FabSwingers.com forum: Frugal tips

By *stella OP Woman
over a year ago

London

If you were giving some of your best money-managing tips for frugal living, be they economy meal ideas or ideas for cheap entertainment, or strategies for saving - what would you recommend?

I warn you I shall likely be adding recommendations to the ideas info provided to clients at work. So thank you.

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By *uke olovingmanMan
over a year ago

Gravesend

Get a slo cooker

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Get a slo cooker"

love all mine!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Going to watch TV shows being recorded as part of the audience is normally free.

Always get loyalty cards from shops.

Batch cook meals

Iv have many more but I'm hungover right now, will add more when I'm feeling human again.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

What type of clients are we looking at? If they’re not drivers for instance, insurance tips are useless.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Batch cook meals and freeze them

Review utilities/insurances every year

Look at cashback sites

Share netflix etc with family to split cost

Clearout old clothes, CDs etc... Basically if not used in last year and unlikely to use in next year then get rid

Take advantage of employer saving schemes (sharesaves etc) if they are available

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Ditch the car & the TV ...

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By *eliWoman
over a year ago

Switching bank accounts, checking if you can switch gas and elec providers. Using cashback services. Company schemes for shares. Dried pulses for bulking out meals (lentils/chickpeas). MSE do a wallet workout which is really fantastic and I've gently nudged friends in that direction. Purchase cheap travel insurance (a day) for 2 for 1 tickets. Reduced food times in supermarkets; learn them, be brave and go.

Oh I have no spend days. If I go without buying a coffee etc that goes towards the mortgage. You can get bank accounts that siphon off spare change (so like the 21p from £10) and puts it in a saving account. Markets are good for fruit bowls - lots of fruit for a £1.

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By *stella OP Woman
over a year ago

London

"What type of clients are we looking at? If they’re not drivers for instance, insurance tips are useless."

Any. Any tips will be relevant.

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By *a LunaWoman
over a year ago

South Wales

Have a jar for loose change and hopefully at the end of the year you can take to one of them machines in Supermarkets and get a few notes in return. I’ve had as much as £30, comes in handy at Christmas or as an emergency shop fund when times are hard.

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By *adame 2SwordsWoman
over a year ago

Victoria, London

I keep my debit and credit cards away from my purse. Gives me those extra few seconds to think 'do I really need this'.

Also started to write H -v- P on my finger to remind me. Pleasure = instant but unsustainable, happiness = work hard towards happiness. Kinda works

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By *he Mac LassWoman
over a year ago

Hefty Hideaway

Check out the Whoops bargains. Often it’s cheaper because the box is a bit dented.

Stick to the list when you do your big shop but have a spare £5 for anything you can’t resist. If it’s more than £5 and not on the list you don’t need it.

Always shop around. Utilise comparison websites. Definitely use a cashback site to log in to ebay and shopping websites. That extra 2 minutes can be quite lucrative.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Move north! Northern prices are different

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Have a jar for loose change and hopefully at the end of the year you can take to one of them machines in Supermarkets and get a few notes in return. I’ve had as much as £30, comes in handy at Christmas or as an emergency shop fund when times are hard."

Those machines charge and take between 8 and 12%

Some bank branches have machines that you tip your coins in and it all goes directly to your account.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Use your phone calendar for renewal dates for insurances or for end of contracts (such as broadband or utilities) so as you can shop around in plenty of time. Companies rely on inertia and not switching to get more money.

Talk to creditors and work out a plan with them.

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By *he Mac LassWoman
over a year ago

Hefty Hideaway

"Move north! Northern prices are different "

Yes. Always ask for the Northern price list.

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By *andonmessMan
over a year ago

A world all of his own

When you go shopping, make a list of what you need to buy. Stops you making impulse buys and picking up stuff you didn't really need/want.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Don’t use contactless or make card payments. Withdraw the money and you’ll actually notice as you spend it.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Have different bank accounts for different things. - A food shopping account, a spending/ lunches/ clothes account, a bills account.

Keep all receipts and update the balance for each account in a notebook every day.

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By *partharmonyCouple
over a year ago

Ruislip

Budget and split up your bank account.

When you get money coming in, separate off money that is already committed in utility bills, loan repayments etc. and have direct debits come out of that account.

Then only spend what's left. Watch that figure go down so you don't give yourself a false impression of what you've actually got.

Anything you have left over by next pay day, move into savings.

Having full visibility really concentrates the mind.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Don’t food shop when you’re hungry.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Don’t go shopping with me!!!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Have different bank accounts for different things. - A food shopping account, a spending/ lunches/ clothes account, a bills account.

Keep all receipts and update the balance for each account in a notebook every day. "

Cap (Christians against poverty)

Run a free budgeting course and they recommend just this.

Its been a game changer for me.

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By *partharmonyCouple
over a year ago

Ruislip

"Don’t go shopping with me!!!

Of course!

Don't marry my ex.

That's an important one. How could I forget that one?

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By *iking-RaiderMan
over a year ago

suffolk

"Get a slo cooker

love all mine! "

I have one but only used it once. I need recipes haha

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

If anyone has a disability and has a blue badge or freedom pass then a lot of places including cinemas have carers go free. Lots of places in London offer this but isn't aways stated on websites so always worth asking.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Never shower alone

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

If buying online, always google for voucher codes before clicking "pay".

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By *ojos party boyMan
over a year ago

Merseyside

Not a savings...more a flip

retail arbitrage

Nothing like buying a £1 item in home and bargains and selling it online for £6

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By *partharmonyCouple
over a year ago

Ruislip

mySupermarket is a great app for comparing prices across different shops.

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By *partharmonyCouple
over a year ago

Ruislip

"Never shower alone"

Are we still on for when I get back from the gym?

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By *adame 2SwordsWoman
over a year ago

Victoria, London

Was good this week, didn't have a bunch of expensive coffees, so I'm off to treat myself to a lovely dinner

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By *ex HolesMan
over a year ago

Up North

"Move north! Northern prices are different "

Yeah, it’s cheap as chips up here

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Switch to Aldi/Lidl instead of the usual big supermarkets.

Motorists find a reliable local garage and avoid main dealers like the plague

eBay/Facebook market place are great for finding anything

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

White vinegar for cleaning windows

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By *pursChick aka ShortieWoman
over a year ago

On a mooch

Avoid just browsing when food shopping, but just what you need with a list.

I normally get the meats that are 3 for £10 and that decides our meals as normally can be split in to two so 6 meals for £10. Frozen veg is just as good as fresh and you get more for your money. As is frozen fruit great for smoothies rather than spending a fortune on fresh fruit

Always check the price per unit, what you think is a good deal just because it’s on offer is not necessarily the case

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Ive never smoked nor got d*unk, limit myself to only a couple if I'm out.

I do remember working out what I've saved over the years compared to a heavy smoker friend (sadly no longer here as a consequence too), a small mortgage.

Have a shopping list, it save multiple trips and reduces compulsive buys.

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By *anky_PankyWoman
over a year ago

Filthy Fuckeryville

"Check out the Whoops bargains. Often it’s cheaper because the box is a bit dented.

Stick to the list when you do your big shop but have a spare £5 for anything you can’t resist. If it’s more than £5 and not on the list you don’t need it. "

To stop me buying those extra bits I have started to utilise Asda Click n Collect. Its free and stops me picking up crap I just don't need. Only issue is I can't pick my own meat which I'm fussy about

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Avoid just browsing when food shopping, but just what you need with a list.

Always check the price per unit, what you think is a good deal just because it’s on offer is not necessarily the case "

I buy my chicken from the chicken factory, usually 1/3 of the super market prices and then freeze it

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By *anky_PankyWoman
over a year ago

Filthy Fuckeryville

"Don’t food shop when you’re hungry. "

Thirsty is my shopping downfall.....

I did it not long ago and looked like I was having a huge party the amount of juice and pop I bought!!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

you always pay more interest on loans/credit cards etc than you can get from saving. So first step in a savings plan should be to reduce credit as mush as possible.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

There's a website called moneysavingsexpert online with loads of tips.

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By *partharmonyCouple
over a year ago

Ruislip

Buy clothes from charity shops. You can get a lot of really decent stuff for a fraction of the original price, and you prevent stuff from going to landfill.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Look up local Freegle and Freecycle groups.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

A credit union is a great way to save and orten loans are based on savings and very low interest compared to most high st lenders.

Do your weekly shop online and get it delivered or click/collect, it stops you picking up things you dont need. It also helps if you are on a diet

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By *allySlinkyWoman
over a year ago

Leeds

"Buy clothes from charity shops. You can get a lot of really decent stuff for a fraction of the original price, and you prevent stuff from going to landfill. "

You can even sometimes find brand new stuff still with tags on.

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By *allySlinkyWoman
over a year ago

Leeds

"Get a slo cooker

I have one but only used it once. I need recipes haha"

Brown some chunks of meat in a frying pan. Chop up some veg or add pulses and stir them in. Add a tin of soup or chopped tomatoes. Heat till liquid bubbles. Pour into slow cooker. Simple !

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By *s_bettyboopWoman
over a year ago

-3

"Get a slo cooker"

Yes slow cooker and halogen oven is also good.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I take money out every week

When it's gone, it's gone

Debit cards make overspending so easy

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

Even if its only 10p put something in a savings jar every week

Always take lunch to work

Check local FE colleges for cut price hair and beauty treatments by students.

If you eat salad leaves and rocket etc grow in pots on the window sill.

If you're able to consider taking on a second job temporarily to get you through a tough patch

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

Also if you're going to the shop for milk take just enough money for that, no more

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By *opsy RogersWoman
over a year ago

London

Learn to actually cook. So many people are food ignorant it astounds me.

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By *ollydoesWoman
over a year ago

Shangri-La

Dont have kids....lmao

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By *opsy RogersWoman
over a year ago

London

Recognise emotional spending.

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By *stella OP Woman
over a year ago

London

These are awesome!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Half an hour isn't a long walk,ditch the uber to the shops.

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

"Half an hour isn't a long walk,ditch the uber to the shops."

Yes, I'm not shocked by much but the distance some people consider a long walk does.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

If you shop on line and at checkout it has a space for discount code, do a quick Google search and you can normally find one.

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

At the start of the year Sainsbury were giving £12 off a £50 shop vouchers when you spent over £10. If you see an offer like that and have the money it's worth using them to stock up on things like cat food and washing powder. We used them, chose the cheapest delivery slot and spent £50 exactly. The delivery guy said he'd just delivered £50 worth of coffee to a house so we weren't the only ones

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By *opsy RogersWoman
over a year ago

London

When buying food, look at price per kilo. For example, Cathedral City is on offer frequently but is still twice the price of shops own brand.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Join in on the Fab Forums

Whole evenings and weekends just disappear without the need to spend a penny

If you're feeling flush one month, buy a membership

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By *nderIwonder.Man
over a year ago

2nd City

rice, tinned veg, pasta, is always cheap. if you are a meat eater then going to a market and buying chicken thighs and drum sticks is a good idea you can get a weeks worth for about 4 to 5 pounds. I always ask for £4.50's worth so I get change. it's always cheaper than the supermarkets

p.s I like the word frugal

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Fungal tits

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By *nderIwonder.Man
over a year ago

2nd City

"If you shop on line and at checkout it has a space for discount code, do a quick Google search and you can normally find one. "

trouble is coffee is over priced anyway so even with the voucher you're just getting what the coffee should cost anyway the store is still making a hefty profit that's why they give them vouchers out to millions of people

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Don’t do an online grocery shop after a bottle (or two) of wine......I was as shocked as the delivery driver by the amount of crisps & alcohol I had delivered at 9am one Sunday morning

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By *pursChick aka ShortieWoman
over a year ago

On a mooch

"Don’t do an online grocery shop after a bottle (or two) of wine......I was as shocked as the delivery driver by the amount of crisps & alcohol I had delivered at 9am one Sunday morning

Haha

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By *egasus NobMan
over a year ago

Merton

Don’t do anything until you have an excel budget sheet you have to have an idea what is coming in and out of course you don’t have to be absolute.

2 have a bank account for bills like phone electric water generally direct debit bills which you add money to monthly no more or less etc.

3. have an account for your monthly shopping and necessity again add money to monthly no more or less.

4. have a savings account of some sort add a certain amount monthly.

5. See it as paying yourself with the division of money.

6. Bonus play money account/miscellaneous [ain’t got that at the moment].

7. Have a plan to get out of the need to be very tight with cash.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Do a few car boots to get rid of your unwanted items and also ask friends and family if they have any stuff. You would be surprised on how much you would make

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By *stella OP Woman
over a year ago

London

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By *V-AliceTV/TS
over a year ago

Ayr

Fuck your energy company over by wearing extra clothes in the house, rather than turning the heating up.

Which, I admit, is far easier to do if you live alone.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Before buying something, pick it up with one hand and imagine a wad of cash in the other, which one looks more appealing.

Never go shopping on an empty stomach.

Try and pay by cash when shopping and Create a shopping list before leaving.

Set a maximum time limit for a shop.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"When buying food, look at price per kilo. For example, Cathedral City is on offer frequently but is still twice the price of shops own brand."

Holy fuck. I have been telling people this for years. This is the first time I have heard someone mention this.

This is the one

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By *uke olovingmanMan
over a year ago

Gravesend

Those machines charge and take between 8 and 12%

Some bank branches have machines that you tip your coins in and it all goes directly to your account. "
use the change you saed in the self service machines in the supermarket.. there's no charge for changing up

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By *stella OP Woman
over a year ago

London

"When buying food, look at price per kilo. For example, Cathedral City is on offer frequently but is still twice the price of shops own brand.

Holy fuck. I have been telling people this for years. This is the first time I have heard someone mention this.

This is the one

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Try to have at least 2 or 3 no spend days in the week.

Plan your meals for the week and then write up your shopping list.

eBay old clothes and shoes, I’ve made £100’s over the years by doing so.

Keep an eye on sites like groupon/wowcher for bulk buy offers on everyday essentials like toilet paper/cleaning products etc.

Have a pot for all your spare change.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"When buying food, look at price per kilo. For example, Cathedral City is on offer frequently but is still twice the price of shops own brand.

Holy fuck. I have been telling people this for years. This is the first time I have heard someone mention this.

This is the one

Or if stuck on brands then check the per item or weight price across offers. Sometimes better buying individuals on offer vs multipack, or smaller bottles of ketchup etc are better value than big bottles

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By *egasus NobMan
over a year ago

Merton

Eyeballing voucher, coupon can be tedious if you budget properly very likely you will not need to be eyeballing coupons, doesn't mean don't use or collect. I budget to the extent I have my daily food cost which I try not to go over and sometimes you will be exact or under. Those times under that day you can treat yourself with addition ribs and a nice meal.

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By *pursChick aka ShortieWoman
over a year ago

On a mooch

"When buying food, look at price per kilo. For example, Cathedral City is on offer frequently but is still twice the price of shops own brand.

Holy fuck. I have been telling people this for years. This is the first time I have heard someone mention this.

This is the one

This is so true

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By *kbull2000Man
over a year ago

Carluke

Never, ever use a dealership garage. They'll tell you that the car warranty is void unless you use them. It's bollox. Good mechanics can register with the manufacturers , will cost less and your warranty is safe.

Just ask if they're registered on the scheme when booking.

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By *ewhorizonsCouple
over a year ago

Leicestershire

Do a car boot. Clear out all the junk from your garage or the loft and sell it. Summer is best for this.

Whatever is left you can still get rid of. If its CDs, DVDs, video games, books then you can sell it on Music Magpie or similar website. You can also sell on Facebook, Shpock and Gumtree without paying any fees. I’ve made hundreds (maybe more) just getting rid of shite I don’t need.

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By *i1971Man
over a year ago

Cornwall

"When buying food, look at price per kilo. For example, Cathedral City is on offer frequently but is still twice the price of shops own brand.

Holy fuck. I have been telling people this for years. This is the first time I have heard someone mention this.

This is the one

I agree with this totally. BUT, some supermarkets have come away from £x per kilo/100 to unweighted packs of items ie 6 apples (substitute other fruit/veg). In the past I've taken a pre packed bag to the scales just to check out the pricing.

If you have a shop selling past "best before" dated goods, they're sometimes worth a look for things like sauce/crisps/some cook in sauces etc. It can work out so much cheaper but as always, it's only a bargain if you'd normally have bought the full price items.

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

"Do a car boot. Clear out all the junk from your garage or the loft and sell it. Summer is best for this.

I used to do a car boot sale to get spending money for the kids when they were little during the holidays.

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By *innie The MinxWoman
over a year ago

Under the Duvet

Local market if you have one for fruit and veg. If you live in a big multicultural city the veg market is usually much better priced than your local supermarket.

You dont have to be veggie to limit the number of days a week you have meat.

Invest in a decent, simple cookbook (the ones with five ingredients or less are less daunting if you're a beginner)

Take your own lunch to work (but try not to eat it on the bus on the way in like I tend to!)

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By *thwalescplCouple
over a year ago

brecon

There is a free phone app called " Chloe" I think, helps you budget, my son uses it and really rates it.

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By *ewhorizonsCouple
over a year ago

Leicestershire

"Do a car boot. Clear out all the junk from your garage or the loft and sell it. Summer is best for this.

I used to do a car boot sale to get spending money for the kids when they were little during the holidays."

They can be quite fun as well as a boost to the finances x

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

"Do a car boot. Clear out all the junk from your garage or the loft and sell it. Summer is best for this.

I used to do a car boot sale to get spending money for the kids when they were little during the holidays.

They can be quite fun as well as a boost to the finances x"

They can I used to go with a friend and sometimes my mum

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By *om and JennieCouple
over a year ago

Chams or Socials

If using a major supermarket do a free click & collect order to prevent buying unneeded crap.

Don’t shop when hungry or tired

Slow cooker meals - cook & freeze.

If oven is on then batch cook as cheaper for energy.

Have a separate bills account so you know they will always be covered.

Re-negotiate all bills with providers & don’t be afraid to say you’ll leave them if you don’t get a better deal

If you pay for prescriptions & need more than 1 item at a time look to see if a pre-paid card is better (£10.40 per month by DD)

Use cash back sites

Save all small change in a cheap money box that you have to smash to open

Cut out all unnecessary spending - I see people with financial difficulties that have magazine or charity subscriptions

I could go on & on about this as it’s my job

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By *stella OP Woman
over a year ago

London

These are excellent

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