46. Shop online: Things are usually cheaper online, with retailers being able to offer better deals due to lower overheads.
47. Get cashback on your shopping: Earn extra money by doing your online shopping through a cashback site like http://www.froggybank.co.uk.
48. Plan and save: Plan your meals for the week, make a shopping list and stick to it. You will be surprised how much money you save at the till.
49. Shop wise: Don’t be a food snob, consider trying supermarket own brand goods. The difference is often just in the packaging.
50. Buy seasonal: Try to buy fruit and vegetables that are in season. These are far cheaper than the out of season ones that have to be flown in from abroad.
51. Stop buying expensive sandwiches: Instead of buying from a shop, take a packed lunch. This will save not only on money, but your sandwich will not be full of additives and preservatives. You may cut down on calories as well!
52. Green fingers: Try growing your own vegetables and fruit. Even if you don’t have a large garden you can use pots or tubs, or even window boxes.
53. Cheaper prices: Beat the supermarkets and start shopping at markets; the markets have lower margins, and so the prices should be lower. Or buy direct from farm shops for cheaper fresher produce.
54. Cook more: Shop bought ready meals are expensive and won’t be as tasty. Remember to freeze any leftovers.
55. Save money: Don’t fall for the marketing hype of bottled water brands. Britain has among the cleanest tap water in the world and is perfectly safe to drink. Alternatively filter your own. Bottled water is ridiculously costly.
56. Shop midweek: It is cheaper to shop for groceries online through the week rather than at weekends.
57. Bargain hunt: Wait for the sales to buy large goods or try haggling. Offer to pay by cash for a lower price, as credit card firms charge retailers a fee for every transaction.
58. Own brand: Don’t buy brand name medicines. Opt for the supermarkets and chemists own brand labels, they are so much cheaper.
59. Shop around for specs: Have your eyes tested at an optician, and then take your prescription along to your local supermarket to buy your glasses. They generally don’t sell pricey designer frames, but who cares?
60. Contact lenses: As with most things, contact lenses are cheaper online. Some of the major supermarkets also sell them for a lot less than the High Street price.
61. Check dates: When shopping in supermarkets buy items that are going out of date today – they should be cheaper and you can freeze them.
62. Sales: Buy next year’s Christmas gifts and cards in this year’s Boxing Day sales.
63. Spread the cost: Spread the cost of Christmas by buying a few gifts every month.
64. Ask: Don’t be afraid to ask for freebies – beauty departments in larger stores tend to be generous with free samples. You can also use freebie websites like www.freeinuk.co.uk.
65. Look for discounts: Buy your designer gear at designer outlet villages – they give large discounts on clothing and other household items.
66. Start complaining: Don’t waste your hard-earned money by not complaining. If you have purchased something that is unsatisfactory, don’t be afraid to take it back and ask for a refund.
67. Repair and save: Instead of throwing out damaged clothing, repair it instead. Don’t toss out a shirt because of a broken or missing button – sew a new one on with some closely matched thread.
68. BOGOF: Keep a lookout for Buy One Get One Free or other offers, and buy a good supply of the discount product.
69. Say no to packaging: Loose fruit and vegetables tend to be cheaper in the stores than packaged. It is also kinder on the planet if you avoid plastic.
70. How far will you go for wine?: If you’re prepared to travel, then France is a great place to stock up on cheap wine. Try to find the cheapest way of getting there. Out of season ferry companies offer bargain mid-week crossings.
71. Caution with auctions: Many people end up paying more than what things are worth in on auction websites like eBay, just to ‘win’. Set your budget and stick to it. Don’t get carried away.
