Winter is always a time that’s financially tricky. Once you’ve navigated the bombshell that is Christmas, there’s the self-assessment deadline, and a hundred other minor bills that you’d forgotten about.
If you’ve got a summer break planned, or there’s some other expense looming in the middle of the year, it’s best to think about how you can save now. That way, you can eliminate all of those smaller fees, and give yourself the best possible chance of saving enough to meet your goals.
Let’s take a look at a few money-saving tips that, in the long-run, might make the difference.
Delivery Fees
If you can afford to wait for a few days extra, it might be that you can save on the cost of actually getting your purchases to your front door. If you’re within easy driving distance of the product in question, you might cut out delivery fees altogether by picking it up from the shop.
Subscriptions
Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Disney+. They can all add up, especially if you’re the only one using them, and especially if you’re only watching a handful of shows. Take the time to review your spending on streaming services, and look at how much it adds up to over a few months.
Off-season clothes shopping
Buying your clothes in a seasonal clearance sale will help you to save a significant amount – if you can bear the wait to have the chance to wear them. During winter, retailers are desperate to shift their summer clothes – and vice versa.
Carpool
If you’re going to the same place with the same people, then share the burden. Either alternate driving duties, or get the taxi to pick everyone up. As well as reducing the amount you spend, this is also the more environmentally-friendly option.
Look for online retailers
It might be that you can save a great deal by shopping online, perhaps at a retailer you hadn’t yet encountered. For example, you might buy tyres online and fit them yourself for a fraction of the price – provided that you’ve got at least a little bit of skill in the garage.
Write a Shopping List
If you’re acting on impulse while you trundle around the supermarket, then the chances are good that you’ll pick up items that you wouldn’t otherwise have bought. Make a list ahead of time and stick to it, instead.
Review your spending while eating out
If you’re making frequent trips to restaurants and pubs, then the chances are that you’re spending quite a lot without realising it. This isn’t to say that you should forgo the pub; just make a point of checking your spending.
