Less obvious money-saving tips and frugal ideas that actually help

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Can you give me your best money saving tips? Not the most obvious ones but ones that people might not think of. Ingenious ways to be frugal and save money

I also do this for every month that has 5 grocery shopping days (starting on my usual shopping day which is a Thursday).
Over the year, this works out at 4 weeks worth of meals using left overs and cheaper staples in the cupboards.

Another strategy - if you're having a meal with some sauce, say a curry or bolognese, save a couple of spoonfuls each to have on a large jacket potato the following day.
Also eating 2 courses - small mains followed by homemade desserts - are often a cheaper option than larger main meals. (If you don't want desserts then a starter homemade soup instead).

Yes, you're right, that's why I use them for things I won't return, like groceries or for places I shop regularly so if I do need a refund I know I'll spend the gift card soon. I wouldn't use them for something expensive where I value the protection a credit card offers

Not exactly money saving, but don't feel embarrassed to complain. If you get an online delivery and something isn't right let the supermarket know. Make sure you return clothes that don't fit/ look right

Only have 1 streaming service at a time. You can cancel and switch any time.

Get your prescription from the opticians and buy your glasses and contact lenses online

This is controversial, but decide if you really need another pet. We have rats and due to a run of bad luck spent an average of £100 a month at the vet last year. I love them and will always look after them but there's a lot of other things we could have done with that money!

I love Whistlefish and do the same, just wish they would make them a little smaller.

I bought 50 cards from Amazon for less than a tenner that have a 'frame'. I get a nice photo printed of something the recipient would like (grandchildren/ trip we shared/ nature) and insert that, thoughtful card for under a pound. Card Factory do cards from 15p but nowhere near as nice!

Catch the bus or cycle when you can .... And reduce your car per household to one or none if you are in an urban area. Hire a car for holidays.

Negotiate a WFH contract and claim the £7pw WFH tax rebate if your employer doesn't do it through PAYE

Repave a dryer with a dehumidifier... Better still line dry.

I’ve had a no clothes spend for the last 4 months. I’ve started looking in charity shops for clothes now the weather is changing. I never look for offers always stick to a shopping list easier online but Aldi is cheaper. Meal plan. I have just started using the petrol prices app too.,

Visits to the library for entertainment. No spend days. I earned a few nectar points playing mobile games in the evenings recently. Little things that help a bit.

I like that idea. Thank you.

I agree with most of your post but be careful about 'price match to Aldi ' it certainly doesn't always mean a better deal.
See my post a few above yours at 14.56

Yes… but…! You have to be very careful that you’re feeding yourself / your family and not buying to feed your freezer. It’s definitely something to be aware of.

I shop at Tesco and use clubcard vouchers to buy for ex breakdown cover, travel insurance, contents insurance. Saves a lot over a year!

Wasn't obvious to me but I switched from Sainsbury's to Asda to save money only to find Asdas pack sizes were smaller.

e.g 4 Nakd bars at Sainsbury's and 3 at Asda. Or how many sheets on their loo / kitchen roll

Usually with my Nectar discount this meant Sainsbury's were actually cheaper.

Anyway, I noticed a few things like this and eventually switched back

Also double check that Amazon is actually cheaper than the shops. Recently discovered that my Sanex, Head and Shoulders and some patio cleaner were actually a few quid cheaper in Home Bargains.

I had assumed it was cheaper at Amazon and was pretty shocked!

If you are a serial browser like me, I like to put the items I want to buy in my online shopping basket, transfer the amount it would have cost into savings and then come back at the end of the month, if I still want the item I buy it, if I don't, or it's out of stock I keep the amount in my savings account.

I've saved loads of money this way. I think I enjoy the browsing/searching for things than actually having them

Have electric throws for the evening. It’s far cheaper than putting the heating on.

That's bonkers, how long does a rat even live to be worth spending £100 per month at the vet?!!

Vet costs are absolutely criminal - my friend's elderly dog had a seizure and they changed him about a grand for a CT scan, then the dog died the same afternoon and they rinsed him out of a further £1800 for a post mortem and a cremation!

Another lady spends £90 a month injecting her 18 year old blind incontinent cat with insulin.

They know you love your animal and have you over an absolute barrel.

I would really think twice about spending extortionate amounts on veterinary treatment where it is unlikely to meaningfully change the outcome and often simply prolongs suffering.

No thanks to Whistlefish.

They steal independent artists artwork and don’t pay up even when challenged about use of it.

https://www.facebook.com/share/18DDHZcdGp/?mibextid=wwXIfr

On the pet/ vet theme - mine would be don't get a pet (or don't get a new one if they die). We've spent an eyewatering amount on vet's bills recently after ours was hit by a car. If and when this one dies I will petition strongly to not get another one

If your (usually teen) kids are travelling on gap years or similar, consider freezing Netflix or other subscriptions like Amazon.

Oh no - thanks for the info.

Summer tip: 24 cans of coke are about a fiver on Amazon. Always keep one in your bag and the rest keep the fridge cold (less electricity) till they run out.

I had no idea of course…will not purchase from them again.

Find a cheap hobby. DD3 likes sea glass hunting. We go to the beach most days. It costs us the cost of our parking permit (50p per day Vs £4 day rate) plus the cost of electric car charge (£0.21 for 24 miles because we get a 3.49p/kWh night rate). So £0.71 total cost.

This wouldn't work for most people but does for me.

I had a few medical issues over the last 12 months, one of which was lack of appetite (I lost 20kg) and things tasted different, so I ended up throwing things away. I have a long term conditions as well, so I have a carer.

My appetite is returning but slowly. My carer doesn't cook, or he didn't. I've started getting 'Hello Fresh' and he is following the instructions with mixed but mostly good results. HF only do meals for a minimum of two people so I basically get the same or very similar food two days running, but that is fine. I order three meals a week and that makes 6 meals.

So one dish is satay duck with rice and pickled veg. He will roast both duck legs but only serve me one with half the rice and half the veg (he will only pickle half).

The following day I can make an egg fried vegi rice with duck on the side.

It costs just under £40 which I would pay in a supermarket. I just have things like yoghurt in for breakfast.

I have a couple of UHT milks in the cupboard and some bread in the freezer to avoid the top up shop which somehow costs around £20.