It comes as no surprise that many of us are finding that our household bills are going up. Meanwhile, our earnings either stay the same or are going down! There will, of course, be various reasons for this including a change of circumstances, limited jobs in our area, company downscaling or less shifts on offer, jobs that offer a low income or no room for promotion.
As a result, more people in Britain must find ways to make ends meet in such difficult times. If you’re feeling the pinch a lot more than you used to, it’s time to take some action. But, what can you do? Here are some creative ways to save money in 2020 that are bound to give you some inspiration and motivation.
Image credit: Pixabay
Make your smartphone work for you
Most people these days have a smartphone, whether it’s an Android device or an iPhone of some description. It’s highly likely you’re probably reading this very article on your smartphone right now!
Did you know that you can make your smartphone work for you by helping you to save money? For example, apps such as TopCashback and QuidCo enable you to earn money on the things you buy every day. You can even earn cashback on your grocery shopping!
Apps like VoucherCloud give you details of discount codes and special offers from a plethora of High Street and online retailers. You can sometimes combine those codes and gain cashback on your purchases simultaneously.
Avoid Buying New Glasses
My friend wears corrective glasses. She has an eye test at least once a year. Her income is limited so when she needs to have the prescription changed instead of buying new frames she just has the lenses changed. Not a problem if her existing frames are in good condition as she can simply use those and have the lenses changed to the new prescription lenses. Having just new lenses will save a significant amount, and it means she doesn’t have to go through the rigmarole of finding new frames that suit her. I had no idea that was even possible until she mentioned this in a conversation recently.
Look Out for Bulk Buy Deals when Grocery Shopping
Supermarkets always have special offers on certain foods, drinks, and other products in an attempt to get customers to spend more money. But, if you’re savvy with your spending, you could save a lot of money on some wise bulk buy deals. For example, let’s say there are special offers on certain foods that you usually buy each week. You can stockpile or bulk-store them in your freezer at home. You’ll save significant sums of money in the long-term. I do this as much as possible with various items including the kids soya milk.
Image credit: Pixabay
Spread the Cost of Expensive Purchases
Last, but not least, there’s always the temptation to pay for expensive items in one go, so you don’t have any new debts. But, what that does is affect your cash flow for the month, or potentially longer. A savvy way to buy big-ticket items like kitchen appliances is to spread the cost on finance. For instance, you could take advantage of a credit card offer that charges 0% in the first year, giving you 12 months to clear off the debt with nothing extra to pay!
Meal Planning
Meal planning can be a great way to save money and reduce food waste. As a nation, we are very wasteful with food and it’s an area we can easily make positive changes. Planning meals in advance means some items can be bought in bulk and used to make various types of dishes, therefore, helping us keep costs minimal.
What tip(s) would you suggest to help other readers save money in 2020?
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I did the phone saving tip last year.
I think this years is to look around the house to what you no longer need and get it sold! I made £50 this Christmas just getting rid of some bits and bobs.
That’s a good amount to make selling unwanted items.
I have been very curious yet hesitant about those apps that help you save money on everyday purchases, but I keep hearing about them! Maybe this is the year to finally try it. Also, love that you included buying in bulk and meal planning… we buy all of our groceries in bulk and find different recipes to use everything we buy. We have saved significantly on food!
This is such a timely post. I have never been able to get into the cash back gig but I think I need to look into it. Everyone who uses it swears by it!
When we move we’re planning on doing a trip to Costco every few months to bulk stock up on things we know we use very often. I think with mobiles try not to upgrade if there’s nothing wrong with your phone and change to sim only. I’ve saved a lot of money doing this x
These are all great tips. I definitely think meal planning could save us so much money. I start of with good intentions but never seem to stick to it.
These are some great tips! I will definitely be taking advantage of these in 2020.
Meal planning can save you money. I try and do this if I can as I always over spend on food otherwise
Meal planning is going to be a big one for us next year. Will hopefully reduce the food bill as well as introducing a varied meal plan too
Meal planning is the one I really need to focus on, we waste so much food and money by not planning ahead. I also put away money each money into different accounts to cover car costs, holidays, birthdays etc.
Put a little money away each payday for holidays, birthdays and Christmas
There’s also a few apps available which earn you money by photographing your shopping receipts!
They would be handy to look into. Thanks William.
great post. January is always a tough month financially so hopefully, some of your advice will help.
It can be a hard one after Christmas. I hope you found these tips useful.
great tips we are trying to save loads this year
Good luck Gemma. I hope these help you save.