Bills and debts piling up? Get on top of it all by sorting out your finances once and for all. You don’t have to be a money whiz-kid to make life-altering changes to your purse strings. Here are ten ideas for saving pounds.
Cash and carry
Credit cards are designed to tempt us. But if you don’t carry them around in your wallet, you can’t run up a huge debt in a moment of madness. That must-have purchase won’t seem so desirable when you have to hand over wads of cash.
Become a model
You don’t have to give up little luxuries like trips to the hairdresser. Ask your salon if they have a training night. Even established stylists like to update their techniques by practicing on willing models and juniors are always supervised.
The soup kitchen
Devote a few hours on a Sunday to making a big batch of soups. Freeze them and take them to work in a thermos. Not only will you be getting great home-cooked meals with fresh ingredients, but you’ll save a fortune in made-to-order sandwiches.
Charity begins at home
Before you go carting off all your household’s toys, clothes and knick-knacks to your local charity shop, consider whether you can make some money by selling them on internet auction site eBay or at a car boot sale. Check your local newspaper for sales in your vicinity.
New interests
If you’re paying interest on your credit card balance, it’s time to switch to one which offers an introductory 0% balance transfer rate. Some credit cards also offer rewards like air miles and cash back. Check out the online credit card comparer.
Flick the switch
If you’ve been with the same gas, electricity and phone providers for as long as you can remember, you may be paying more than you need to. Use websites like www.uswitch.com to find cheaper deals. They can even help organise the changeover.
Learn to haggle
Swallow your pride and try to negotiate a discount on purchases of everything from a new laptop on the high street, to buying a second hand car from a local dealership. The trick is to speak with the most senior salesperson, who has the power to offer a deal.
Buy online
So long as you use reputable websites, you can get some great bargains online. Check out the websites of high street retailers to see if they have any special web deals. Use price check websites like Kelkoo. You’ll save on travelling too.
Year-round holidays
Don’t buy travel insurance from a tour operator or airline. Instead buy an annual policy direct from an insurer. You could save hundreds of pounds a year and you won’t have the hassle of different policies for every weekend break.
Keep checking back
Visit 4Money regularly for top tips on making and saving money. Also take some time to use the converters to see if you could be getting a better deal on your mobile phone, your mortgage or your savings account.
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