If you’re struggling to get by on your current income, want to be able to repay your debts more quickly or would like to save more money every month, these tips will help you stretch your monthly budget and make your money go further.
Wonga recently published a bumper list of money saving top tips and we want to build on those with a few handy tips of our own. So, here are our five amazing money saving tips to help you stretch your monthly budget.
- Turn down the heating
Heating is one of the most expensive household bills most of us have. This is particularly the case if you live in an older home or one that’s not very well insulated or energy efficient. However, it is possible to easily reduce those energy bills. Just turn down the heating by a couple of degrees in the winter and you’ll make a significant saving on your gas and electricity. You might have to wear another layer but that won’t cost you a thing.
- Eat less meat
These days, more and more people are choosing to eat less meat. For some, that’s an ethical choice, while for others, it’s the dawning realisation that eating too much meat is not good for you. Whatever the motivation, meat is expensive and it quickly adds up. So, introducing a meatless day once or twice a week will trim some of the fat off your grocery bill.
- Do you really need two cars?
It’s long been the done thing for every household with two or more adults to have at least two cars, but now that’s starting to change. Improving public transport and shifting behaviours with a nod towards climate change means that more families are trying to make one car do. Ridding yourself of two car payments every month and the annual insurance, road tax and car service charges will help to drive your budget the right way.
- Plan your meals for the week ahead
As boring as it might be, planning what you’re going to eat for the week and sticking to it is another sure way to slash your grocery bill. Sticking to the same old, same old, means you’ll buy only the ingredients you need in the quantities you need, and you can be sure your family will eat everything you cook.
- Use fewer disposable items
In terms of convenience, disposable items such as paper towels and household wipes are hard to beat, but when it comes to cost and the health of the planet, they’re really something you should bin. Instead of using wipes to clean the kitchen counters or paper towel to mop up spillages, just buy a cloth that you can use time and time again.
What are your top strategies for reducing your costs and stretching your monthly budget? Please share your tips with our readers in the comments below.