Great Britain is about to enter a troubling phase in our nation’s history. A recession is coming, and we need to get ourselves prepared. With so much economic uncertainty at the moment, it is critical that we as a country are doing all we can to help our fellow citizens.
Whilst some of us will only feel a slight financial pinch with rising electricity and gas bills, others will suffer a huge sting of the economic change.
This is why we will talk about 9 simple money savings hacks for the home; and the little things you can be doing to cut back costs this autumn and winter.
Table of Contents
1. Do You Really Need Those Luxuries?
Let’s be honest, we all like our creature comforts. Whether it’s an expensive face cream or that fancy quilted coconut-infused toilet roll, we all have our spending vices.
However, during this time it is good to prioritise your money elsewhere. Do your research and find cheap toilet roll for sale or a dupe for that face cream. There are thousands of price comparison and product comparison sites out there that can be used for free, to get the best deal possible.
You’re bound to find an alternative that you like just as much, for a lot less. Then, you can set aside this extra money for the things that really matter.
Unfortunately, you’re gonna have to trim the fat and let the luxuries go first in these tough times.
2. Second Hand Savings!
We are in a time of second-hand and sustainable fashion. The emergence of apps like Depop and Vinted has changed the way we view our clothing and has transformed the world of sustainable fashion for good.
The same practice can be applied within the home. Many of these apps, especially Facebook Marketplace, will show listings of household appliances and other items for the home.
By shopping second-hand, you save money and save the planet. Why not give it a go today?
3. Switch It Off At The Wall
Did you know that you could save £30 a year by simply turning your appliances off at the wall? Me neither, until I realised that they draw so much unnecessary power.
This is a simple practice to implement around the home but is an effective one to help cut down on your energy bills.
Now, it might be hard to get into the habit of doing, with some people even sticking post-it notes to the sockets to remind them in the first few weeks. But, do this and you will see the savings this season.
4. Make Your Freezer Your Friend
Your leftovers may seem like they belong in the bin, but in reality, you should be freezing them.
You pay good money to run your freezer all year round, so make the most of it by freezing leftover meals and food for you to eat at another time. Not only does this save you money by not wasting the food you bought, but is also highly convenient when you don’t want to cook.
Just whip that spaghetti bolognaise out of the freezer, get it in the microwave and you’re good to go!
5. Always Pack Those Lunches
Let’s do some maths quickly:
1 meal deal = £3.50
Not so much money right?
1 meal deal a day for 20 days = £70
I bet that surprised you. Think of what that £70 could be better spent on, a grocery shop or towards your bills.
You can get much better value for your money by buying lunch items and packing your own.
6. Limit Your Laundry Loads
By limiting your laundry loads by just one a week, you can save £5 a year. This adds up if you are someone who likes to wash every shirt after wearing it once.
By limiting your laundry loads and washing with colder water, you can save both money and the planet by reducing energy consumption.
7. Make the most out of your meal out
Going out for dinner can be so costly nowadays, which is why you should make the most out of every bite. This should be done for the sake of your wallet and to reduce food waste.
You can take home your leftover food and enjoy it just as much the day after. Simply, ask one of the staff members to help you box it up.
But also, our phones are our best friends. With apps for everything, most food outlets will have a great reward system to go with their amazing food.
Some of the apps you should download if you want free food are:
- Auntie Anne’s
- Starbucks
- Greggs
- Costa Coffee
- Dunkin’ Donuts
- Domino’s
- Papa Johns
- Krispy Kreme
- Chick-Fil-A
- TGI Fridays
- Burger King
8. Shop For Food, Smartly
One of the most effective ways I have slashed my grocery costs monthly is by better budgeting. Every week I spend half an hour planning my meals for each day and doing my online shop accordingly
I shop meal by meal until my basket is brimming with the fresh ingredients I need, then I buy the other things I need i.e bread, milk etc.
This way, I am less tempted to impulse spend and shop as I go along. This also promotes better organisation and more of a more structured plan throughout the week.
9. Designate A No Spend Day
You can make saving slightly more like a fun challenge by pushing yourself to have a no spend day.
Why not make a meal using only the things in the house? Or spend the day indoors binging your favourite box set?
Make a day out of it with a friend or family member and challenge yourself to cut costs for a day.
However, if you cut costs this autumn and winter, share the word and help out those around you.