101 Money Saving Tips

[Tony]

Yesterday the Governor of the Bank of England warned us all to brace ourselves for a recession and tighten our belts. So I thought it might be a good idea to start a money saving tips thread.

1. Energy prices have been rising fast, make sure you getting a good deal from your supplier. There are loads of comparison sites e.g. uswitch.com
2. Install energy saving light bulbs in your house - these have come right down in price (I know this is a case of spend to save)
3. Have a shower instead of a bath.
4. I know it is not winter, but try turning down your thermostat. If you feel cold put on another layer.
5. Drive at 60mph on the motorway the most efficient speed for most vehicles.

[temi]

Excellent tips Tony, some of my own personal stuff that saved me money.
* Check your statements of accounts, especially if you make lots of small transactions, I have found a few errors in the past and got refund from my bank.
* When your insurance come up for renewal, find out what is in your insurance package. This year, I just realised that my car insurance even though I have not claimed EVER remain the same or even going up, I found out that my insurance company (More than) keep adding little services that I did not ask for or need and adding to my premium, I make them remove it all and saved about £40.

[James]

I am sure I can add a few to this list:
8. Sign-up for loyaly cards. Boots is the best one they give you 3 points per pound spent. However, don't get obsessive about it and make ad purchases.
9. Sign-up for a cash back or loyalty point credit card. Make sure you pay it off every month though.
10. Fill your tank to the brim every time you go to the petrol station. Petrol is rising at 1p per day at the moment.

Only 91 to go...

[temi]

11. Still on Petrol, convert your car to LPG, its half the price of petrol
12. Walk or cycle short distance that you really do not need to drive to.
13. If you do school runs, consider car share with other parents, take turns to drop the kids off to school.

[Tony]

14. Buy loose fruit and veg in the supermarket rather than the packaged stuff. This is often cheaper.
15. Try using supermarket own brands they are often much cheaper and made by the same people. The only exception is Heins Baked beans - I am yet to find an alternative.

[temi]

16. Watch out for smart/false "sales" apparently, supermarkets sometime inflate price of a product, its then reduced to its normal retail price with the "sales" label on it
17. If you use oil for heating, join a fuel coop

[Will]

Nice thread.

18. You can save money with rechargeable batteries, but you have to invest to save. They are much better than they used to be.
19. Spent the day in Legoland and spent a fortune on drinks and snacks. Try to prepare packed lunches and bring drinks when you go out for the day. Not only cheaper, but they usually tastier.

[Tony]

20. Have showers instead of baths as they use less hot water
21. Don't leave electrical devices on standby - turn them off
22. Don't buy bottled water - ever. It is bad for the environment and costs a fortune. Don't be afraid to ask for a jug of tap water in restaurants.

[temi]

23. When using the trains, book well ahead, you can book for about 3 months ahead
24. Consider using e-Ticket, there is additional charge for sending ticket to your home address.

[Tony]

25. Get some decent quality cloths for the kitchen and never buy kitchen roll or jay cloths again.
26. If you are shopping online, do a Google for "cashback sites". They will give you some money back.