Spend Wisely
There are many ways to curb spending and they don't always mean that you have to 'go without'. Sometimes it can be as simple as looking at current suppliers and negotiating a discount or moving to a more competitive company.
For an interesting overview on saving money, here is a link to an article by Jordan who runs the ‘Personal Finance Monkey’ blog -> The 3 Best Ways To Save.
Below we will take a look at a number of simple ways that you can reduce spending on some of your everyday basics. Some of the savings can be significant, so do look closely to see where you can save.
For an interesting overview on saving money, here is a link to an article by Jordan who runs the ‘Personal Finance Monkey’ blog -> The 3 Best Ways To Save.
Below we will take a look at a number of simple ways that you can reduce spending on some of your everyday basics. Some of the savings can be significant, so do look closely to see where you can save.
Mobile Phone
Usually, the most cost effective way to own a phone is to buy a phone outright and then get a sim on PAYG (pay as you go) or with a monthly bundle of minutes/texts/data. Giffgaff is a company that provides both of these options and runs on the O2 network, so if you have a good O2 signal in your area your Giffgaff sim will work fine in your phone. They have a number of available monthly bundles, which they call goody bags, starting at £6 and going up to £35. All the bundles have unlimited calls and texts for the month with varying amounts of data depending on what you need. Something fairly unique with Giffgaff is that they have an active community of online help (rather than a call centre). If you take part in this community you can also earn money by helping others. The amounts are not huge, but it's fairly easy to earn enough to pay for your mobile use if you are a fairly light user. If you click on the 'giffgaff' banner below it will take you to the Giffgaff website and also give you some free credit when you sign up*.
Usually, the most cost effective way to own a phone is to buy a phone outright and then get a sim on PAYG (pay as you go) or with a monthly bundle of minutes/texts/data. Giffgaff is a company that provides both of these options and runs on the O2 network, so if you have a good O2 signal in your area your Giffgaff sim will work fine in your phone. They have a number of available monthly bundles, which they call goody bags, starting at £6 and going up to £35. All the bundles have unlimited calls and texts for the month with varying amounts of data depending on what you need. Something fairly unique with Giffgaff is that they have an active community of online help (rather than a call centre). If you take part in this community you can also earn money by helping others. The amounts are not huge, but it's fairly easy to earn enough to pay for your mobile use if you are a fairly light user. If you click on the 'giffgaff' banner below it will take you to the Giffgaff website and also give you some free credit when you sign up*.
Phone and Broadband
There can also be big variations in price for phone and broadband supply. Although Plusnet is owned by BT, it is often considerably less expensive than the equivalent BT packages. If you click on the 'plusnet' link below you will be taken to their website and will be able to sign up from there if you find a package that meets your needs*.
There can also be big variations in price for phone and broadband supply. Although Plusnet is owned by BT, it is often considerably less expensive than the equivalent BT packages. If you click on the 'plusnet' link below you will be taken to their website and will be able to sign up from there if you find a package that meets your needs*.
Credit Cards
Credit cards can be useful as they have certain benefits over other means of payment, including more protection should a purchase go wrong (section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act). However, you should always aim to pay off the total amount when you get your bill, as the interest rates on credit cards can usually be quite high - often 20%-30%. Some of the newer credit cards are starting to offer additional benefits, and one such card from Tymit, offers an interest free option for up to 3 months, clear and transparent costs, no fees when used abroad and instant notifications via a smart phone app. If you click on the link below and use the code STEPHS8499 you will receive £15 credit once you have made your first purchase. *
Credit cards can be useful as they have certain benefits over other means of payment, including more protection should a purchase go wrong (section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act). However, you should always aim to pay off the total amount when you get your bill, as the interest rates on credit cards can usually be quite high - often 20%-30%. Some of the newer credit cards are starting to offer additional benefits, and one such card from Tymit, offers an interest free option for up to 3 months, clear and transparent costs, no fees when used abroad and instant notifications via a smart phone app. If you click on the link below and use the code STEPHS8499 you will receive £15 credit once you have made your first purchase. *
Cashback Sites
There are many different cashback sites that will pay you if you purchase items or services through them. Essentially they are earning a referral bonus when you shop through their site and some of this is then passed on to you. If you are purchasing items or services that you will be buying anyway, then purchasing through a cashback site will ultimately make that item or service cheaper through the cashback that you earn. One of the largest sites is Top Cashback*
There are many different cashback sites that will pay you if you purchase items or services through them. Essentially they are earning a referral bonus when you shop through their site and some of this is then passed on to you. If you are purchasing items or services that you will be buying anyway, then purchasing through a cashback site will ultimately make that item or service cheaper through the cashback that you earn. One of the largest sites is Top Cashback*
Another cashback company is Airtime Rewards. This company works through an app on your phone and by linking your credit/debit card, it will reward you by simply using that card at selected retailers. However, rather than paying you directly, Airtime Rewards sends the cashback you earn to your mobile phone credit. This can be another great way to minimise the cost of your mobile phone. You can make a start by earning £1.50 through the following link - Airtime Rewards* and using the code FHWXRB63
* On this website there are a number of referral links which will pay out a bonus to both you and Finance55 should you click on the link and subsequently sign up for the service. This is a normal marketing strategy for many companies as it gains them new customers with minimal advertising. The amounts are not that significant, but if it's available you might as well have it and any money earned by Finance55 will help go towards paying for and developing this website.