There are dozens of ways to save money, but many people are put off by the fact they know it means making sacrifices. Nevertheless, there are many benefits of changing your lifestyle to get out of debt and take control of your life.
If you don’t know where to start, we’ve put together a list of ways to help you reduce your expenses and save money:
Set goals
Set yourself attainable and realistic goals. Write them down and put them somewhere you’ll see them frequently, such as on the fridge door.
Shop with a list
Ever been to the shops for a handful of items but ended up leaving with a trolley load? To stop impulse shopping make a habit of shopping with a list and only buy the items on it.
Switch to store brands
Buy store brand products rather than big name brands (many are just as good if not the same). By making this switch you can slash 20-25 per cent off your weekly shopping bill. With more and more supermarkets launching their own line of products, there’s never been an easier time to change.
Shop to save – lookout for bargains and discounts
Every time you go shopping, challenge yourself to save more money each week. If you buy the same item every week for regular price, try to find it in the sale or something similar for cheaper. When you’re constantly on the look for a bargain, there no end to the money you could save – for example, Halfords Autocentre is offering to pay for your MOT if you purchase any item in a Halfords store (worth more than a 5p plastic bag, of course), which could save you up to £54.85.
Plan your meals
Set aside an hour each week to plan what you’ll make for dinner. Then, consult some free online meal planners, shop for the ingredients, and try out some new recipes. You’ll be less tempted to eat out and feel much better for eating well.
Ask for better deals
There is never any harm in asking for a better deal from your service providers. Call up your phone, internet and gas and electric companies and ask them if there are any better deals out there for you. You may be very surprised at what they’re willing to offer to keep you as a customer.
