4 Simple ways to cut costs in 30 minutes
There are always ways to save money that can also save you time, are easy to do and only need a small amount of planning or research. Anyone can do it and here is our super quick guide to the best 4 tried and tested ways which could save yourself some money in less time than your lunch break.
Can you find it cheaper elsewhere?
With a little elbow grease and a little patience, 9 times out of 10 you can often find it cheaper elsewhere. Even if you do make a purchase, many high street retailers will often price match for 7 or so days after you’ve bought.
Shopping comparison and discount sites are great and will help you to find the best prices and latest deals. Make the effort to go the extra mile by looking round other shops in the area selling the item you’re looking for. Not only is this free exercise but you could save yourself a packet. There’s no harm in a little haggling on the shop floor either. As long as you’re polite, the worst the sales manager can say is ‘no’. Alternatively, if you’d rather investigate from the comfort of your own home, try calling local shops on their late night opening hours using any free landline evening minutes.
Why this works: Comparison sites specialise in finding you the best deals and cheapest items. Doing some research could help you find frequently purchased items cheaper elsewhere, and over a period of time, the pennies make the pounds!
Wait 30 minutes before you buy
Try waiting 30 minutes before you buy something you think you like, or love. If you either forget about it, or reassess whether you really need it, it most likely means you can do without. It’s a simple tactic used to help prevent extravagant, emotionally influenced purchases.
Always try and make a list of intended purchases before you go on any shopping trips. It means you won’t forget what you’ve gone out for in the first place and help keep you on track.
Why this works: The urge to get that new ipod or pair of shoes will most likely subside when you focus your mind on other things. Making and sticking to a list also focuses the mind. If it’s not on the list, it’s an impulse buy.
Pay in cash
Paying in cash rather than on plastic for day to day items means that you’ll have a better grasp of exactly how much you’ve spent and prevents any nasty surprises when your statement arrives. Work out a rough week’s budget and withdrawing your cash from the cash point at the start of the week is another option which can help you tighten your belt. Once the money for the week is gone, it’s gone.
Why this works: Paying in cash makes you physically aware of how much you’re spending on specific items. An expensive cream on a credit or debit card seems much more expensive when you hand over the cash payment and see your hard earned wages leave your hand.
Grocery shop online
It may sound frivolous, and to some lazy (!), but grocery shopping online is a great way to cut your food shopping bills. There are no treats to tempt you at checkout, none of the shopping when hungry pitfalls or impulse buys dropping into the trolley. Not only that but most online shopping facilities can save your trolley, helping you save even more time each time you buy – all you need to do is look back at your previous purchases and buy again.
Why this works: You only buy what you need and you’ll save both petrol and precious time.
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