Last week I was considering hiring a skip for the day (at a cost of £90) so that I could clear out some of the junk from my garage and one of my friends pointed out that I didn’t need to pay for a skip when I could arrange a collection from the council for a fraction of the price. I didn’t even know the council offered that as a service let alone that they would come along and take my rubbish for just £15.00!
I saved a fortune because someone pointed out something they thought was obvious.
So, I started thinking about how many other little tips there were that may seem obvious for some people but for others they’re new ways to save and I decided to have a regular little thrifty tip round up on here so we could share them and hopefully all learn more ways to make the best of what we have and save a few extra pennies.
I’ll start with a couple of mine….
When you’re shopping, ignore the goods on the eye level shelves as that’s usually what the shop wants you to buy. Look at the top shelf and the lower shelves and you’ll find the cheaper versions of what you’re after.
Freeze grapes to use as ice cubes in wine – they won’t water down your wine and you’ll have a yummy treat at the bottom of your glass.
I also asked on Facebook for some tips and here’s what I got….
My biggest moneysaver throughout the year is quietly putting away all the gifts which aren’t suitable/ liked and giving them as presents when birthdays/Christmas requires it. Obviously keep a note of who gave them to you, so you don’t commit a faux pas by gifting them back to the same person.
Donna from www.mummycentral.com
Buy bicarbonate of soda in bulk online.It’s great for both cooking and cleaning.
Aly at Plus 2.4
If you like treating the kids to the odd bonus for being little stars for whatever reason, take them to a local charity shop to choose a gift…they will have hours of fun picking something out; a book, toy, DVD, etc – and its a hell of a lot cheaper than going new!
Helen from www.kiddycharts.com
Meal Planning saves money, stress and time.
Michelle at www.utterlyscrummy.blogspot.co.uk
It’s only a bargain if it’s useful or you need it!
Pippa at www.redrosemummy.com
If items purchased for a bargain price won’t be worn or used, they are a complete waste of money, no matter how much you ‘saved’ compared with the recommended retail price.
Ruthy from www.minibreakmummy.com
Use cashback websites, then spend the money you save on essential things. Like Chocolate or Dr Pepper.
Pippa from www.amothersramblings.com
Teach your children how money works early on and once they’re 11 or 12 give them budgets for clothes etc that they manage themselves (well, they think they do).
Jenny from www.thebrickcastle.com
Buy your kids books form charity shops!!
Becky from www.thrifty-home.co.uk/home-kids-needs-books/
Think for a couple of days and don’t make impulse purchases.
Anna from www.intheplayroom.co.uk
And to round it off, some lovely thrifty posts that I’ve found recently:
- Thrifty gardening tips from Maggy at RedTedArt
- 20 Alternative uses for eggshells from Liz at Me and My Shadow
- Budgeting for an almost vegetarian diet from Aly at Plus 2.4
- The two together Railcard from A Thrifty Mrs
- Shampoo free for two years from Lulastic and the Hippyshake
- How to upcycle old salad from Miss Thrifty
- Pom Pom crafts from Jen at The Madhouse
- 2014 – The year of Thrift from Penny at Being Mrs C
- How to get Perfect rice every time – Lucy at Wonderthrift
What’s your best thrifty tip?
