Some expenses are necessities that we really can’t do without, such as food, clothing, and commuting costs, but do they really need to cost as much as they do? Although each individuals daily expenses alone may be just a pound or two, it all adds up, and everyday necessities can create a large dent in the finances. Here are 10 easy tips to reducing your daily expenses to more manageable totals:
1. Ditch the Car
If you live within a few miles of your workplace, consider alternative methods of commuting. Using the car is routine for many people, and it’s this routine that prevents them from exploring other methods. Walking is completely free and can work wonders for weight management, and cycling, while there are some maintenance costs, is much less expensive than filling up the petrol tank every week. You can also try car pooling to save money.
2. Buy a Travel Card
If your commute is just too far to be reasonably undertaken by on foot or by bicycle, look into the costs of public transport. While day-to-day tickets on trains and buses can be expensive, many travel companies offer season tickets or other forms of travel cards that essentially reduce the cost for bulk buying. When you factor in the increasing cost of petrol, these travel cards can really be beneficial.
3. Eat at Home – Tips For Reducing Your Daily Expenses
Grabbing a coffee and a pastry from a coffee shop on the way to work may seem like the quickest and most convenient way to get a good breakfast, and indeed it might be, but it’s certainly not the most cost effective way. Set the alarm just 10 minutes earlier and enjoy a bowl of cereal, slice of toast, or a supermarket-bought croissant at home. It’s guaranteed to be less costly than the coffee shop branded alternatives.
4. Use the Internet
Newspapers are relatively inexpensive, so there’s no harm in purchasing one to read up on the latest news, but when it comes to magazines it’s a completely different story. Celebrity gossip magazines, for example, cost almost two pounds, and contain what can be two week old news! Internet news sites and blogs are free, giving you the latest news as and when it occurs. Using the internet for news and entertainment really is a double whammy of goodness.
5. Collect Coupons
Our cousins across the pond love coupons, but over in the UK the use of vouchers is still somewhat taboo as it’s seen as a sign of poverty. But why should it be? If you can legitimately get a product for cheaper, then it’s silly not to. Check newspapers for vouchers, look online, or even check your old food packaging before throwing it out, as some brands often include money off discounts for the next purchase.
6. Enter Loyalty Clubs
Loyalty clubs are usually free to enter, and the savings from everyday spends can really add up. Supermarkets, pharmacies, and clothing stores tend to offer these clubs, with members receiving money off vouchers for their shopping, as well as accumulating points that can be spent on a range of rewards.
7. Accept Free Samples
Many top name brands offer free samples to their customers as a way of spreading the word about a new or relaunched product. These samples can be full size, but are often miniature, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less beneficial. You may see representatives handing out free goodies on the high street, or you may find them on a brand’s website. It’s well worth checking out.
8. Make Homemade Hygiene Products
Hygiene and beauty products are costly, and often overpriced as brands know the average person will pay to look good. But some of the best products for hair and skin are actually natural ingredients you can purchase from the supermarket for a fraction of the price! For dry skin, try olive oil, and for shiny hair, coat it in honey before showering as normal.
9. Sign Up for Home Entertainment
Rather than spending the evenings in the cinema, paying out for a movie and overpriced popcorn, consider signing up to one of the many home entertainment services available in the UK. Although the films offered may not be brand new, there’s plenty to choose from, and it’s a lot more wallet-friendly.
10. Get Outdoors To Reduce Daily Expenses
If you usually spend your down time buying drinks in the pub, or paying out for activities, why not look into free alternatives? The British countryside is beautiful in the sun, and going for a walk or a picnic in your local park can be a great way to spend time with friends and family. Some National Trust venues also offer free events across the country, so keep an eye out for some great ways to save money.
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This article was written by financial blogger Paul, he enjoys spending time reading up on current affairs and giving people great tips on ways to save money.