Friday 21 March 2014

NeighbourBlog’s Ten Money Saving Tips of the Week

Now we all know that feeling of ‘Let’s do something crazy this weekend, like go to Rome for the weekend!’ then your Bank Account kindly reminds you to calm the hell down…
Well we at NeighbourBlog like our crazy weekend ideas and would like to actually do some of them time to time. So we've come up with 10 money saving tips to help you achieve your own crazy ideas!

1.       Create a Budget
Assess your income and your outgoings and create a budget! Sounds so simple right? This will keep you living within your means and staying in the black. You’ll be amazed at how much you can save by doing something this simple.

2.       Recycle, Recycle, Recycle!
And I'm not talking about your Pot Noodle empties. Clothes, Shoes, Handbags even old furniture. Places like E-bay and Gumtree are great ways to get rid of old stuff. Plus you’ll be surprised at how much money you can make. Always research the item you’re selling first to check how much others are selling it at.

3.       Bargain Hunt
In London we are spoilt for shopping destinations! But don’t let London’s hidden gems pass you by. London has some great Charity Shops hidden around the place; you never know what you’ll find in them. Most of the stuff given in is as good as new and you’ll only pay a quarter of the price whilst helping out the world too. Win win!

4.       Clever Cooking
Create a meal planner to plan the family’s weekly meals so you don’t end up throwing anything away that’s past it’s used by date. Also if you make too much, don’t throw it away, freeze it! One day a week, leave the meal planner blank and have a rustle through your freezer!

5.       Online Shopaholic
Who doesn't love shopping in their PJ’s? Ordering your food shop online is a great way to make sure you stick to your list, that and the kids can’t start putting those unexpected pack of chocolates into the trolley. Ask your Neighbours where they shop too, if you do it at the same place, do your order together and halve your delivery cost.

6.       Bulk up
If things are on sale, buy them in bulk! Things like nappies, toilet roll and washing up powder will always get used. So save yourself the money and get a load of it when it’s cheap.

7.       Say NO to brands!
Considering buying the value brands of some items, you’ll save more than you think and you’ll hardly notice the difference!

8.       Save like a Superstar
Open a savings account (Tax Free ISA, hint hint) and pay into it as often as you can. When creating your budget planner try and set aside a direct debit with what you can afford to go straight into it. At NeighbourBlog we found that setting a goal really helps, be it new shoes, a holiday or a wedding – seeing the amount go up will give you a great feeling.

9.       Choo choose your transport wisely
Yes we all love the tube (when it’s working), it’s by far the quickest way to get around the city. But wait, it’s the most expensive too!
Start stretching those legs and get walking; you’ll see some great sights of the city and find out a lot more about it! To get to places outside of walking distance, hop on the bus. They’re cheaper! And remember it’s still cheaper to use an Oyster card no matter what in London.

10.   Do I REALLY need this?

Imagine the scenario; it’s lunchtime. You find yourself in a department store and there’s a sale on. You pick up a beautifully packaged BBQ tools set, it’s so shiny. Then you spot a decorative flamingo that would SO look great in your garden – and they’re half price! STOP NOW!! Ask yourself: Do you honestly need these? Exactly. You live in a flat. It doesn’t even have a back door. Put it down and walk away. 

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