10 Ways To Save Money

Now: Pensions set me a blogging challenge to see if we could live on the weekly state pension of £107.45. I knew the answer before I began – not a chance, no siree, not on your life. A thousand apologies to my 65-year-old self, living in a ramshackled shed.

I admit, we’d be in trouble if at retirement age we had no savings as our current outgoings – rent, energy bills, phone, internet, travel costs, water, TV licence, council tax and subscriptions (1 magazine each & Netflix) would swallow up all of the pension and leave us in debt. Not forgetting we have to eat, go out and go on holiday…you know, have a life! Our weekly spend is roughly £375, that’s 3 times over the state pension…and that’s living pretty frugally. Woh.

I’m not too worried (ahem) at the moment as I hope, over the years, we’ll have more income between us which will enable us to save for a mini nest egg for our later years. Until then, we’re not able to save very much at all so in an effort to think more frugally, I’ve listed 10 simple ways to save money now, no matter your situation or income.

• First up, check your bills.  Can you find a cheaper alternative? Yes it’s time-consuming but it’s your money and you might make a saving or two. I saved £50 a month by contacting our energy provider – we’d been paying too much. £50!
• Meal Plan. I have a weekly food budget of £50 to spend on food, drinks and household goods for the two of us. I keep the meals varied and try new recipes each week – having a weekly budget and meal planner doesn’t have to boring.
• Before any purchase check the following websites for discounts: Voucher Codes, Money Saving Expert or My Voucher Codes. It’s sometimes worth waiting a week or so to see if any codes come up for something you want to buy.
• Shop in charity shops. I’m very fortunate, as are lots of people I know,  in that I choose to shop in charity shops on a regular basis and not because I have to.  One person’s trash is another person’s treasure…ooh ar!
•  I dislike shopping in supermarkets (too manic!) and I don’t drive so I tend to shop online. However, I’m not loyal to any of the suckers which means I get  ‘You haven’t shopped with us for a while’ email discounts. 20% off a £50 grocery shop is a lot!
• Try a Pay as You Go mobile instead of a contract. My phone has free texts, free phone calls and free internet usage and I only spend £10 on it every month. Yes, I’d love to have a smart phone but I’m not forking out an extra £15 each month (minimum) for a fancy handset when my trusty Nokia does the same job.
• Raise cash. Consider selling your lovely wares on eBay or at a car boot sale to fund a new wardrobe or weekend away. Being frugal doesn’t mean you can’t spend anything but selling unwanted things will make you feel less guilty about the odd purchase here and there.
• Make and bake for Christmas. Watch your favourite programmes whilst crafting or have a break from the TV and lock yourself in the kitchen with the radio to cook up a storm of chutney, fudge, and beverages to give as gifts. Homemade and handmade goodies are the bees knees.
• Take up free hobbies. I understand the gym is very tempting in the Winter but it costs a small fortune. Get wrapped up and go outside, it’s much prettier.
• Use the library. Not only do libraries need you right now but they give out FREE BOOKS. What’s better than that? Borrow a craft book for Christmas makery inspiration or lose yourself in a classic you’ve always wanted to read.

Do you have any frugal tips so my 65-year-old self can have a jolly ol’ time?

 ♥

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