How can I make my money go further?

1.  Never shop when hungry.
2. Use a basket, not a trolley – having to carry it around the store focuses your mind on whether you really want to buy it.
3. Don’t be sucked in by the marketing. Fancy packaging, supermarket brochures, hanging signs, etc. are all designed to make customers spend more money.
4. Look out for discount codes/coupons. BUT double-check special offers are actually a good deal – supermarkets sometimes raise the price per item when products go into a multibuy offer and exaggerate original prices to make deals seem cheaper.
5. Compare the cost of your items at major online supermarkets.
6. Try the ‘downshift challenge’ – dropping one brand level on what you buy.
7. Budget your shopping. Spread out higher cost items, such as laundry detergent, toilet roll, large packs of meat, etc. across different weeks.
8. Be prepared – look in your cupboards to see what you have already, look at your calendar to work out how many meals you’re buying for.
9. Know what date it is to quickly gauge how much time ‘best by’ dates are giving you.
10. Take your own bags so you don’t have to buy them at the store.
11. Have a loyalty card for your regular grocery store.
12. Check the receipt to make sure the discounts you were expecting have been applied.

1. Use price comparison sites to get the best deal – you’ll need to know roughly how much you use, so dig out some old gas and electricity bills.
2. Look for online/paperless tariffs – they can be cheaper since you agree to manage your utility account online only, with no paper bills or letters, so the supplier saves money on postage and paper.
3. Pay by direct debit.
4. Use kitchen appliances thoughtfully – only boil water in the kettle for the amount you need, close your freezer door quickly, make sure the dishwasher is full before putting it on.
5. Buy the best energy efficient appliances (https://www.sust-it.net/)
6. Install lower energy bulbs.
7. Install a room thermostat so the central heating turns off when the desired temperature is reached / Use a Programmable Thermostat: Save on heating and cooling costs with a programmable thermostat.
8. Hang thick curtains and put a curtain up over the front door.
9. Find and fill draughts.
10. Defrost the freezer.
11. Install an eco-showerhead if possible.
12. Repair water leaks quickly to prevent high water bills.

Read more energy saving tips from the Energy Saving Trust website – free impartial advice on energy efficiency and clean energy solutions.

1. Compare prices across stores and online before making significant purchases. Look for discounts, sales, coupon codes and cashback offers.
2. Regularly review your spending to identify areas where you might want to cut back
3. Avoid impulse buying – particularly online shopping! Think twice before making unplanned purchases. Sleep on it and if you still decide to buy it, be sure to compare prices across stores and online.
4. Practice mindful spending, being intentional and thoughtful about each purchase.
5. Join loyalty programs offered by your favourite stores or brands. Accumulating points through these programs can result in discounts, freebies, or exclusive deals, allowing you to save money on your regular expenses.
6. Explore cashback and reward apps that give you money back or offer points for your purchases. Find out more in our article on cashback.
7. If you’re a student, always carry your student ID and ask if there’s a student discount available.
8. Consider buying second-hand items.
9. Save on tech purchases by buying refurbished items.
10. Create a versatile wardrobe with fewer, high-quality items.
11. Buy generic brands that offer similar quality at a lower price.
12. Choose to buy reusable alternatives to single-use products to reduce ongoing expenses.

1. Walk, cycle or use public transport rather than driving or using taxis.
2. Borrow books, audiobooks, movies, and magazines from the library or friends.
3. Declutter and make money by selling things you no longer need.
4. Repair clothing or broken items instead of buying new ones.
5. Don’t buy branded cleaning products – look up cleaning tips online using vinegar, lemon juice and bicarbonate of soda as your cleaning products.
6. Learn to cut your hair at home or trade haircuts with a friend.
7. Having a clothes or books swap with your friends.
8. Rotate streaming subscriptions, only paying for one at a time and changing to a new one once you get bored with the options.
9. Prepare and bring your lunch to work instead of buying it.
10. Prepare meals in batches to save time and money. Freeze them to have meals ready for later.
11. Take advantage of free trial periods for various services. BUT be sure to cancel before the end of the free trial so you aren’t charged – set a reminder on your phone, or cancel straight after sign up since many services allow you to keep access until the end of the trial period anyway.
12. Negotiate bills with service providers and rent with your landlord for better rates. Read these negotiating tips from Money Saving Expert.

1. Keep an eye out for free community events such as festivals, concerts, or markets.
2. Have a bring-and-share dinner with your friends to share the work and cost of hosting a meal at home.
3. Take advantage of free outdoor activities, such as picnics, hiking and beaches.
4. Explore free museums and art galleries.
5. Look for free or low-cost workshops or classes in your area, such as cooking, art, or fitness classes. It’s an opportunity to learn new skills and socialize without spending lots of money.
6. Instead of going to the cinema, host a movie night at home. Pop some popcorn, dim the lights, and enjoy a movie marathon with friends.
7. Join a community club together – whether it’s a sport like football, tennis or netball or an activity like knitting, gardening or book club!
8. Host a game night to enjoy entertainment with friends at home instead of going out. You could play simple card games, epic board games or silly party games.
9. Look out for group discounts or packages!
10. Meet up for lunch instead of dinner, since many restaurants offer lunch specials or set menus at lower prices compared to dinner.
11. At restaurants, skip ordering a drink or opt for tap water
12. Be open with your friends about your budgetary constraints. Chances are, they’ll appreciate your honesty and be willing to accommodate more budget-friendly plans. Plus, you might inspire them to save money too!