Feeling the pinch?

Today's blog looks at some simple ways to save money and strategies to help weather the current financial storm

Money

• Do an audit of your finances - take a day to evaluate what you spend where and on what, check price comparison sites, negotiate with suppliers for a better deal. If you only do one thing on this list, do this one. Read more here:  (It's worth signing up for their newsletter for regular savings and tips)

• Cut down or drop expensive habits - drinking, smoking can be expensive, especially if you go to the pub regularly. improve your health, and wallet by reducing or cutting out cigarettes and alcohol. The NHS has resources to help.
• Sign up for the Money Saving Expert's weekly email which gives lots of tips, advice, discounts and offers to help save you money.
• Use a bicycle (or walk) to get about - it will save on petrol costs, and help keep you fit.
• If you work from home, you can claim tax relief to cover the associated costs.
• Buy second hand if you can - but make sure you use reputable sites and dealers. Don't send money to someone privately to send you an item. Paypal and ebay offer buyer protection - Facebook marketplace does not.

Shopping

• Shop online - read our previous blog to see how you can save by shopping online: 
• Sign up for cashback sites - these give you cashback on any shopping you do online. We like TopCashback, and have received around £50 in the past 6 months, mostly on grocery shopping, but also on some Christmas shopping.
• Use price comparison websites to get the best prices, particularly on large items.
• Look for discount vouchers when shopping online. Options to consider are: Wowcher; Coupert or Honey.

Heating and energy

• Ensure you weather proof your home, using insulation / draft excluders etc to stop the warmth escaping, and save money on heating. The Government has some funding available for various energy schemes
  
• Don't fill the kettle - only boil the amount of water you need.
• Bleed your radiators (or get someone to do it), and ensure the areas around them are clean and free to allow the air to circulate. It will mean less energy needed for heating.
• Turn off TVs and other appliances at the wall switch, rather than leaving them on standby.
• Don't leave laptops, mobile phones etc on charge unless they need to recharge.
• Switch light bulbs for LED which use less electricity.
• Wear more layers, and keep the thermostat a little lower.

Food

• Cook seasonal foods - they are usually cheaper, and of course, more eco friendly.
• Sites like Olio allow people to give away free food, and others to claim it. Sign up for free to see what is available in your area.
• Community Fridges collect unwanted food from supermarkets and individuals, and make it available for free to others. See if there is one in your area or check here. 
• Switch to supermarket own brands - in many instances these are just as good.
• Store food and leftovers safely. We often freeze leftover veg and put them into stews.
• Don't buy more than you need, and ensure you use food by the use by dates.
• Shopping online ensures you see how much you are spending, and that you are not so easily tempted by the items at the checkout or displays in the supermarket.
• If you do shop in store, use the self scan to track how much you are spending as you go around the score.
• Loyalty and reward cards can offer additional savings, and cashback. Be aware however that these also track your spending habits. We like Nectar, which earns points at Sainsbury's, ebay and other places. Plus if you have insurance via Sainsbury's, they double your points. 

Free stuff

Freegle and Freecyle allow people to give away stuff they don't want, which of course you can then request. if you need furniture, appliances, household items, you can often pick them up for free. Read more here.

Ways to earn a little extra

• Have a good clear out and sell stuff. A good principle is that if you haven't used it in a year, get rid of it. There are plenty of options such as Ebay; Vinted or Facebook Marketplace. Once boot sale season starts again, then they provide a great way to earn cash from unwanted stuff.
• If you can spare more time, look for additional work. There are a number of sites that offer freelance work. We like Upwork, and have worked on multiple jobs through them in the past year. Bear in mind though that these sites do take a cut of your earnings.
• Do you like gaming? Well, there are phone apps that allow you to earn money for gaming. It does take a long time to build up enough, and you do need to be careful of the scams. But if you spend time gaming, why not earn some pennies in the process. We earned £15 gaming via Mistplay last year. Check out this site for some options
• It is possible to earn money by completing online surveys. Read more here, and ensure you do take note of the precautions. We often use a separate bank account or paypal for this type of activity, as well as for online shopping.

Government support and information

• Help for households lists a number of government schemes to help with the cost of living crisis. Depending on your situation, there are a number of schemes to consider.
• Cost of living support lists further schemes for which you can apply.
• Citizens Advice provide support, and details of funding available.
• Local councils also offer some support. Check what is on offer from your council. 

These are challenging times, but using these tips may help.