What Strategies Can I Use to Cut Costs?

- If I'm unable to physically do much, I will try and spend more time entering paid surveys.

- I've sold a lot more stuff online.

- Meal plan better.

- Defrosted our fridge/freezer.

- Rethink takeaways (is it really going to be much quicker, easier etc. and sometimes it costs the same as going out, why not enjoy the whole experience rather than just sitting at home and eating it without any thought?)

- Pay more attention to Cashback apps/sites.

- Give away unwanted items: I've given away food we aren't likely going to eat (some past their best before but people have claimed them) good condition items we no longer need that might help others out, like travel cots, potties, new toiletries. If I can help others too then that is great.

I like to think I was pretty conscious anyway when it came to making purchases or items that we needed. I think the extra savings and making money is also because my health is improving after a massive bout of bad health. So not just because of the current times. I've also convinced my partner to part with some of his items he doesn't need, use or hasn't even seen in years.

I have stopped buying greeting cards, they are becoming far too expensive. I would rather spend on the gift which will last longer and will not get thrown away.

I have stopped all Takeaways because I think what I could of bought In a Supermarket for the same price. I use my Air-Fryer and not my regular Oven. I have not used my regular Oven since August of 2022. The same applies to my Tumble Dryer which sits dormant. I shop around online for the best unbranded Items then when I do go shopping, I know what I am getting and where to go. Gas & Electric Is the same as I will not put the Heating (Gas) on as It will be ridiculous. I am cautious to on Electric and sit In the dark with Tea-Lights. Shame about the standard charge which I cannot get away from.

Working in education is full on. Term time I've no energy to go shopping. We've had an inspection this week and I barely the energy to get up let alone anything else

We already did a lot of these things already but have been doing them more. We never really had takeaways anyway but we have cut them down even further. Using as little gas and electricity as possible. Walking where possible instead of using the car. Selling stuff online. Meal planning, making sure there is no food waste. Using the airfryer as much as possible. We buy as many value and own brand items as possible. Buying 2nd hand. Utilising our freezer as much as possible. Switching contracts where possible. Not going out places for leisure activities, going to the local park instead of paying for the play garden. I only buy clothes and shoes when necessary and I will try to get them in the sales. I do surveys, which pays for Christmas. I stopped wearing make up years ago.

Make up. I only use facial moisturisers and lipstick. Will not be buying any more clothes this year, except for shoes selling at half price.

I have hardly had the heating on, changed where I shop to get cheaper products and walk more but i am not giving up my holidays.

I try my best to go out shopping less and get things in one go. The more I go out the more I spend. I also try and meal prep a few times as it encourages me to eat what I have at home. I do try and by presents through the year on sale so I don't need to buy things last minute for more.

Well you can always sail the high seas when it comes to films, tv shows, music, software, games etc. But you didn't hear that from me!

Buy/cook all your own meals (meal planning/batch cooking), including lunch for work (I eat out or buy takeaways about twice a year). Write and stick to your shopping list. Regularly check supermarket comparison sites. Avoid food waste; you're literally throwing money in the bin. Cut down on snacks and buying drinks etc. in coffee shops. Eat porridge (oats are really healthy, cost effective and filling - cook oats from scratch) instead of cereal. Reduce heating by buying a hot water bottle - great if you're sitting for long periods/warming up the bed. Commit to only buying alcoholic drinks when on offer. Dry clothes outside whenever possible. Switch to a SIM card only deal as soon as your contract is due to end (you own the phone now so don't need a costly contract - I just did this and now saving £122/year)...

With porridge put it in a slow cooker overnight. It's lovely

Just bought a 25w Samsung USB-C Charger (for relatives) from AliExpress using today's TCB Bonus, so if it all tracks well it'll effectively cost me £2.99 after cashback/discounts included.

And yes, changing to store brand is a good idea to save costs. Plus, buy when food's on discount and freeze it if possible so you'll have additional when need be to eat it.

Learning some DIY is also useful so you can do it yourself rather than look up an engineer/professional to do the same job (sometimes they're not even professionals or act professional).

It maybe worth jotting down everything your spending then you can see where you can make cuts.

I read an article recently suggesting to get cash out and everything you buy has to come out of that, no cards.

Switching every plug socket off once use appliances, limiting amount of time you use a light eg only one room for when it's too dark, switch off when out, asleep or have sunlight. Have blankets everywhere, blankets before heating and even a hot water bottle if its not too cold, switch all heating off over night when you have a quilt unless it's extra cold, limit amount of time heating comes on ect