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Money saving tips
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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I'm struggling. I don't live an excessive lifestyle by any means, but I'm struggling to keep a roof over my head right now  I've never been very good at budgeting or planning.
Anyone got any good money saving tips for me? The bigger the better. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Have you tried the you switch for all you gas and electric and phone bills. Also look on Martin Lewis site he has lots of money saving tips. Also when food shopping if you buy branded food have you tried going down a brand or even going to Aldi or Lidl , and do a list and stick to it and plan your meals for the week x |
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10-20% of your earnings should go into savings if possible.
Sit down and calculate all bills and income once a month.
If you smoke, either stop or vape instead.
Check all utilities and insurance are on best deal. Use MSE site for hints. Have all dd and so come off once wages are in.
Limit eating out and takeaway to once a month.
Use packed lunches.
Insulate your house and lower thermostat by 5 degrees.
Lift share or cycle if possible.
Reduce pub club nights out and only take your budgeted money with you so you avoid alcohol impulse purchases.
Get rid of the Tories
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Have you tried the you switch for all you gas and electric and phone bills. Also look on Martin Lewis site he has lots of money saving tips. Also when food shopping if you buy branded food have you tried going down a brand or even going to Aldi or Lidl , and do a list and stick to it and plan your meals for the week x "
I've not switched or looked at the website. I'm so useless at being a grown up. I will look tonight. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"10-20% of your earnings should go into savings if possible.
Sit down and calculate all bills and income once a month.
If you smoke, either stop or vape instead.
Check all utilities and insurance are on best deal. Use MSE site for hints. Have all dd and so come off once wages are in.
Limit eating out and takeaway to once a month.
Use packed lunches.
Insulate your house and lower thermostat by 5 degrees.
Lift share or cycle if possible.
Reduce pub club nights out and only take your budgeted money with you so you avoid alcohol impulse purchases.
Get rid of the Tories
"
oooh lots of good tips there. thankyou |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Make a list and stick to it. Buy ecoegg for your clothes washing. Get jar coconut oil from Aldi, has lots of uses from cooking to moisturising hands. Use soap not shower gel, lasts forever  "
I want to save the Orangutans though |
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"Have you tried the you switch for all you gas and electric and phone bills. Also look on Martin Lewis site he has lots of money saving tips. Also when food shopping if you buy branded food have you tried going down a brand or even going to Aldi or Lidl , and do a list and stick to it and plan your meals for the week x
I've not switched or looked at the website. I'm so useless at being a grown up. I will look tonight."
Check out Utility Warehouse do full package inc broadband & fit whole house with energy ligtbulbs with free replacements |
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Walk round the supermarket the other way round to how it's laid out... Start at till ending up by the veg.
REALY!
I tried it once with no particular objective of what I wanted, just genrall shopping for 4people which usuall came out around £100...
I spent about £70!.. Without particularly cutting anything out.. Just got what I felt was right. |
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What works for me is planning ahead. My next three pay checks I have all planned out.
I always pay my rent, council tax, gas and electricity first. Then what is left will be for bills. I always pay off what I’ve used on my c_edit card in full each month, then if needed I’ll use it again for groceries to get me through. Also my other trick is to do a shop one or two days befor your next c_edit card statement is due, by the time the amount is c_edited to your account, it won’t be due until the following months statement which gives you like an extra six weeks to pay it off.
I also don’t have an overdraft limit, I cancelled it 4 years ago. All those daily charges add up.
Also if you have broadband, satellite TV, Mobile contract, make sure you’ve got a good deal. If you have been with a company longer than your contract period, they’d be desperate to keep you as a customer, feel no way to call them up and let them know you are struggling. I once got my Sky Tv package _educe for 12 months 50% and my broadband that I was paying £38 per month to £25 per month.
I actually just switched my broadband from Sky to BT in December, I did it through a cash back site, I received £100 cash back to my bank account plus BT sent to a reward Mastercard with £140 loaded to it. Work that out that is 6 months of my super fast broadband already paid for in the 12 month contract.
Sorry for long reply haha. Good luck |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Have a look at StepChange, they have budgeting sheets. They are also really helpful about dealing with debts too.
Have you also looked at each outgoing to see if you can _educe it at all. Are you on the cheapest gas/electric tariff - that kind of thing. I hope it gets better. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Have you tried the you switch for all you gas and electric and phone bills. Also look on Martin Lewis site he has lots of money saving tips. Also when food shopping if you buy branded food have you tried going down a brand or even going to Aldi or Lidl , and do a list and stick to it and plan your meals for the week x
I've not switched or looked at the website. I'm so useless at being a grown up. I will look tonight.
Check out Utility Warehouse do full package inc broadband & fit whole house with energy ligtbulbs with free replacements"
added to list of things to check out |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"What works for me is planning ahead. My next three pay checks I have all planned out.
I always pay my rent, council tax, gas and electricity first. Then what is left will be for bills. I always pay off what I’ve used on my c_edit card in full each month, then if needed I’ll use it again for groceries to get me through. Also my other trick is to do a shop one or two days befor your next c_edit card statement is due, by the time the amount is c_edited to your account, it won’t be due until the following months statement which gives you like an extra six weeks to pay it off.
I also don’t have an overdraft limit, I cancelled it 4 years ago. All those daily charges add up.
Also if you have broadband, satellite TV, Mobile contract, make sure you’ve got a good deal. If you have been with a company longer than your contract period, they’d be desperate to keep you as a customer, feel no way to call them up and let them know you are struggling. I once got my Sky Tv package _educe for 12 months 50% and my broadband that I was paying £38 per month to £25 per month.
I actually just switched my broadband from Sky to BT in December, I did it through a cash back site, I received £100 cash back to my bank account plus BT sent to a reward Mastercard with £140 loaded to it. Work that out that is 6 months of my super fast broadband already paid for in the 12 month contract.
Sorry for long reply haha. Good luck "
I need someone like you in my life. My brain isn't gea_ed up this way
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Have a look at StepChange, they have budgeting sheets. They are also really helpful about dealing with debts too.
Have you also looked at each outgoing to see if you can _educe it at all. Are you on the cheapest gas/electric tariff - that kind of thing. I hope it gets better. "
I know I'm not far off my lowest tariffs. I'll look at step change too |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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And do you have a water meter if that might work out cheaper ? And a smart meter as the energy companies do deals if you get one in some cases - I had free electric on a Sunday for a year so did all my washing etc then. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"What works for me is planning ahead. My next three pay checks I have all planned out.
I always pay my rent, council tax, gas and electricity first. Then what is left will be for bills. I always pay off what I’ve used on my c_edit card in full each month, then if needed I’ll use it again for groceries to get me through. Also my other trick is to do a shop one or two days befor your next c_edit card statement is due, by the time the amount is c_edited to your account, it won’t be due until the following months statement which gives you like an extra six weeks to pay it off.
I also don’t have an overdraft limit, I cancelled it 4 years ago. All those daily charges add up.
Also if you have broadband, satellite TV, Mobile contract, make sure you’ve got a good deal. If you have been with a company longer than your contract period, they’d be desperate to keep you as a customer, feel no way to call them up and let them know you are struggling. I once got my Sky Tv package _educe for 12 months 50% and my broadband that I was paying £38 per month to £25 per month.
I actually just switched my broadband from Sky to BT in December, I did it through a cash back site, I received £100 cash back to my bank account plus BT sent to a reward Mastercard with £140 loaded to it. Work that out that is 6 months of my super fast broadband already paid for in the 12 month contract.
Sorry for long reply haha. Good luck "
Sky tv  Surely people don’t still pay for this |
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"Watch Martin Lewis he is a fucking god  "
Meh ...I checked out one of his things and would have been 140 quid worse off ... (think he must get a back hander from some even though he'd prob deny it |
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By *edMan
over a year ago
cambridgeshire |
"What works for me is planning ahead. My next three pay checks I have all planned out.
I always pay my rent, council tax, gas and electricity first. Then what is left will be for bills. I always pay off what I’ve used on my c_edit card in full each month, then if needed I’ll use it again for groceries to get me through. Also my other trick is to do a shop one or two days befor your next c_edit card statement is due, by the time the amount is c_edited to your account, it won’t be due until the following months statement which gives you like an extra six weeks to pay it off.
I also don’t have an overdraft limit, I cancelled it 4 years ago. All those daily charges add up.
Also if you have broadband, satellite TV, Mobile contract, make sure you’ve got a good deal. If you have been with a company longer than your contract period, they’d be desperate to keep you as a customer, feel no way to call them up and let them know you are struggling. I once got my Sky Tv package _educe for 12 months 50% and my broadband that I was paying £38 per month to £25 per month.
I actually just switched my broadband from Sky to BT in December, I did it through a cash back site, I received £100 cash back to my bank account plus BT sent to a reward Mastercard with £140 loaded to it. Work that out that is 6 months of my super fast broadband already paid for in the 12 month contract.
Sorry for long reply haha. Good luck Sky tv Surely people don’t still pay for this "
Not sure how you don't pay but there you go.
Look hard at necessities and ask if they are really necessary or actually luxuries you can do without |
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"What works for me is planning ahead. My next three pay checks I have all planned out.
I always pay my rent, council tax, gas and electricity first. Then what is left will be for bills. I always pay off what I’ve used on my c_edit card in full each month, then if needed I’ll use it again for groceries to get me through. Also my other trick is to do a shop one or two days befor your next c_edit card statement is due, by the time the amount is c_edited to your account, it won’t be due until the following months statement which gives you like an extra six weeks to pay it off.
I also don’t have an overdraft limit, I cancelled it 4 years ago. All those daily charges add up.
Also if you have broadband, satellite TV, Mobile contract, make sure you’ve got a good deal. If you have been with a company longer than your contract period, they’d be desperate to keep you as a customer, feel no way to call them up and let them know you are struggling. I once got my Sky Tv package _educe for 12 months 50% and my broadband that I was paying £38 per month to £25 per month.
I actually just switched my broadband from Sky to BT in December, I did it through a cash back site, I received £100 cash back to my bank account plus BT sent to a reward Mastercard with £140 loaded to it. Work that out that is 6 months of my super fast broadband already paid for in the 12 month contract.
Sorry for long reply haha. Good luck Sky tv Surely people don’t still pay for this
Not sure how you don't pay but there you go.
Look hard at necessities and ask if they are really necessary or actually luxuries you can do without"
Not sure how I don’t pay what?
As I said in my post what works for me. I live in my means and what I can afford. |
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"What works for me is planning ahead. My next three pay checks I have all planned out.
I always pay my rent, council tax, gas and electricity first. Then what is left will be for bills. I always pay off what I’ve used on my c_edit card in full each month, then if needed I’ll use it again for groceries to get me through. Also my other trick is to do a shop one or two days befor your next c_edit card statement is due, by the time the amount is c_edited to your account, it won’t be due until the following months statement which gives you like an extra six weeks to pay it off.
I also don’t have an overdraft limit, I cancelled it 4 years ago. All those daily charges add up.
Also if you have broadband, satellite TV, Mobile contract, make sure you’ve got a good deal. If you have been with a company longer than your contract period, they’d be desperate to keep you as a customer, feel no way to call them up and let them know you are struggling. I once got my Sky Tv package _educe for 12 months 50% and my broadband that I was paying £38 per month to £25 per month.
I actually just switched my broadband from Sky to BT in December, I did it through a cash back site, I received £100 cash back to my bank account plus BT sent to a reward Mastercard with £140 loaded to it. Work that out that is 6 months of my super fast broadband already paid for in the 12 month contract.
Sorry for long reply haha. Good luck Sky tv Surely people don’t still pay for this "
I currently do. I love my Sky TV with Sky Atlantic and AMC from BT, recording and fast forwarding advertisements. I understand many stream off of websites online on laptop but I don’t like doing that  |
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By *edMan
over a year ago
cambridgeshire |
"What works for me is planning ahead. My next three pay checks I have all planned out.
I always pay my rent, council tax, gas and electricity first. Then what is left will be for bills. I always pay off what I’ve used on my c_edit card in full each month, then if needed I’ll use it again for groceries to get me through. Also my other trick is to do a shop one or two days befor your next c_edit card statement is due, by the time the amount is c_edited to your account, it won’t be due until the following months statement which gives you like an extra six weeks to pay it off.
I also don’t have an overdraft limit, I cancelled it 4 years ago. All those daily charges add up.
Also if you have broadband, satellite TV, Mobile contract, make sure you’ve got a good deal. If you have been with a company longer than your contract period, they’d be desperate to keep you as a customer, feel no way to call them up and let them know you are struggling. I once got my Sky Tv package _educe for 12 months 50% and my broadband that I was paying £38 per month to £25 per month.
I actually just switched my broadband from Sky to BT in December, I did it through a cash back site, I received £100 cash back to my bank account plus BT sent to a reward Mastercard with £140 loaded to it. Work that out that is 6 months of my super fast broadband already paid for in the 12 month contract.
Sorry for long reply haha. Good luck Sky tv Surely people don’t still pay for this
Not sure how you don't pay but there you go.
Look hard at necessities and ask if they are really necessary or actually luxuries you can do without
Not sure how I don’t pay what?
As I said in my post what works for me. I live in my means and what I can afford. "
Sorry.. was asking how a previous poster gets sky for free  |
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By *oodmessMan
over a year ago
yumsville |
If you are paying off a c_edit card, look at taking out a new one with a 0% interest rate on balance transfers. This can allow anywhere from 12 - 36 months to pay the debt off without incurring interest so long as you don't use it. Applying for 80% of what you owe is usually successful. Paying 2% or so for the transfer is nominal considering you could pay that in interest per month on the existing card.
Any money saved in interest, then goes to pay other bills, into savings or possibly the card itself. |
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"If you are paying off a c_edit card, look at taking out a new one with a 0% interest rate on balance transfers. This can allow anywhere from 12 - 36 months to pay the debt off without incurring interest so long as you don't use it. Applying for 80% of what you owe is usually successful. Paying 2% or so for the transfer is nominal considering you could pay that in interest per month on the existing card.
Any money saved in interest, then goes to pay other bills, into savings or possibly the card itself."
Great top tip |
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By *opinovMan
over a year ago
Point Nemo, Cumbria |
"Never go shopping when you are hungry."
So very true - a hungry man makes a poor shopper... for both food and for love.
As a rule, if you're self-employed, work first and play only once your work is done. Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves.
Also, if it looks like you're about to lose the roof over your head, spend some time researching your options. Specifically, mobile/motorhome/etc living off-grid... you'd be surprised how well you can live in comfort for very little.
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"If you are paying off a c_edit card, look at taking out a new one with a 0% interest rate on balance transfers. This can allow anywhere from 12 - 36 months to pay the debt off without incurring interest so long as you don't use it. Applying for 80% of what you owe is usually successful. Paying 2% or so for the transfer is nominal considering you could pay that in interest per month on the existing card.
Any money saved in interest, then goes to pay other bills, into savings or possibly the card itself."
I owe no debt.. bar my council tax, which I've just been summoned about All I want is a bit of food on my table, a warm roof over my head, a safe place for my kids to sleep when they're with me. It's not like I'm chasing Aston Martin's and expensive women. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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For the last three weeks I’ve been taking care of the weekly shop and for a family of four I’ve got it to under £60 a week.
Seriously sticking to the budget, sticking to a weeks planned meals.
You’d think we needed to cut down on stuff, No! I still have some beer, kids have snacks and we have a bowl of fruit. The Sunday roast is bella and whistles.
It can be done. |
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By *iger4uWoman
over a year ago
In my happy place |
See if you have got anything you don't use and sell it.
Use stuff up out of cupboards, all your toiletries and jars and tins.
Sometimes we buy. On auto pilot and have 9 tons of beans in.
Get your bills out.. Look. On Martin Lewis money saver to see if you can move and save.
Bank acct.. Move and get cash.
It all adds up.
Use online vouchers for meals and days out. |
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If you are really struggling speak to one of the debt charities, they will have some really good advice. Also look into an app that will help you budget. Look at all non essential spend and think about what you really need rather than what is nice to have. And good luck, it is estimated there is 12 million people in the UK who have financial problems so you are not alone and help is out there. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Find when your supermarket does the clearence stuff. Tesco seems to be around 8pm.
Can udualy pick up meat etc for a fraction of thr price that can be cooked that night and last you a few days.
Tesco value chillicon carne is shockingly the best one you can actually get in a tin too. Few of them plus some rice gets you a decent meal for aprox 60 - 70p
The 15-20% fat mince is a lot cheaper and is actually perfect for making burgers or hatche steaks better than the lean.
Pasta, oats and rice can be bought cheap in bulk and sto_ed for ages, depending on what you find in clearence you can make loads lf different meals.
Things like white sauces you can make at home easily (milk flour fat) rather than buying the ing_edients are cheap and rather than using butter for the fat you can use any rende_ed fat from a roast or grilled bacon.
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"You smoke. Stop that and you'll save a bloody fortune.
T."
As motivation, get a receipt for every pack of cigs you buy. Pin them all up at the side of your council tax summons and other bills. It should put some perspective on which is more important. Even if you cut down by just one pack a week you will be nearly £40 a month better off. |
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Bank accounts for everything Christmas
Bills
Insurance and car
Holidays
Little amounts in each month pays everything off
Budget one big shop each month set aside money for bread and milk and extras
Be tough with yourself
Austerity allowed me to take my family away for 2 weeks holiday |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Scrap the expensive Sky and BT subscriptions and get a good IPTV provider. Don't go for the cheap reseller ones. We pay 60 quid a year and have 1800 channels, all the 3pm kick offs, pay per view boxing and MMA, a library of the 1200 latest movies. Our old bill was 110 a month so a saving of 1260 a year. We also get all the box sets too. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Scrap the expensive Sky and BT subscriptions and get a good IPTV provider. Don't go for the cheap reseller ones. We pay 60 quid a year and have 1800 channels, all the 3pm kick offs, pay per view boxing and MMA, a library of the 1200 latest movies. Our old bill was 110 a month so a saving of 1260 a year. We also get all the box sets too. "
Forgot to mention, we also have 30 hard-core porn channels too  |
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In my spare time I spend time on eBay looking for bargains, anything selling cheap with really terrible descriptions. Buy them and sell them on, often straight back on to eBay, this time correctly described in the correct category for selling. Yes I've found designer clothes being sold in fancy dress categories for 0.99p. Bought and sold on for £40.
The trick is knowing your products and how to sell them. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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out of all the above ..maybe vaping instead of ciggs prob best for you whatever happens..if its not lot more expensive ( no idea on that)than fags,of course stopping even better but not easy ! |
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Yeah, do your weekly shop on a monday (or whenever your supermarket has it's clearout) and stock up the freezer for the rest of the week. Cook everything from scratch, avoid convenience foods, and have some vegetarian days maybe.
If you need some form of clothing, always check the charity shops first - find some in a 'nice' area for the best quality bargains. |
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By *teeeeWoman
over a year ago
Bristol |
"If you are paying off a c_edit card, look at taking out a new one with a 0% interest rate on balance transfers. This can allow anywhere from 12 - 36 months to pay the debt off without incurring interest so long as you don't use it. Applying for 80% of what you owe is usually successful. Paying 2% or so for the transfer is nominal considering you could pay that in interest per month on the existing card.
Any money saved in interest, then goes to pay other bills, into savings or possibly the card itself.
I owe no debt.. bar my council tax, which I've just been summoned about All I want is a bit of food on my table, a warm roof over my head, a safe place for my kids to sleep when they're with me. It's not like I'm chasing Aston Martin's and expensive women."
Maybe food bank? Not sure how they work?
I've honestly been sooo skint b4 I've lived day in, day out on value bread, value tinned tomatoes, and value beans. Genuinely no butter. That was freakin hard times!!! Now n then...a friend or family would have me over for tea (they were none the wiser at how bad I was struggling) that was heaven. ALSO...do tell people - I didn't - but when they did find out - they did help.
Do cut down the cigs or just struggle and quit tho. Easier said than done...seems even harder when u feel the stress from money pressure.
Forget sky...music is honestly way better. Put a radio on. |
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By *teeeeWoman
over a year ago
Bristol |
"Make a list and stick to it. Buy ecoegg for your clothes washing. Get jar coconut oil from Aldi, has lots of uses from cooking to moisturising hands. Use soap not shower gel, lasts forever
I want to save the Orangutans though "
Freakin cyuuute. Lols. Bloody lurve orangutans. X |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Yeah, do your weekly shop on a monday (or whenever your supermarket has it's clearout) and stock up the freezer for the rest of the week. Cook everything from scratch, avoid convenience foods, and have some vegetarian days maybe.
If you need some form of clothing, always check the charity shops first - find some in a 'nice' area for the best quality bargains.
"
frisky mare some charity shop's stuff more than new(saw a t-shirt in one recently double new price from Primark.) I know there a good cause but he ain't much brass)Reccommend though if need be -Car boot sales for clothes,etc. When I was skint i got all my clothes from them - still do. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"10-20% of your earnings should go into savings if possible.
Sit down and calculate all bills and income once a month.
If you smoke, either stop or vape instead.
Check all utilities and insurance are on best deal. Use MSE site for hints. Have all dd and so come off once wages are in.
Limit eating out and takeaway to once a month.
Use packed lunches.
Insulate your house and lower thermostat by 5 degrees.
Lift share or cycle if possible.
Reduce pub club nights out and only take your budgeted money with you so you avoid alcohol impulse purchases.
Get rid of the Tories
"
Ha brilliant! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"If you are paying off a c_edit card, look at taking out a new one with a 0% interest rate on balance transfers. This can allow anywhere from 12 - 36 months to pay the debt off without incurring interest so long as you don't use it. Applying for 80% of what you owe is usually successful. Paying 2% or so for the transfer is nominal considering you could pay that in interest per month on the existing card.
Any money saved in interest, then goes to pay other bills, into savings or possibly the card itself.
I owe no debt.. bar my council tax, which I've just been summoned about All I want is a bit of food on my table, a warm roof over my head, a safe place for my kids to sleep when they're with me. It's not like I'm chasing Aston Martin's and expensive women."
If you are struggling with essential bills then get in touch with them and say you're struggling, most will rather help with a little paid each month than taking you to court.
Write all you out goings down, then your income, take off your main bills, rent, gas, elec etc with what's left prioritise what you need, food, petrol for work etc cut out everything that's non essential (you can add these later when you're better off) |
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By *xhib12Man
over a year ago
Blyth |
"Make a list and stick to it. Buy ecoegg for your clothes washing. Get jar coconut oil from Aldi, has lots of uses from cooking to moisturising hands. Use soap not shower gel, lasts forever
I want to save the Orangutans though "
It's palm oil that's affecting the orangutans habitat, not coconut oil. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
|
I haven't read this entire thread as I've been at work, I will bear with me.
I'd just like to thank everyone for helping me with advice. I know it's not exactly a sexy topic and Fab probably isn't the best place to seek advice on money..
It's just.. most of the best advice I've ever had came from people like you lot. |
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By *xhib12Man
over a year ago
Blyth |
"Scrap the expensive Sky and BT subscriptions and get a good IPTV provider. Don't go for the cheap reseller ones. We pay 60 quid a year and have 1800 channels, all the 3pm kick offs, pay per view boxing and MMA, a library of the 1200 latest movies. Our old bill was 110 a month so a saving of 1260 a year. We also get all the box sets too. "
Excuse my ignorance but what's an IPTV provider and is it legal? Sounds brilliant. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"10-20% of your earnings should go into savings if possible.
Sit down and calculate all bills and income once a month.
If you smoke, either stop or vape instead.
Check all utilities and insurance are on best deal. Use MSE site for hints. Have all dd and so come off once wages are in.
Limit eating out and takeaway to once a month.
Use packed lunches.
Insulate your house and lower thermostat by 5 degrees.
Lift share or cycle if possible.
Reduce pub club nights out and only take your budgeted money with you so you avoid alcohol impulse purchases.
Get rid of the Tories
oooh lots of good tips there. thankyou"
That’s amazing advise |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Find when your supermarket does the clearence stuff. Tesco seems to be around 8pm.
Can udualy pick up meat etc for a fraction of thr price that can be cooked that night and last you a few days.
Tesco value chillicon carne is shockingly the best one you can actually get in a tin too. Few of them plus some rice gets you a decent meal for aprox 60 - 70p
The 15-20% fat mince is a lot cheaper and is actually perfect for making burgers or hatche steaks better than the lean.
Pasta, oats and rice can be bought cheap in bulk and sto_ed for ages, depending on what you find in clearence you can make loads lf different meals.
Things like white sauces you can make at home easily (milk flour fat) rather than buying the ing_edients are cheap and rather than using butter for the fat you can use any rende_ed fat from a roast or grilled bacon.
"
Thank you, given our recent history, that's big of you to comment on here with good advice. Respect |
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"Make a list and stick to it. Buy ecoegg for your clothes washing. Get jar coconut oil from Aldi, has lots of uses from cooking to moisturising hands. Use soap not shower gel, lasts forever
I want to save the Orangutans though "
Coconut oil is fine, it is Palm Oil that you need to avoid to save the Orangutans...
MSE website has a wealth of information. |
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By *irthandgirthMan
over a year ago
Camberley occasionally doncaster |
Bulk prep food. Buy your veg from a market and shop around for meat deals. There is nothing wrong with Aldi or Lidl. Start batch making stews/casseroles and soups etc and just top up with cheap pasta and salad. Even without trying I am averaging about £2 per meal, and I am eating really well and really healthy. It takes me a couple of hours on a Sunday and that's me done until Fri evening. I would also push that figure down by shopping at the end of the day too. |
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"Avoid the middle isles in Aldi. Some of the things i've walked out with when i only went in for a loaf of bread.  "
Happens to me most of the time. Doesn't help that they often have some great specials. Think half my tool collection is from the middle isle. On the plus side I did resist buying a air fryer the other day. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Bank accounts for everything Christmas
Bills
Insurance and car
Holidays
Little amounts in each month pays everything off
Budget one big shop each month set aside money for bread and milk and extras
Be tough with yourself
Austerity allowed me to take my family away for 2 weeks holiday "
Separate bank accounts was going to be my suggestion too. List all your bills and leave enough in your direct debit account and move 'spending money' (food etc) to a different account.
Keep a bit of paper on your fridge with your 'spending account' balance on it. Every time you spend anything mark it off so you can keep an eye on how much money you have left till pay day.
Have a look online for free days out ideas for the kids. Take a packed lunch. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"freeze all your food, even freeze bread. Take out what you need the day before, and only ever eat what you took out or you will have to throw it out.
Youd be amazed the money this can save."
Mate.. That's a good idea for me. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Avoid the middle isles in Aldi. Some of the things i've walked out with when i only went in for a loaf of bread. "
The middle isle makes shopping at lidel/ aldi exciting.  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Just take a bit of cash out each week for food and only spend that. It is too easy to just pop out for something paying by debit card and easy to forget what has been spent. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Just take a bit of cash out each week for food and only spend that. It is too easy to just pop out for something paying by debit card and easy to forget what has been spent. "
Someone mentioned in PM about envelope budgeting. Which sounds similair, I think that'd work for me. I'm going to hate it, but it'll keep me in check better. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Just take a bit of cash out each week for food and only spend that. It is too easy to just pop out for something paying by debit card and easy to forget what has been spent.
Someone mentioned in PM about envelope budgeting. Which sounds similair, I think that'd work for me. I'm going to hate it, but it'll keep me in check better."
I do it every once in a while it really hopes focus the mind and you just get what you need then. |
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"Scrap the expensive Sky and BT subscriptions and get a good IPTV provider. Don't go for the cheap reseller ones. We pay 60 quid a year and have 1800 channels, all the 3pm kick offs, pay per view boxing and MMA, a library of the 1200 latest movies. Our old bill was 110 a month so a saving of 1260 a year. We also get all the box sets too.
Excuse my ignorance but what's an IPTV provider and is it legal? Sounds brilliant."
It’s a steaming service instead of using satellite or ariel. I remember reading up on it in 2018, if you’re steaming a channel you have not got a subscription for ie; Sky Sports, you’re steaming it illegally.
I know lots of people that use these and even use the chipped sky boxes. |
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We dropped to one wage a while ago now and still manage to put savings away most months. Main thing for us has been deciding on a weekly budget for food shopping, outings and extras. It's withdrawn in cash and when it's gone it's gone. I usually have a £5 note put by for bread, milk and bananas as the end of the week. It works though. Saves the mad spend at pay day and being skint the rest of the month. Spending on cards doesn't feel like spending and we were awful for doing it too often. We sit with a spreadsheet at pay day and work in things like kids clubs that aren't monthly, if we're planning a club night and the cost for that, if kids need shoes etc then break down what we have from there for weekly spending and savings.
V x |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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A lot already cove_ed but here goes
Always shop with a list of what is needed, only consider buying off list if a staple ing_edient and on offer which will likely finish before when needed.
Trade down from brand labels to supermarket own.
Check offers on sizes (sometimes better to buy 2 smaller than large version).
Cook from scratch and consider making batches for freezer.
Cook with pot lids on as saves heat being wasted.
Using oven, then consider what can be cooked at same time.
Bargains in _educed fruit and veg, but only if you will use it.
Pick up supermarket magazine if free and look at coupons, same goes for Metro etc.
If buying on cards find a cashback one.
Use cashback sites for all purchases where possible (Quidco & Topcashback).
Change utilities and insurances, or at least look for other prices, at every renewal point.
Use price rises to your advantage to leave contracts where possible, almost always you will join other company as new customer on new customer deals (couple with cashback too for even bigger savings).
For sky etc always threaten to leave as will be put through to retentions for better deal.
If using netflix/amazon prime/now tv look into sharing package and cost with friends and family.
Change to led bulbs if not already.
Ensure appliances are properly switched off when not in use.
Turn thermostat down a degree and wear a jumper or blanket.
Adjust timings on thermostat so it only kicks in when you actually need heating on, or better yet look at remote ones.
Look into insulating property if applicable and check out grants to do so.
If carrying debt on cards find longest term transfer and move balances and commit to paying regularly to clear by end of deal. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"If you are paying off a c_edit card, look at taking out a new one with a 0% interest rate on balance transfers. This can allow anywhere from 12 - 36 months to pay the debt off without incurring interest so long as you don't use it. Applying for 80% of what you owe is usually successful. Paying 2% or so for the transfer is nominal considering you could pay that in interest per month on the existing card.
Any money saved in interest, then goes to pay other bills, into savings or possibly the card itself.
I owe no debt.. bar my council tax, which I've just been summoned about All I want is a bit of food on my table, a warm roof over my head, a safe place for my kids to sleep when they're with me. It's not like I'm chasing Aston Martin's and expensive women."
Sort the council tax , they will do an attachment to earnings otherwise. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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It probably sounds silly but it worked for me as I don't like to adult with money, turn your budget into a competition. Make your budget for the week then take some of it out and hide it...its there if you REALLY need it but if you can manage without it you will get into the mindset of "I have money to spare" rather than "I don't have enough" which makes a massive difference to your stress levels. Tiny steps but it does help you step away from that downward spiral of struggling.
I really hope things start to look up for you x |
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"Yeah, do your weekly shop on a monday (or whenever your supermarket has it's clearout) and stock up the freezer for the rest of the week. Cook everything from scratch, avoid convenience foods, and have some vegetarian days maybe.
If you need some form of clothing, always check the charity shops first - find some in a 'nice' area for the best quality bargains.
frisky mare some charity shop's stuff more than new(saw a t-shirt in one recently double new price from Primark.) I know there a good cause but he ain't much brass)Reccommend though if need be -Car boot sales for clothes,etc. When I was skint i got all my clothes from them - still do. "
Yes, I see that sometimes, it's outrageous! |
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put all your direct debits to come out the day BEFORE pay day, that way there are no long periods of bank charges for going into an overdraft, BUT, make sure you do not overspend during the month because it looks like you have spare cash in the account |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I'm not the best person to give advice on money saving as I am a bit decadent when it comes to the things I want 
But I recently cut my working hours down as it was making me miserable.
So I had to cut down on things I found less important.
I don't have a car I cycle.
I moved and my rent / bills are lower.
I eat lunch at work and some days breakfast.
I don't smoke
I never skimp on food or wine or shop in Aldi etc .. but I buy household things like washing liquid etc .. value or from the pound shop.
I don't have a TV or any packages - just Wi-Fi.
I buy my phone handset every few years and pay £10 a month for my SIM.
|
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"Yeah, do your weekly shop on a monday (or whenever your supermarket has it's clearout) and stock up the freezer for the rest of the week. Cook everything from scratch, avoid convenience foods, and have some vegetarian days maybe.
If you need some form of clothing, always check the charity shops first - find some in a 'nice' area for the best quality bargains.
frisky mare some charity shop's stuff more than new(saw a t-shirt in one recently double new price from Primark.) I know there a good cause but he ain't much brass)Reccommend though if need be -Car boot sales for clothes,etc. When I was skint i got all my clothes from them - still do.
Yes, I see that sometimes, it's outrageous! "
If those on a budget nip into Primark regularly when passing - they often sell things off at crazy prices to make way for new stock!
T-shirts for a quid, pj’s for under a fiver (the same with jumpers) - and in recent weeks they’ve had winter coats selling for as little as a fiver too!
When on a very tight budget I’ve picked up some great bargains from there! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"What works for me is planning ahead. My next three pay checks I have all planned out.
I always pay my rent, council tax, gas and electricity first. Then what is left will be for bills. I always pay off what I’ve used on my c_edit card in full each month, then if needed I’ll use it again for groceries to get me through. Also my other trick is to do a shop one or two days befor your next c_edit card statement is due, by the time the amount is c_edited to your account, it won’t be due until the following months statement which gives you like an extra six weeks to pay it off.
I also don’t have an overdraft limit, I cancelled it 4 years ago. All those daily charges add up.
Also if you have broadband, satellite TV, Mobile contract, make sure you’ve got a good deal. If you have been with a company longer than your contract period, they’d be desperate to keep you as a customer, feel no way to call them up and let them know you are struggling. I once got my Sky Tv package _educe for 12 months 50% and my broadband that I was paying £38 per month to £25 per month.
I actually just switched my broadband from Sky to BT in December, I did it through a cash back site, I received £100 cash back to my bank account plus BT sent to a reward Mastercard with £140 loaded to it. Work that out that is 6 months of my super fast broadband already paid for in the 12 month contract.
Sorry for long reply haha. Good luck "
Can you come and look after me please? This is the kind of organisation I need |
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Get a list of budget (bulk if possible) recipes to cook with, things like padding meat with beans or lentils. Frozen veg is just as good as fresh and tinned is sometimes good too. Make from scratch where possible. |
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By *adyJayneWoman
over a year ago
Burnleyish (She/They) |
"put all your direct debits to come out the day BEFORE pay day, that way there are no long periods of bank charges for going into an overdraft, BUT, make sure you do not overspend during the month because it looks like you have spare cash in the account"
Noooo worst advice ever if you're already struggling to budget. The charges if all your direct debits bounce would cripple you and leave you in a circle it's really hard to get out of. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"put all your direct debits to come out the day BEFORE pay day, that way there are no long periods of bank charges for going into an overdraft, BUT, make sure you do not overspend during the month because it looks like you have spare cash in the account"
Terrible advice all direct debits should come out the day aftwr pay day so they are all paid without risking entering your overdraft |
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"I'm struggling. I don't live an excessive lifestyle by any means, but I'm struggling to keep a roof over my head right now I've never been very good at budgeting or planning.
Anyone got any good money saving tips for me? The bigger the better."
Stop smoking... Will save you loads. |
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"put all your direct debits to come out the day BEFORE pay day, that way there are no long periods of bank charges for going into an overdraft, BUT, make sure you do not overspend during the month because it looks like you have spare cash in the account
Terrible advice all direct debits should come out the day aftwr pay day so they are all paid without risking entering your overdraft"
I would go as far as saying have them a few days after payday to avoid problems with wages not being payed on time or bills coming out early. Esp if you don't have an overdraft or are already into it. Missed payment charges can send you over the edge when times are hard. |
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Take all you money you have for you self at start of the week leave all bills and direct debits in your bank so you know there payed ..
When you look in your pocket and you only got 20 quid you'll make smart decisions when you're in the shop buying food or non essentials.
Put you bank card c_edit card in a draw in the house so even if you want something that isn't essential you can't just swipe it. |
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Pay essential stuff first - your home, which you mention is a priority issue.
Then clear expensive debts.
Get debt and money advice from services including Citizens Advice - an arrangement may be possible with lenders to make things more affordable.
List what you are spending money on, including contracts for services - if any of them are outside of the minimum period, consider cancelling or replacing with better value.
Record everything that you spend for a week, so that you know exactly what your money is being spent on.
Evaluate what you could sell to raise money.
Think of what you could possibly do that costs you little or nothing, to earn some cash. Car cleaning, garden tidying etc.
Follow the tips on saved that others list. The professionals help, such as from CAB and money services |
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If you are maxed out on c_edit cards and paying minimum amount each month, consider converting that debt into a loan. There will be an end date to the debt then. Keep one card and ask for a smaller limit for major purchases where the insurance aspect helps and to keep a c_edit rating file active. Only use in emergency and pay back at the earliest opportunity.
That works for most but not everyone so take further independent advice if in doubt. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
|
"If you are maxed out on c_edit cards and paying minimum amount each month, consider converting that debt into a loan. There will be an end date to the debt then. Keep one card and ask for a smaller limit for major purchases where the insurance aspect helps and to keep a c_edit rating file active. Only use in emergency and pay back at the earliest opportunity.
That works for most but not everyone so take further independent advice if in doubt. "
I've no debt and deliberately cancelled my access to c_edit a long time ago |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
|
"Don’t have children.
What shall I do with the two I've got
Sell them on eBay or send them up chimneys lol"
hmmmm.. I'm quite fond of them. Chimneys it is. They're about the right size for it. |
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We buy an awful lot of frozen fruit and vegetables. It's as nutritious as fresh, possibly even more and saves waste. Also one big bag of frozen butternut squash, some frozen onion, a spud and some stock makes a quick and tasty soup. Some frozen mango and a spoonful of greek yogurt makes a great dessert too. It also makes shopping less of a chore.
If you've got a garden grow as much as possible in the way of vegetables buying your seeds from a place called Seed Parade (Google it). If you don't have a garden you can still grow rocket etc on the windowsill. |
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Don't take any money out with you on work days apart from what's essential for petrol or public transport.
Then you can't be tempted to buy that coffee, newspaper,choc etc or impulse buy a waffle maker you don't need.
It all adds up. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
Get a smart meter to monitor and adjust your fuel bills.
See if you have overpaid your utilities and can get a refund.
See if you can get a better deal on things like home insurance and
Cancel any you dont need.
Are you out of contract on your mobile. If so, fo for a sim only deal.
Consider letting a spare room via the 'Air' thingy website, or other.
Sell any spare clothes or stuff via the usual website. Its surprising what sells.
Consider a different / additional job? |
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By *htcMan
over a year ago
MK |
Be cheap it is so simple.
If you rent a house or flat rent a room, pay bills first, if mortgage pay bills first
Dont go shopping unless food shopping
Stop all the waste pubs clubs shopping trips meals out
Stop buying cars on c_edit, stop the c_edit cards, expensive sims, list goes on.
Shop around asda morrisons or ( not the best but ok for some things aldi lidl)
im cheap as cheap, but have a nice larger house than all my work collogues who are paid more than me(proof that this works), even bought mine 2 years before they did, newer car, because i dont spend i save before i spend but hate spending, nothing on c_edit |
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By *oodmessMan
over a year ago
yumsville |
"Take a packed lunch to work much healthier works out a lot cheaper over the week."
This. Probably not relevant to the OP but I never used to bother looking at bank statements but after checking over them once, I realised how much I was spending each week and what I was eating. Small daily debits for drinks, fast food and take-away meals added up massively. I immediately saved when I stopped and I have hated junk food since. |
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"Take a packed lunch to work much healthier works out a lot cheaper over the week.
I can't do this, I have it eaten by 10am and have to buy a new lunch!
Pack lunch fail."
Pack second breakfast, elevenses, lunch, and afternoon tea? |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Martin Lewis will send you an email every week with money saving tips if you sign up. I'm not a big fan of being a grown up, so I seek the advice of people who seem to be better at it than I |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Martin Lewis will send you an email every week with money saving tips if you sign up. I'm not a big fan of being a grown up, so I seek the advice of people who seem to be better at it than I "
Yup, that's why I asked  |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Take a packed lunch to work much healthier works out a lot cheaper over the week.
This. Probably not relevant to the OP but I never used to bother looking at bank statements but after checking over them once, I realised how much I was spending each week and what I was eating. Small daily debits for drinks, fast food and take-away meals added up massively. I immediately saved when I stopped and I have hated junk food since."
I'd say that's HIGHLY RELEVANT to the OP myself, something I'm stopping. Going to follow some of the advice on here and not tank my debit card into work. I'm jot to be trusted, clearly. |
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Have a separate bank account for all your bills. Get in touch will all your suppliers & re-negotiate your tarrifs - they will help you.
Use cash back sites if you can.
Turn heating down a degree or too or layer up.
Bulk cook & freeze - more economical to fill an oven than heat a half filled one.
Go through cupboards & use up what you have - can be interesting!
Have a good sort out - can you sell anything?
J |
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By *oodmessMan
over a year ago
yumsville |
"Take a packed lunch to work much healthier works out a lot cheaper over the week.
This. Probably not relevant to the OP but I never used to bother looking at bank statements but after checking over them once, I realised how much I was spending each week and what I was eating. Small daily debits for drinks, fast food and take-away meals added up massively. I immediately saved when I stopped and I have hated junk food since.
I'd say that's HIGHLY RELEVANT to the OP myself, something I'm stopping. Going to follow some of the advice on here and not tank my debit card into work. I'm jot to be trusted, clearly."
At the time, so long as I was in the black I never bothe_ed with the detail. You'll no doubt have online banking, so have a calculator and add the debits up individually across your statement, weekly or monthly. You'll be motivated enough if you were anything like me |
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