Whether you are trying to save money to get on the property ladder, or to make your money go further in these uncertain times, here are Robert Leech’s top tips to help you reach your goal!
1- There is an ‘off’ button on a TV for a reason, so use it!
It sounds like something your Mum might say and nine times out of ten she would be right! Turning off the TV helps save money in lots of ways: think of the electricity it uses, think of the channels we pay for and think of the adverts that encourage us to spend extra money.
2 – Darling, it wouldn’t be a party without you!
It’s not where you go, it’s who you’re with. Family mock/cocktail nights, dinner parties, movie and gaming marathons are all great ways to stay in and save money, especially helpful over the next couple of weeks!
3 – Let light bulbs dream
Do the green thing! Switch off the light as you leave the room. It makes sense, saves energy and saves money. What’s not to like?
4 – Housework can’t kill you!
It’s time to make vinegar, lemon and bicarbonate soda your new best friend! These have fantastic cleaning properties, are cheap to buy and chemical free! Cleaning your home has never been so environmentally friendly! Check out the Goodhousekeeping website for some great tips.
5 – Enjoy the Lentil things in life
Have you ever thought of going meat free? Just one meat free day a week will help you save money and help the environment at the same time. Need some inspiration? Have a look at some of Jamie’s veggie recipes here.
6 – Don’t bottle it!
Bottled water costs on average 500 TIMES more than tap water and an estimated 1,500 plastic bottles end up as waste in landfills or thrown in the ocean every second. … Need we say any more!
7 – Is your heating burning a hole in your pocket?
Are you wearing a T-shirt and shorts in your house during April? Chances are you’re over heating your house! Put on a jumper or a nice thick pair of socks and turn the thermostat down. Unless you are one of the lucky ones who claims, ‘they don’t feel the cold’! The same can be said for heating rooms you are not using.
8 – Eight out of ten readers couldn’t taste the difference
But they really couldn’t! Many shops own brand products are made in the same factory and cost up to a third less than branded. We are not suggesting swapping your finest range to the cheapest but swapping just one brand level will save some pennies.
9 – Save water inside your bricks and mortar
There are lots of everyday things we can do to reduce the amount of water we use and subsequently our water bills. Simply don’t leave water running when it’s not needed, swap baths for quick showers and reuse water where you can – rather than tipping away a glass of water use it to water the plants.
10 – I phone, You lose
Gone are the days of using a phone to just make calls! Do you really need the newest model with the high contract charge that comes with it? Why not swap to sim only and use an old phone or try to negotiate a better contract once the term ends? Most importantly if you do upgrade, make sure to either trade in the last phone in or sell it!