The start of a new year can be tough on our wallets. Dealing with expenses from last year and planning to save up for future treats, can add up to a lot of work. There are lots of small ideas that can help you save up over time so you have more to spend on the important things.
Checklist have collaborated with Net Voucher Codes to bring you these top saving tips to cut costs and spend money wisely.
1. Freeze short shelf-life products
The freezer can be a saviour for any uneaten loaf or bagel however, they often defrost feeling a little soggy, or worse, stale. To get around this, instead of defrosting them out on the side, pop them on top of the toaster for a short while. To pick up a bargain, pick up reduced baked goods from supermarkets in the evening and freeze for a rainy day.
2. Fill up the freezer
Whilst talking about freezers, stocking up is usually a good idea. They go easier on electricity and are cheaper to run when full. Just make sure to keep in mind the contents of your freezer and rotate older and new items to avoid overcrowding.
3. Less is more for your kettle
Kettle’s are the least energy-efficient appliance in the home. When filling up for your brew, only pour in enough water needed for your cuppa. Savings can be made on the water and electricity bill over time. Doing it once or twice won’t add up to much, but it will across the whole year.
4. Save even more money on water
Another water hack for those with older loos includes putting a brick inside the cistern so that less water is needed to fill to flush. Any dense object will do if you don’t have a brick to hand, such as a filled water bottle. If you do use a brick, make sure you put it in a sealed container so it doesn’t cause damage to your plumbing over time.
5. Swap what you can
Switching to discount ranges or supermarket own brands can make such a difference in expenditure. If you can’t live without certain brands, pick branded products carefully or shop smart for three weeks out of the month. You’d be surprised how indistinguishable some unbranded products are from their official versions.
6. Examine your statement
Direct debits get lost on bank statements between our day-to-day purchases. Sit down and crack on with cancelling any unnecessary direct debits. Get into the habit of logging into your online bank account once a month and making sure you’re not shelling out for services you don’t use.
7. Don’t be tempted by impulsive spending
Instead of buying straight from a shop or brand when seeing an item of clothing, do some sleuthing. Online re-selling sites often have popular, legitimate clothes and accessories listed. Search the exact brand and product name with your fingers crossed. If nothing comes up, many let users set up alerts telling you the next time an identical object goes live.
8. Get the most out of your purchases
Instead of rebuying clothes that have faded or getting rid of clothes you hate the colour of, dye them instead. There are plenty of colour options and available to pick up in most large supermarkets.
Consider sewing up and repairing worn or damaged clothes. You can get your money’s worth by then using them as pyjamas or loungewear at home.
9. Cut down on alcohol
Ditching the booze could also be a good option. Not only will it likely leave you feeling healthier, but you’ll be also saving quite a bit of cash too. By visiting the pub less you can save a lot of money, and if you need to socialise soft drinks are cheaper.
10. Get creative
There are plenty of guides online that talk through the steps of making eco-friendly and penny-saving products. From homemade cleaning detergents and soaps to candles and face scrubs, they can all be made from a few cheap extra ingredients.
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