Still feeling the pinch? Many of us are, but as spring approaches and the sun starts to shine things are looking up. To celebrate, we’ve come up with ten top recession-beating ideas to help you save for that all important summer break.
From travel tips to beauty treats, read on to become the ultimate savvy shopper...
1. Be discount conscious
A quick internet search is guaranteed to reveal the latest offers and vouchers to save you money. Check dedicated sites like MoneySavingExpert as well as registering for offers from your favourite brands.
2. Spend your rewards
According to the International Consumer Loyalty programme, up to a quarter of cardholders never get round to redeeming the points they tot up on reward cards; make sure you spend yours!
3. Give something back when you buy
Charities need support now more than ever. So if you are planning on making a purchase then why not give something back in the process? We like the RNLIShop where you’ll find lovely spring products, nautically-inspired to reflect its long standing links to coastal communities across the UK.
4. Supermarket sense
Have you considered using a cheaper supermarket or why not try your local market? Always full of bargains and you can often haggle down prices.
5. Cut back
Book your next trim on a model night, you could pay as little as £5 if you’re willing to let a junior hairdresser cut your hair.
6. Wonderful world of the web
Delve into the world of Gumtree and Ebay and see who is getting rid of the things you want, it’s nearly always cheaper than the high street.
7. Sale savoir-faire
Hold on to your purse strings and wait for the sale. Everything from computers to cars and clothes to conditioner will be on sale sooner than you think.
8. Pause for thought
A bit of shopping psychology - waiting works. If you’re going to buy something which isn't a necessity, see if you can persuade yourself to wait a few days before making the purchase. The time in between often means you’ll find a cheaper alternative or decide you actually don't need or want it.
9. Travel
Whether you’ll be vacationing or staycationing this year, a holiday is important down time and not to be missed if possible. Make it more affordable by staying in an apartment rather than a hotel. Or go one step further and check out a home-exchange site such as Homelink.
10. Car
Try some obvious cost cutting ideas like using your car less, combining short trips or walking rather than driving. And when it comes to work, have you thought about car sharing? Some employers offer incentives for staff or look at national ones like Liftshare.
