AIBU to ask for all your money saving ideas

[Redstorm2807]

I've seen such good tips and suggestions on previous posts and need some help. We're just struggling to manage to live within our budget at the minute. We've never really had to budget or watch our finances before as both had good jobs and no children. Now we find ourselves living off my salary as my husband is retraining and won't qualify for another 2 years. We have two daughters with the youngest in childcare 3 days a week. We need this so DH can do his studies.
We shop mostly at lidl and don't go out much. I've just started tracking our finances on an app to get an idea of where it all goes. I'm getting a small pay raise in September which will help but can you please give me your hints and tips on saving money. Any advice gratefully received!

Use moneysavingexpert site for lots of tips.
Check utilities including phone and broadband to make sure you’re getting the best deals.
Plan your meals and stick to your budget.
Put some money aside every month in a savings account in case you need to replace something or need a plumber or something. Even if it’s £5 to start off with.
Do go out as often as you can but go to free places. Even a walk in a park or woods is good to get a change of scenery and perk you up a bit. Saving money can make life feel very dull so do lots of free things.
See if you can earn some extra money between you and your dh if you have free time. Have a look at the Earn £10 a day thread In the money topic for ideas.

Write every penny you spend down.
Eat less meat
Meal plan
Walk instead of drive where possible
I find that 50p here £1 there on snacks/drinks while out can really really add up.

Definitely look at the MoneySaving Expert website.
Keep all your receipts so you can see where you are spending money.
Batch cook meals and freeze some for later.
Lots of ideas over on the site, especially in the Old Style Money Saving section.

Can you post your incomings and outgoings OP?

It really helps to get ideas as where to save money!

Go through the bills- cut off all unnecessary direct debits, check if out of contract with your service providers to shop around, meal plan and prep (also use the freezer to store soon to expire bargains from the supermarket).
Oh and frozen veg is fine!

Give yourself a weekly budget.

Don’t bother with birthday and anniversary presents for adults.

Shop around for insurance etc through topcashback.

We got £70 off car insurance by going through them as an example.

This is great, will definitely check out money saving expert. I'm a teacher and an examiner so lost over £2000 in examining money this summer which hasn't helped. I tutor which brings in a little extra.

Always take drinks and food with you when you go on a day out or trip. Check out special offers for attractions (2 for 1 or child goes free).
Don't buy anything until you are sure you need it (not just want it).
If you decide to buy something make sure you are getting it at the best price and use cashback sites.

For me it was the direct debits. I cut almost £500 a month last year and £300 this year. Basically by switching providers, consolidating (and paying off) debts and cancelling things we didn’t need. The earn £10 a day thread is great too. I now do online work as well.

My aunt used to have a set amount of housekeeping each week. So she used to delay starting the weekly money till one day later every week. At the end of 6 weeks she had a whole weeks money that she hadn't used.

I use an app called YouNeedABudget. It’s not free - about £5 a month I think - but I’d probably pay way more. It’s changed our lives and any change to our situation is devoid of stress as I just need to look at the numbers, rearrange some things and keep on tracking. Love it so much.

I’d go onto the MoneySavingExpert forums and post a statement of outgoings and ask them to critique - it’s so helpful!

One of our biggest savings is we only have one car. I know that’s not feasible for everyone but we probably save hundreds a month as we only run a small, relatively cheap car which we bought when it was 18 months old and paid cash for.

shop online through topcashback to get some money back

use discount voucher sites like vouchercodes, hotdeals and see if your husband is eligible for any student discounts if he is retraining. I never pay full price for anything I buy online and even for short free university courses, I can still sign up to student websites like unidays and studentbeans.

Use mysupermarket website, even if you aren't shopping online, as it allows you to compare supermarkets and find cheaper brands. You can print off the shopping list you create. Shopping online has delivery fees BUT you save on petrol to the supermarket (and bus fares) and you save cause you know its the cheapest supermarket and you are less likely to impulse buy.

Buy clothes in the sales (including online sales). Buy clothes on ebay (including unworn, 'brand new with tags' clothes).

Reduce your use of contactless as I recently discovered you can get additional charges.

Sign up to marketing companies (you can find some on Facebook) to get vouchers and eg £25 for contributing in their research.

Also I spend one day every year going through insurances, electricity etc and switching to cheaper deals. Saves hundreds. Always cancel auto renew with your insurances.

Meal plan and stick to your list in Lidl, but always keep a frozen pizza in the freezer to avoid takeaway temptation (we do like to eat out but only for fun not because we are being lazy!)

We do our weekly shop on a Friday. Getting down to the bare bones now but as long as still got fruit & veg for the kids (and other general food for us all!), won’t go to the shop. Covid has taught us how much we spent on top up shops, unreal!