Saving money.

[lookingforsunshine]

Hi,
Due to a change of circumstances, I need to save a lot of money each month. I'm trying to come up with ideas to help save money.
I know I need to shop around for gas suppliers/ electricity/ car insurance- how do I do this? Is there a website? Anything else I should shop around for?

Any other ideas gratefully received.

Thanks for your help. :-).

Why don't you write down a list of your outgoings - go through each one and decide if it's essential ie. mortgage / rent or something you could cut back on.
Meal plan.
Sorry I can't help you with the comparing elec and gas etc - not sure how that works. But something u could do with starting myself.

Comparison sites are probably your best bet along with money saving expert. I am trying to save money for an extension next year, I've never saved beyond a thousand pounds. Looking at my expenditure the food shop was ridiculous. I already shop in Aldi/ tesco but what I have done is meal plan, I also write out a shopping list & stick to it. I don't get sucked in by bogof offers anymore unless its products we actually need. I've saved several hundred pounds already. I also justify every penny I spend rather than a few quid here & there on nothing.

My first port of call for utilities, insurance, mobile phone tariffs, etc. is always Money Saving Expert website. Martin Lewis has advice on everything and it's always up to date.

I second meal planning too.

Look at -
Bills list in total, gas electric water phone sky etc. Are you on the lowest tariffs. If you can't afford it bin it. Check what you can cut.
Utilities, check comparison sites, call your supplier and see what's the best deal etc.
Food shopping, as mentioned check your cupboards, plan a menu, shop with a list and stick to it. Don't waste anything. Down grade you'd brands.
Think about expensive hobbies, eating out, beauty & hair routines. Do you need or want them, can you afford them?
Takeaway coffee & lunches, you need to give them up.
If your a shopper / hoarder you need to sell stuff if you can and not buy anymore wants. Utilise your clothes.

Brilliant. Thanks so much for all the ideas. I'm going to work through them all over the next few days.

I'd not thought of selling stuff, good idea! Got quite a lot we could sell.