We are all feeling the pinch of rising energy bills and fuel prices. These raising costs are out of our control, in an attempt to combat this we can look at adjusting what is in our control.
We have gathered a list of 10 actions you can take in order to save a bit of money here and there.
1. Olio
What’s Olio? Olio is a food sharing app created in an effort to stop food waste. The app works through its users listing food they do not want or need anymore alongside the location from where to pick it up from. As they say one mans trash is another mans treasure. Not only are individual users posting on this app but big stores are also partnered with Olio, such as Tesco and One stop so make sure to look out ,your favourite food may pop up.
2. Is fuel fuelling your nightmares?
As fuel prices consistently rise, now might be the time to change your station, and yes I know you have been going there for years. In order to find the best price we suggest looking on petrolprices.com, this site allows you to compare and find the cheapest petrol prices near you with live updates. You may find yourself going out of your way however in the end it will be worth it.
3. Zero waste stores
This is a concept I have only recently heard about but since hearing it I don’t get why more people are not talking about them. In essence these stores sell a lot of raw ingredients-however they do not sell the packaging, that part is up to you. Bringing your own container allows you to purchase the exact amount you need and not spend on the excess you wouldn’t use, therefore giving you more control over your spending. A zero waste store local to us in south Manchester is Lentils and Lather.
4. Change your bulbs
Most of us have traditional bulbs throughout our homes however now, more than ever, changing them may be crucial to your savings. LED bulbs are a perfect alternative, not only do they require much less electricity than traditional bulbs they also last longer, what’s not to love! May take your eyes some time to adjust to the new light however with energy costs rising this may be a crucial change.
5. Lose weight not money
Keeping in shape is important to all of us, especially after all those afternoons on the sofa during lockdown. Raising energy bills are directly affecting gyms therefore membership prices are due to rise. Working out from home can be limited and lonely so therefore we have found some examples of ways to exercise within a community. The first being Park run, which usually takes place in Platt Fields park and other local parks. Park run is a running club open for everyone, you don’t have to be Usain Bolt. The NHS website offers a search tool which allows you to locate loads of free exercise groups and classes near you.
6. One in-one out policy
This is a simple methodology anyone can adopt into their lifestyle. What is it? Well here’s a brief example for this process, picture you want a new jumper and have been eyeing it up for a while, well first ask yourself do you have an older jumper you could part ways with. The idea would be to purchase the new jumper only if the old one is sold. There a various second-hand clothes sites you can use such as Depop and Vinted, for other items you may apply this methodology too, there’s Gum tree and Facebook market place.
7. Shortlist cheap days out
We all want to have fun at the end of the week, sometimes when tired we don’t want to do too much thinking about what that fun is. Creating a list of cheap activities can help. You could be overspending on your current days out without even realising there is a cheaper alternative . Pre-planning will negate the need for any research on the day so you can be out the door asap.
8. Online coupons
Finding coupons for your food shop has never been easier. A brilliant website to take advantage of is moneysavingexpert.com. They compile coupons and restaurant vouchers from countless sources and display them all on one site, these coupons are easy to get hold of and range from mayonnaise to beer. With this resource, there is a great opportunity to cut down on your spending.
9. Threaten your network provider
Well not literally… You may love your phone provider and I am not asking you to change however you may be surprised with the response if you let them know you are leaving. When calling your provider and letting them know you are closing your account it may result in them reviewing your plan and possibly giving you a better offer, in an attempt to retain you as a customer.
10. The waiting game
Have you ever shopped online? If so you might know this one. When curating your virtual basket you might want to leave it for a day or so, Why? Online retailers often send out discounts and coupons to those users with stationary baskets in order to draw you back to the shop. So for your next shop playing the waiting game may be useful.
We hope you have gained at least one trick from this list in order to shave off a few pounds somewhere. Apply it, see where it goes, who knows it might may a bigger difference than you could have expected.
