Tips to Save Money on Everyday Living

1. Shopping
Make a shopping list and only buy the things on the list. Having a list will prevent impulse buys. Also, go shopping just after having eaten. You're more likely to impulse buy when you're hungry.

2. Phone Bills
Use a pay-as-you-go mobile rather than a contract mobile if you do not use it too often. This way you will only be able to spend what you have on the phone and it will be much easier to keep track of how much you are spending.

3. Market
Go to the local market rather than supermarkets. You can get cheaper fruit and vegetables.

4. Own Brand
Consider buying supermarket own brand products. They are much cheaper than brand names.

5. Sell Your Junk
Sell anything you don't want or need on ebay or at car boot sales.

6. Coupons
Use coupons as often as possible. You can get these from newspapers, magazines, websites, etc..
Some useful websites are:
moneysavingexpert.co.uk
myvouchercodes.co.uk
ukvouchercodes.co.uk
couponwatch.co.uk
hotdealsuk.co.uk
vouchersuk.co.uk
ukdiscountcodes.co.uk
foodfreebies.co.uk
discountshoppinguk.co.uk

7. Transport
Carpools help save petrol money on the work/school run. If a location is withing walking distance then walk. If you have a bike then cycle. Even using the bus will be cheaper than driving.
If on the bus/train you pay by distance, get off one stop before your usual one (if in makes a difference in price) and walk the final distance.

8. Library
If you like to read use the library rather than buying books. There are also usually a few old books for sale for very low prices.

9. Sales
Do most of your shopping (excluding necessities) in the sales. This can save you loads. Stock up on everyday products which are on sale as long as they have a long life-span or a non-perishables.

10. Lottery
The chances of winning the lottery are very slim. If you have many friends or family members who play consider having a difference person buy the ticket each week and any winning are shared between the group.

11. Premium Bonds
If you like the thought of winning the lottery use premium bonds. You will get all the money you put into them back whenever you want and can win up to £1 million each month for as long as you keep money in them.

12. Christmas
If you family or friends buy small, pointless gifts for each other at Christmas consider doing a Secret Santa. It will make it more fun and will mean you can afford to give something useful or at least alot nicer.

13. Shop Online
There are many price comparison websites to help you find the best deals. Shopping online also saves you time. For some things buy on ebay. You can get great deals. It also prevents impulse buying.

14. Buy What You Need
Do you really need your mobile to be able to record videos, take good quality photos, Internet access, mp3 player, etc.. Only buy what you really need. If you don't have enough music to fill a 20GB mp3 player then don't buy a 20GB mp3 player.

15. Pack Your Lunch
Take a packed lunch to work rather than buying food when out.

16. Hairdressing
If you have your hair dyed at the hairdresser try dying it yourself instead. Home dying kits are much cheaper than the hairdresser and incredibly easy to use. Also, if you just want to trim your hair do it yourself (as long as you feel comfortable doing it).

17. Grow Your Own
Grow your own vegetables and herbs. Even if you don't have a garden you can still grown herbs in a window-box.

18. Don't Follow Fads
Rather than buying the must-have brand of the moment look for the best quality/value product. iPods may be the in-thing but you can buy a good quality mp3 player for much cheaper. In most cases you are paying for the brand-name.

19. Use Charity Shops
You can get some great bargains & will be helping a good cause while you're at it.

20. Drink Tap Water
As long as it's drinkable, drink tap water rather than buying bottled water. You could also buy a filter if your water is not drinkable.

21. Subscriptions
If you buy magazines regularly consider getting a subscription as this will be cheaper.

22. Buying Glasses
Retailers are pocketing (it's claimed) up to 1000% on a pair of glasses. Consider using an online discount store where you can get a pair for as little as £15.

23. Electricity
Turn off any lights you don't need. Make sure everything is turned off properly and not on standby when it's not being used. Anything that works as soon as it is plugged in, such as a phone charger, unplug when it's not being used.

24. Motoring
Use an independent garage to service your car rather than a dealership.