chocolate and satsumas and being allowed fizzy drinks . "
I remember those days. We were only allowed one glass of fizzy drink and a sweet on a Saturday night, these days kids seem to drink nothing else and eat far too many crisps and sweets, all of which cost a small fortune. |
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^^
I remember listening to Margaret Thatcher giving money saving tips on Radio 4 once. I laughed my socks off when she said
"When your tailor alters the hem of a dress ask them not to iron it so it can be changed in line with fashion" |
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"Don't be afraid to explain to kids that they can't have everything on their list.
YES
Children don't need excessive money spent. But I completely understand the pressures with the massive present piles posted on social media every Christmas eve
I only remember the gifts i got from two Christmases. The one where I got a puppy and green eyeshadow and the one where I got a blue anorak and blue ski pants. Otherwise ally memories are of being with family and eating chocolate and satsumas and being allowed fizzy drinks .
I remember those days. We were only allowed one glass of fizzy drink and a sweet on a Saturday night, these days kids seem to drink nothing else and eat far too many crisps and sweets, all of which cost a small fortune."
They're easier to come by I guess. Having parents who lived through sweet rationing probably helped . |
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We do the majority of our food shopping in Asda and have joined their loyalty scheme. Whenever an amount has built up in the cashpoint we transfer it to the Christmas pot which can't be accessed until sometime in November. It's surprising how it adds up, this year there's a few hundred pounds in the pot which will pay for Christmas dinner for us and the family as well as the booze and a few gifts. |
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"I would recommend taking advantage of the bank switch bonuses out there. Its free money.
Last year we made £1,725 by simply switching bank accounts (only £720 this year)
Cashback websites are also great for online shopping or insurance/utility renewals.
We also love a good car boot or charity shop."
That’s excellent. I’ve not switched for a long time but I do get some great benefits , Cashback, free Apple TV+ With Barclays HSBE Entertainer , Air-miles from my HSBC CC cover all my groceries airport lounges & my Virgin miles pay for all my trains.
My tip is wait before buying , Wait for the bargains, compare the price used, Be patient you’ll usually determine you dont need to buy the thing after all.
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"In fact I've just had a brilliant idea. Bring back food rationing. We'd all save money then 
Gruel and 4 families to a room. The extra body heat will save a fortune on heating bills."
Ah the good old days. |
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Investigate apps such as "Airtime". (Blue square, squiggly black A). You enter your bank details and everytime you spend at a retailer connected with them you get money back, towards your mobile phone bill.
It runs in the background so you can literally forget about it. You dont need to buy "through" the app like top cash back. |
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"In fact I've just had a brilliant idea. Bring back food rationing. We'd all save money then I ration my food as it is .
A lot of people do. For some it's the only way to make the money go round"
Yes but in my case it's to get back in shape . |
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By (user no longer on site) 16 weeks ago
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"Lots of good suggestions. For the last few years I have made gifts for family members. Flavoured salts (big hit!) reusable hand warmers, beeswax food wraps, beeswax candles, fat balls for the twitchers book cushions for my great nieces. I knitted a lot of items last year. I do have a lot of craft items lying around anyway, so that helps.
This year will be ultra frugal, though, as Mr and I have a big expense right before.
I have a couple of loyalty cards with supermarkets. I don't dip into the vouchers/cashpot unless about to expire, then I have extra 'money' to help pay for groceries at Christmas time. I've also in the past collected saving stamps, which again is very useful for food/household shopping. Buying a couple of stamps each time you shop and it soon builds up.
Another thing is do is any loose change in my purse at the end of the week goes into a jar. All the coins go in, whether £2 or 1p. Again, surprising how quickly that builds up and can be an emergency fund.
"
I've made some jars filled with shells for relatives with a seaside connection - they look amazing 😍 |
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By *ornycougaWoman 16 weeks ago
MADERIA Wherever I lay my hat |
When my relationship fell apart but we were still living as a family none of us could face a "normal" Christmas. We each pulled one name out of a hat (there were 5 of us) and agreed to buy one gift for that person (with a £5 price limit), make a present for them and write a poem about their year. We didn't do it to be thrifty but it was a huge financial saving and my (grown up) kids loved it and it was a lot of fun both in the run up and on the day.
Also, and sorry if this one has been said already, schools and churches always have Christmas Fayres - pick up gifts there, or in charity shops. |
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By (user no longer on site) 16 weeks ago
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Also no idea if it's been said before up there 👆
If your going out for the night, going food shopping or even shopping for gifts.
Leave your bank cards at home!
Go back to the old fashioned way and have a budget in cash to spend only.
Cash machines this time of the year have extra stocked in them to get people past busy shopping periods.
If you don't have any other way to pay for something or over spend on items at the time. It saves you from putting it on credit cards and being left with a huge bill to pay back the next month/new year.
It's only a few rare places now that refuse cash only payments , if that happens go elsewhere and spend your money. |
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Think carefully about choosing klarna or the like for online payments.
As a serial pay in 3er I know only too well the consequences of paying in installments too often. If you do still want to use this payment method, it may be worth writing on a calender (yes one made out of paper shock horror hasp) when the repayments are due and how much. This way you have a constant visual reminder of what's going out each month. It could be worth doing this with direct debits and other bills too |
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By *ags73Man 16 weeks ago
glasgow-ish |
"Investigate apps such as "Airtime". (Blue square, squiggly black A). You enter your bank details and everytime you spend at a retailer connected with them you get money back, towards your mobile phone bill.
It runs in the background so you can literally forget about it. You dont need to buy "through" the app like top cash back."
Airtime is about £10 a month paid to mobile bill if right retailers on it. Argos are, but watch around Black Friday and Christmas as it drops from 4 to 2%
Timing the purchases is the thing |
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"As we're nearing Christmas, in what is already very hard times for most, the financial pressure is building once again.
I wondered if we could build up a thread with advice on money saving tips, budgeting advice, ways to cut costs, sales, sharing money worries etc. I mean it's not going to make Christmas disappear unfortunately, but if it helps one family to save a few pennies then it's worth it.
Please keep judgment out of here and make this a safe space for those feeling the pinch.
I'll start, a big help for me has been a weekly "shop" ran by a local church, where you pay £2 and buy 12 items. It's mostly cupboard staples; tins, pasta, biscuits, jars of cooking sauces, noodles, tinned fruits, cleaning items, body care, cat food, dog food etc but my god it's cut costs on the weekly shop.
Its not well advertised but I've heard there are similar things run up and down the country. So if you're struggling with the food shop it may be worth an ask around to find out if there are any local to you?
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I have something similar, and you pay £5 a "bag" and get between £12 and £15 worth of food and it includes fresh stuff as well as tinned. Sometimes some of the fresh stuff only have one or 2 days date on, as they get stuff from fareshare. Families of 4 or more can get 2 bags a week.
It has been a big help sonit is definitely worth lookong for a community food project near you if you are struggling |
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By (user no longer on site) 16 weeks ago
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One potential avenue could be to make an
Irresponsible Lending Complaint.
If you are bogged down with credit cards and pay day loans then you probably have grounds to make a complaint.
Moneylenders have to follow rules laid out by the FCA and the Good Practice Customer Charter regarding the checks they do on your finances. If they don't follow said rules then you have grounds to make an Irresponsible Lending Complaint.
If your take home pay is £1600 a month but you have a £1000 credit card of which £800 is used, that simple piece of information should tell lenders to refuse you a loan but they don't, they just crack on.
So the entire basis of your complaint is they never should have give you a loan, overdraft, credit card, very, car finance etc in the first place because you were never in a position to pay it back.
Your complaint is to the lender directly. Complain that you were missold a loan because you couldn't afford it and you want all interest payments and charges returned. You can only claw back the interest NOT the loan itself. This isn't a get rich scheme its about fairness and it wouldn't be fair to the lender to give you everything back.
You'll need bank statements etc to evidence your complaint.
The lender legally has 8 weeks before answering you and if its a yes Nice. But this is unlikely because lenders are bastards.
If its a no then you escalate the complaint to the financial ombudsman to get them to rule in your favour.
I hope this might be useful to somebody
X |
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By (user no longer on site) 16 weeks ago
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Use comparison sites like compare.com to maybe switch to better electricity and gas companies. Also keep an eye on your tariffs you can swap to more economical tariffs just check with your provider. I was paying £132 per month for combined energies and since I swapped now I’m paying £98 per month worth a look people. |
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2024, first world country, many people in poverty. Good ol brexit eh?
I suppose I'll have to give up my avocado and prosecco toast?
Many great ideas on here and it's very inspiring to see such people cum together when needed.
I think a great idea would be localised swingers cohabation properties of their favourites, to share/reduce bill costs.
Whats that you say "I hate you!!"
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Not sure if it’s already been mentioned above but this year, Heron Foods are doing a Christmas dinner deal for £13.99 - you can choose from a turkey or gammon joint plus six sides. There’s also a poster on TikTok called Dylandfyn who shares loads of good budget meal ideas and she did a 3 course Christmas dinner menu last year that served 4-6 people for £20 😊 |
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By *C44Man 14 weeks ago
Ipswich |
Shop at Waitrose.
Find the time they reduce (usually around 7) and go then.
Their clientele usually goes during the day and is less inclined to buy reduced to clear so they absolutely massacre the prices on meat and fish going out of date the next day. If you are happy to freeze waitrose at reducing time is the cheapest supermarket by far.
I've had steaks and cod fillets for under 20p.
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"Shop at Waitrose.
Find the time they reduce (usually around 7) and go then.
Their clientele usually goes during the day and is less inclined to buy reduced to clear so they absolutely massacre the prices on meat and fish going out of date the next day. If you are happy to freeze waitrose at reducing time is the cheapest supermarket by far.
I've had steaks and cod fillets for under 20p.
"
This is true. When we lived near a Waitrose I had whole cooked chickens for 50p, cuts of meat I wouldn't normally afford at silly prices. My mum used to go late on Christmas eve and come home with turkeys, beef joints and other stuff for 10 and 20p |
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By (user no longer on site) 13 weeks ago
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You all need to get on vinted! Amazing how much money you can make on old clothes you don't bother with. Even kids toys and other things your wanting rid off. You can grab great deals on second hand clobber. Get the app and see for self's x |
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"You all need to get on vinted! Amazing how much money you can make on old clothes you don't bother with. Even kids toys and other things your wanting rid off. You can grab great deals on second hand clobber. Get the app and see for self's x"
I've been put off selling anything since ebays change in wanting bank details (which is a shame). If I can't give it away, it get's used till dust and thrown. |
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"You all need to get on vinted! Amazing how much money you can make on old clothes you don't bother with. Even kids toys and other things your wanting rid off. You can grab great deals on second hand clobber. Get the app and see for self's x"
I tried Vinted but when a brand new pair of leather ankle boots sold for £1 I decided I'd rather donate them to the charity shop. |
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Iceland are doing Christmas dinner in a box for £25 it contains
Perfect Stuffed Turkey Joint Wrapped In Bacon
Perfect Beef Dripping Roast Potatoes
Honey Roast Parsnips
Brussels Sprouts Loaded With Bacon
Carrot Baubles With Parsley & Chive Butter
12 Perfect Pigs In Blankets
Turkey Gravy
I don't know how many that would feed but if there are 12 pigs in blankets I reckon it's 4 to 6. |
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The main thing is don't spend what you don't have.
Then don't buy what you don't need.
Right down costs and what you can spend and, stick to it don't fall for the gimmick of Christmas.
Do you normally have alcohol in the houe you don't have too. Lots of things are a luxury.
At the end of the day it's oneday it to Celibrate the Birth of christ.
Now I'm not a religious person but find a church that is doing carrols take the kids and go sing. It so maks you feal good and it's Free in general. And to me it's more what Christmas should be about.
It's not about Luxury or welth. Do thing for each other rather buy presents, right IOU,s. To you partner a massarge, foot rub etc time is free but we never have enough so make time for loved ones.. |
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By *ags73Man 13 weeks ago
glasgow-ish |
If you do need to spend, look at Black Friday and direct for sellers sites. Got some Disney stuff at 30% off and box had another voucher for 20% off next purchase. Always helps if I’ve forgotten something |
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The presents I got for my 2 year old are all second hand and things people were selling locally. It's not like she's going to notice anyway. Instead with the money saved I'm doing nice outdoors Christmas events with her.
When I was really budgeting though I'd have a separate account. A fixed amount went in there from my salary every month and I never touched it. Ever. That money was used for a house deposit over 3 years and I just learned to live off what I had left after that money was moved from my main account. |
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"We do the majority of our food shopping in Asda and have joined their loyalty scheme. Whenever an amount has built up in the cashpoint we transfer it to the Christmas pot which can't be accessed until sometime in November. It's surprising how it adds up, this year there's a few hundred pounds in the pot which will pay for Christmas dinner for us and the family as well as the booze and a few gifts."
Same we do that it's a good scheme |
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Popped into a few charity shops the other day. It's defo worth looking on your high street if you have one... I got some belter Xmas boobie type gifts for folk for a quid or two. Much nicer than tat from B&M  |
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By (user no longer on site) 12 weeks ago
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I've unfortunately had to sell one of my motorbikes that I restored spent a couple years doing it but having two bikes made sense to sell one that I hardly used was sad to see it go but times are hard |
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Something I've been doing it's buying bits towards the Christmas food in my shopping.. doesn't seem as much getting some extra bits each week. But it's slowly making a dent in what I'll need to buy nearer the time. |
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