Rising
inflation, increases in fuel and energy prices and budget cuts on top
of existing financial pressures are driving more and more UK families to
join the ranks of the ‘money saving super savvy’ – those
voucher-wielding, bargain-hunting mums and dads whose prudent attitude
to spending has become a way of life.
MyFamilyClub.co.uk, the UK’s first website dedicated to money saving for families, has polled 6,000 of the nation’s parents and asked them to share their family’s greatest money saving tips. From buying in bulk to keeping chickens, MyFamilyClub.co.uk unveils the top-20 most popular ways our nation’s families are making savings in these times of austerity.
Founder and CEO of MyFamilyClub.co.uk Gemma Johnson, said: “Making small changes can have a surprisingly big effect on your family’s budget. Our primary aim at MyFamilyClub.co.uk is to make money saving easy for families, so on our website we have a constant supply of the best offers, free activities, deals and discounts, alongside a complete range of family-specific saving advice and guidance. We even have the only ‘best buys’ tables for the weekly shop, which shows parents where they can buy their regular products at the cheapest price.”
Top-20 money saving tips
1. Shop around. Use money saving websites, comparison sites and forums to find the best price before you buy. There are real deals to be had if you look around, from buying holidays to insurance.
2. Budget, budget, budget. Assess your income and expenditure and create a budget. That way you’ll be less likely to spend more than you can afford and more likely to stay within your means.
3. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Buy and sell secondhand on auction sites like eBay and in charity shops, and take advantage of hand me downs that are often as good as new. Remember to save the packaging from new items to give you better secondhand resale value.
4. Before you buy.… Always ask yourself, “Can I live without it? Do I really need it?” Don’t waste money on things you don't need and can easily do without.
6. Trolley dash. Do your grocery shop online so you’re less tempted to buy more than you need. If you have to shop in store, draw up a list before you get there and don’t deviate. Also, if possible, leave the children at home so you don’t end up with more in your trolley than you bargained for!
7. Buy in bulk. Stock up on offers, deals and bargains of items you use regularly. If you have a baby or toddler, take advantage of the special baby events at supermarkets where they heavily discount bulk buys on items like nappies and wipes.
8. Never pay full price. Before you buy, always look for a relevant voucher or discount code online, and use cashback sites too. And don’t forget to cut out coupons from magazines and newspapers they can be quite generous.
9. Name drop. Consider buying value brands for some items, from school uniform to nappies and wipes, you could save a fortune and you’ll never notice the difference.
10. Savvy Saver. Open a savings account and pay into it as regularly as you can. If you don’t have any spare cash try saving your weekly family allowance or child benefit. A little saved week by week will mount up in no time.
11. Credit Crunch. Try not to use credit cards. If you do have to, then make sure you pay them off as quickly as possible to avoid costly interest.
12. Know your worth. Keep a close eye on your finances so you’re in control of your funds. This way you’ll be less likely to incur bank charges. Use internet and telephone banking for quick and convenient ways to check your account status.
13. Life lessons. Teach your children the value of money by making them work for pocket money, doing household chores for example. And learn to say no sometimes, it’s a valuable life lesson for them.
14. 999. Set aside funds for an emergency situation, whether it’s for a leaking pipe or busted boiler, it’s always helpful to have something in reserve so you don’t have to rely on costly credit arrangements.
15. Forget the Joneses! Don’t feel under pressure to have what other people do. And teach your children not to worry about peer pressure either, so they don’t feel the need to have all the latest gadgets and brands.
16. Buyer Beware! Don’t buy too many expensive toys for your children, especially ones that won't last. Instead, let them use their imagination, it’s free.
17. Get more from your loyalty. Use supermarket vouchers and loyalty points against family days out instead of against your shopping. You get up to four times the value.
19. Supply and demand. Contact your broadband/TV/energy/insurance suppliers and tell them you’re thinking of leaving, they’re likely to offer you a better deal. And check your energy and utility bills and request any overpayments.
If you have a great money saving tip you would like to share with other parents, it could net you the latest Apple iPad3 and iPod Nano. To enter, just visit MyFamilyClub.co.uk before 31 May and share your top tip. (T&Cs apply please visit the website for details.)
Other blogposts you may be interested in :
some great tips!
ReplyDeleteNumber 16 is a must. My 3 year old son was given lots of fancy expensive toys by granny for his birthday, but has had more fun this week playing with empty boxes, wooden spoons and loo roll holders.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favourite websites at the moment. Their 'Kitchen' section has been really helpful to me. Meal planning and wasting food was always something I struggled with.
ReplyDelete