Is the credit crunch forcing you to tighten your belt? Here’s how to shop wisely and save a packet.
Me, shop for my bathroom at a plumber’s warehouse? Well, yes, if you want to save money, love… Don’t be afraid to brazen it out and swap shiny, trendy shops for basic warehouses or DIY sheds – you’ll find much the same stuff there, but at much lower prices.
Why splash out on a name – whether for cleaning products, cereals or homewares - when many own brand buys are just as good? Look out, too, for ‘value’ ranges, which are cheaper still. Check the ingredients if you’re worried about what’s in them – often, there’s not a lot of difference between ‘no frills’ and own brand ranges.
About to splash out on a bunch of expensive cleaning products? Why not save money and make your own? Bicarb of soad is great for scouring surfaces and cleaning carpets, vinegar is a great natural glass cleaner and descaler. We’ve got loads of other natural cleaning tips – don’t miss them, they’re free!
Do what our grandparents did and be thrifty. Ditch kitchen roll for dishcloths; chuck out furniture polish and use E-cloths (from supermarkets); get rechargeable batteries; don’t pay for plastic bags at the supermarket, take your own trolley… All these things can cost more initially, but in the long run, you’ll make big savings…
Getting a great sofa for £100? Truth is, you’re probably not. You get what you pay for with furniture, but how do you know if you’re getting a great deal? Check out our feature, 10 Questions To Ask When Buying A Sofa so you can look for the tell-tale signs of quality.
There are lots of ways to go green and save money. Keeping your freezer full makes it work more efficiently; putting a lid on a pan of water makes it boil more quickly; even using washing balls (from Lakeland) in your washing machine reduces the amount of soap powder you need to use… Or you could just pick an eco friendly appliance to begin with.
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