Every time I go shopping it seems that prices have gone up yet again! Whether it’s fuel, food or frocks life is just getting more and more expensive and there is very little we can do about it. So, I’ve been searching for ways to bring the cost of living down and thought it only fair to share with you ways in which others are trying to live more cheaply. Not all of the ideas below will suit everybody, but hopefully some of what follows will mean your purse is a little heavier and your bank account a little healthier. Give it a go anyway and see if your bills become a little less scary!
When shopping for food and everyday items such as toiletries and cleaning products, do a bit of research and find the cheapest supermarket or a local high street with the best value goods in the Maidstone area. Setting a budget before you go shopping might not be the best way to save money, be prudent with your expenditure, keep value for money in mind as you shop and never shop on an empty stomach!
Forego expensive basics or your favourite brand names: buy the cheapest pasta, rice, sugar, flour etc. Once incorporated into a dish or recipe you won’t notice the difference!
Don’t buy ready meals, make your own - they’re more satisfying not only because homemade food is healthier but also because you’ve made it yourself! But remember to check sell-by dates - you don't want to buy something for a specific day that has gone off by the time you come to use it!
Make room in your store cupboard and freezer and look out for special offers, 2 for 1 or bulk buying deals and reduced items that are about to go past their best before date. There’s nothing wrong with a touch of gentle hoarding in the name of economy!
Always check quantities against price as it can often be cheaper to buy a bigger packet ounce for ounce.
Keep away from the “treat” aisles. Mostly you don’t even need these and you could lose pounds by saving pounds! With that thought in mind differentiate between what you think you need - life’s little frivolities - and what you know you need – life’s essentials.
When it comes to looking good, supermarkets and high street chain stores sell cheaper skin-care products than elsewhere, some are even made in the same places as their more expensive counterparts – so don’t go for big brand names the cheaper versions will give the same results.
Spin out the time between haircuts, if your hairdresser says come back in 6 weeks book the appointment for 8 or even 10 weeks! Equally you could find a cheaper salon or look out for those that need models where you can get a new hair style at a much reduced price.
It’s always nice to have new clothes – but do you really need them? Buy a needle and cotton and a packet of clothing dye to give new life to a shirt that’s missing a button, a skirt with a torn seam or a faded pair of favourite trousers.
Our disposable society has just become indisposed! Don’t chuck stuff away, such as electronic appliances, because they’re old or out of date and if they’re broken a simple repair may be far cheaper than a replacement.
If you haven’t already got a supermarket reward card, it’s well worth getting one. Every time you spend money you make a little bit back which accumulates over time to give you money off on a regular shop. Always remember to cash in your points – you’d be amazed how many people don’t!
Use a supermarket petrol station to fill up your car (and earn points on your reward card!), they usually have the cheapest fuel! But don’t refuel until after you’ve done your shopping as you might get a money-off fuel voucher with your receipt.
So just a few suggestions for trying to save money on everyday supermarket and high street shopping. Watch out for further money saving tips around the home and out and about here at the Best of Maidstone. In the meantime if you have any great ideas on how to stretch the pound in your pocket why not post them in the box below.
Remember – shop wisely and keep value for money in mind!
Until next time
India J