Sneaky money saving tips

[Bonbon27]

What do you do to sneaky save a few pennies. When you are struggling to make ends meet these tips can really help. A few ideas use a thermos flask when you boil the kettle so you don't have to keep turning the kettle on, turn heating down and wear layers, shop at Aldi or lidl, buy reduced food, walk instead of using car, wash your own car instead of using car wash, do things that don't cost much or very little eg walking, bike ride, take kids to park, bake a cake, have cheapest tariffs for energy and mobiles. Take drinks and snacks out.
What ideas do others have? Xxxxx

[ShampooDoodle]

I need to limit takeaways, too easy to get het home after work and think sod it! 2 sometimes 3 takeaways a week since December 1st!
I plan dinners now I hoping to be able to pay off more for debts each month with the money I should have left over

[rrhuth]

• I used to go to the charity shop every week and put away good things for birthdays/Christmas/whatever.
  
• Have some super cheap meals once or twice per week
  
• Have a week eating everything up out of the cupboards to cut shopping bills (assuming there is something in the cupboards!)
  
• Have regular no spending days
  

When I needed to save I used to use the Money Saving Expert boards a lot to turn it into a game.

[purpledagger]

If I buy fresh veg that I may not get the chance to use, I freeze it. You can search online for the best way to freeze most veg eg some need blanching first, others don't. The trick is to freeze on a baking tray so the veg isn't touching and then bag up - that way, the veg doesn't stick together.

Even if you aren't confident with DIY, it's worth looking online for a solution. Sometimes, it's something simple like a loose wire or screw that needs tightening. YouTube often has videos which shows you what to do.

You don't need multiple cleaning products around your home. I use a multipurpose cleaner for most jobs eg kitchen, bathroom and floors.

[ElfCalavicci]

Buy own brand stuff ,,esp things like tinned tomatoes, beans, hoops , pasta , rice, toilet rolls , etc

Get DCs in the habit of liking things from charity shops ( rather than them seeing them as second best )
Make sure you take things to charity shops too , to help others out and stop your home from getting cluttered

[dillydallydollydaydream7]

@purpledagger

If I buy fresh veg that I may not get the chance to use, I freeze it. You can search online for the best way to freeze most veg eg some need blanching first, others don't. The trick is to freeze on a baking tray so the veg isn't touching and then bag up - that way, the veg doesn't stick together.

Even if you aren't confident with DIY, it's worth looking online for a solution. Sometimes, it's something simple like a loose wire or screw that needs tightening. YouTube often has videos which shows you what to do.

You don't need multiple cleaning products around your home. I use a multipurpose cleaner for most jobs eg kitchen, bathroom and floors.

I had no idea you could freeze fresh veg!!! Thank you for this tip! Loads left in the fridge so I shall look into this tomorrow

[ivykaty44]

I need to limit takeaways, too easy to get het home after work and think sod it! 2 sometimes 3 takeaways a week since December 1st!

I pop into Aldi and pick up one or two of their pizza for £3.50 each and bung them in the oven with some garlic bread

or I have a receipt for 10 minute noddles, I chopped up all the veg and prepare on shopping day. then on the day I think sod it I want a take away at the end of the week - I make my 10 minute noodles as its quicker than a takeaway and Tate like Chinese food

I think the secret to saving money is being organised most of the time

prepping lunches 4 days a week is far better than buying out 5 days a week,

taking a hot drinks container with a coffee in it is cheaper than buying a coffee out, its just being organised.

but meeting friends for coffee is great but if you can't afford it invite them to yours or a walk in the park instead and suggest bringing your own drinks and snacks

friend of mine sold her car for £3k and purchased an electric nike for £2k - so £1k in the bank. They used to spend £15 per week on fuel driving 3 miles to work and back each day - which was usually at 3/4 mph so expensive fuel usage time. The parking was free but her work were bringing in charges. A year down the line and she has added to her £1k pot £720 in fuel savings £50 in MOT and £350 in insurance total £1,120. By next year she will have broken even.

Mostly she has her big shop delivered, but has panniers so can easily pick up a basket of goods on the way home from work. Has waterproofs and a spare set of clothing at work in case she wants to change.

They have a second car for family trips and outings

Sometimes you might have to readjust your thinking to save. By next year the bike will have paid for itself and it frees up finance on another second car.

[LawnFever]

Make sure you’re not wasting any food, if you’ve got veg that’s going over make it into soup, you can chuck any veg in at all and blitz it up, you can then freeze it too.

We keep all leftovers for lunches/snacks too.

[siblingrevelryagain]

Little things like using colour run sheets; only buy when on offer, but they allow you to do fewer washes as you can put more items in, and I always rip in half as it does the same job but you don’t need a full sheet.

Only use one tab or reduce from the recommended powder/liquid amount when washing; unless heavily soiled you don’t need as much as they say or you probably use! Likewise always wash at 30 except cloths and towels (and face masks!)

Always have milk in the freezer so when you’re running low you don’t need to visit a store (and inevitably spend more)

Use your freezer to take advantage of offers in the store; freeze sandwiches, bread, veg and other items for use further down the line

When you feel cold, put on appropriate clothing and use a throw if you’re sitting. If you’re still cold 10/15 mins later put the heating on, but just delay slightly at first as often times being a bit chilly is cured by using a blanket or extra clothing

We’ve planned a takeaway next week, so instead of spending a fortune on all the usual sundry items, I’ve ordered micro rice (35p ppn) and Naan breads (55p for two). This way, we have the ‘treat’ of the important bit I can’t recreate at home from the restaurant and I still don’t have to ‘cook’ but we save loads; I might even syphon a 3rd of each curry off before serving as we often don’t finish them, and these could be lunch next day padded out with rice (or freeze it in takeaway cartons and add each time, so over 2 more takeaways it would give you a ‘free one’)

[Nc123]

Have a couple of regular veggie/vegan days a week. Learn to love beans and lentils!

Never waste food - bread can be turned into breadcrumbs and frozen, veg can be made into soups or pasta sauces, fruit into crumbles or cakes. Plan your meals each week and always make stock from meat bones.

Buy second hand by default if you need to buy. Look for fun free things to do - like taking a homemade coffee in a travel mug to the park with friends, exploring a new playground with the kids, etc. Try out budget brands in a spirit of inquiry, and work out what you would buy again and what you wouldn’t.

[Orangesandlemons77]

There is an app called Too Good to Go where it lists cheap food from takeaways or supermarkets and you pay for a 'magic bag' Have yet to use this though.

[thelegohooverer]

Learn to appreciate how good homemade is - I rarely buy a hot drink that I can’t make a better version of myself but somehow I’m seduced by the idea of cafes and takeaway coffee. Once I saw through the illusion I started making my own.

I freeze extra ingredients that I don’t use up in one meal - like coconut milk, lemons, limes, jars of sauce, ginger, half an onion, etc. a silicone ice cube tray is great for this but don’t let what you don’t have stop you. These things can lift an ordinary meal.

I also shop my cupboards and freezer for dinner rather than looking at recipes that I’m going to have to buy new spices for. It’s a different mindset.

@siblingrevelryagain that’s a great idea about siphoning off the takeaway. When I cook double I always put aside the extra portion first or people take big portions that they don’t finish. Never occurred to me to do it with a takeaway though!

If I’m going to be sitting somewhere while the dc do sports, I download a Netflix episode to watch. Boredom can get expensive

This one is a bit daft but it’s nice: act as if you’ve paid a lot of money for ordinary experiences. I was watching a fox the other day when I was out for a walk, and instead of brushing it off, I thought about going on an African safari or swimming with dolphins so I just stopped and really paid attention for a while. It’s silly but it added something to my evening without costing a penny.

Pay attention to advertising when you’re tempted by something. Often what you want is a feeling rather than the object being sold. eg homewares are often pictured with very little else in the frame giving a feeling of uncluttered simplicity but buying another cushion/blanket/vase does the opposite and brings more clutter in. When you see through the illusion you might realise that you actually want to declutter your bedroom or living area.

Sorry I know mine aren’t really tips for being properly skint. Back when we were we favoured one pot meals or stacking in a steamer. Turn the heat high, then down low and keep it trapped with a tight lid and a folded towel on top (watched carefully). If we turned on the oven we cooked lots in it and ate leftovers for days or froze the excess.

[MintyFreshBreath]

Whenever I do a shop I always buy an extra loaf of bread (or two) to freeze. This stops me needing to pop out when we run out and then ending up spending £30 on crap in addition to the bread! I use Facebook marketplace as my first port of call for things I need. Eg today I bought 19 garden tools including 2 shovels and 2 rakes for £30. All in fab condition. DH had originally ordered 2 rakes and a shovel for £85!! And has now cancelled the order 😆

[Lex345]

Bulk out meals with chopped or grated veg/lentils/pearl barley. I always do this with spag bol and chilli and get 2 days worth rather than one-freeze one so you dont get bored! Brand switch-this has been a toughie for us, I love bread-but have switched from Warburtons to Aldis everyday essentials, it saves almost £1 a loaf. Look at pricd per kg on everything, bigger packs are sometimes not cheaper and it works out better to buy several small packs. Heating-dont have thermostat set automatically. It goes on at around 20c when its cold for about an hour-then knock it down to about 15c-I have a smart meter and this is definitely cheaper-for us anyway and keeps the house warm in the evenings. I keep a close eye on the meter and make sure we stay under target. Children have a set time for electronics per day, which we have all agreed to and stick to. Use vinted/ebay/amazon to shop around for clothing and other essentials.

[YforWanky]

@Bonbon27

What do you do to sneaky save a few pennies. When you are struggling to make ends meet these tips can really help. A few ideas use a thermos flask when you boil the kettle so you don't have to keep turning the kettle on, turn heating down and wear layers, shop at Aldi or lidl, buy reduced food, walk instead of using car, wash your own car instead of using car wash, do things that don't cost much or very little eg walking, bike ride, take kids to park, bake a cake, have cheapest tariffs for energy and mobiles. Take drinks and snacks out.
What ideas do others have? Xxxxx

What's "sneaky" about any of that

That's how we've always lived!!

[goodnightgrumble]

I always think with tips like this I am saving pence and it's not worth it. However I guess it all adds up and need to try it!

[purplesequins]

sneaky

• refill hand wash pumps from large bottles of washing up liquid or bubble bath

• use the lather from your shampoo to wash your body

• reduce laundry powder. most wash fine if using a third or even half the recommended dose

• use the eco settings of appliances

• use the microwave instead of the oven of you can

• use hand towels instead of large towels to reduce laundry

[GardenNinjaIng]

Read money savings expert website…

Save bits of veg in freezer to put on soup. In fact, make soup.

Shop from cupboards and freezer for the week rather than go shopping. It helps if others in the house help with this…. Meal plan and have a list when shopping. Have a cheap meal once or twice a week…

[Juniper68]

@goodnightgrumble

I always think with tips like this I am saving pence and it's not worth it. However I guess it all adds up and need to try it!

Making your own coffees and wearing layers saves a fortune. Plus not having the heating on all the time is healthier.

[FindingMeno]

Cut down on cleaning products. You don't need air fresheners, blue toilet water etc.
Cut down on washing clothes. Make sure everyone has somewhere to put clothes that can be reworn.
Don't fall for the myth that expensive beauty products are always better.
Keep a change jar.
If you use public transport a lot, look into railcards.
Consider a prescription pre payment.

[nannybeach]

Lots of good tips
I would add,I batch cook, slo cooker a lot. Eat one meal, freeze 3. Grow your own, fruit,veg. Even if you don't have a garden,you can grow cut and come again lettuce for instance in the winter when salad is expensive,you can get a packet of 1000 seeds for pennies. You don't need fancy pots, margarine tub, yogurt pots,jam jars for bean sprouts,micro greens. Cress on a bit of damp kitchen paper. You can grow your own tomatoes, peppers on a sunny window sill. My DS in a top floor flat does.

[ILiveInSalemsLot]

Saving money is boring so we do lots that are free or very cheap but try to get out often.
I meet friends for walks instead of coffee.
Make own popcorn. So much cheaper.
Baking is an activity for dcs.
We never buy breakfast cereals except porridge and weetabix, buy own brand for most things including dishwasher tabs and washing powder. It works fine.
Buy fruit, veg and toiletries that are on offer. I’m not brand loyal.
Buy frozen fruit for porridge and baking.
Keep heating down, blankets on sofas, jumpers and woolly socks at home.

[CaMePlaitPas]

I used to steal toilet roll from work that's pretty sneaky.

[R2G]

Definitely cook from the cupboards and freezer. So DC just had leftover sausages, rashers, eggs and soldiers. I had a sweet potato, salad, tin of tuna. Husband is having tomato soup and half baked oven loaves and a veg omelette.

It's more of a make a few pennies, but say I want something like today need some new oven gloves. I will do surveys until I make a few quid then turn into an amazon app and then buy them.
If you want to use my link you get 40p to start you off..

attapoll.app/join/skawm

[Madmog]

It really does only save a few pennies, but years ago I read someone on here cuts the ends of tubes of things like toothpaste, tomato puree. I' done it since and can get an extra couple of uses out of toothpaste and another squirt out of tomato puree.

I'm very lucky to have Tesco and Lidl nearby, I keep a close eye on prices and offers for each and make the most of the best cheapest option.

[ilovebagpuss]

I make my own kitchen spray by buying lovely method floor cleaner and mixing with lots of water and a dash of bleach. It's smells lovely and the bottle makes me about a years worth of kitchen spray.
It's the same stuff that goes in the other cleaning products but concentrated so there is no harm using it to wipe down surfaces etc.