| In these times of financial hardship, balancing a | | | | 8. Grocery Shopping. There are numerous ways to |
| monthly budget is not an easy thing to do. | | | | cut down the shopping bill. Shop weekly, not monthly, |
| Sometimes. we can forget the smaller aspects of our | | | | you will only buy what you need and waste less. Buy |
| monthly expenditure, and every little helps when it | | | | store brands where appropriate, and only ever bulk |
| comes to saving money. | | | | buy on non-perishables. |
| 1. Bank Account. Take a look at your bank account, | | | | 9. Cleaning Products. A significant saving can be made |
| do you pay a monthly charge for having a 'special' | | | | by exchanging some of your usual cleaning products |
| bank account, which gives you a list of extra | | | | for natural alternatives. Bicarbonate of soda makes a |
| benefits, none of which you ever use? If this is the | | | | carpet deodoriser, cleans the taps, the toilet and you |
| case, change your account and lose the standing | | | | can sprinkle it down the drain with some white |
| charge. | | | | vinegar. White spirit vinegar and water mixed |
| 2. Always check your bank statements. Numerous | | | | together in a spray bottle cleans your mirrors and |
| mistakes are made but are never noticed because | | | | any glass topped furniture. Soda crystals can be |
| people fail to check. Also, make sure you cancel a | | | | added to the detergent drawer in your washing |
| direct debit at the bank, and never rely on the | | | | machine and it helps to get stubborn stains out of |
| individual company to cancel it for you. | | | | your clothes. If you make a warm solution of soda |
| 3. Free 30 day Trials. We have all signed up for a | | | | crystals it can be used for cleaning stained cooker |
| free 30 day trial online, but please always remember | | | | tops or badly stained pans and dishes. |
| to cancel it well before the end of the trial. You | | | | 10. Delivery Costs. When shopping online only ever |
| might find when you are checking your bank | | | | use sites that offer free delivery. |
| statements that you are paying every month for | | | | 11. Library. Make good use of your local library, not |
| something you thought was free! | | | | just for borrowing your books, but most libraries |
| 4. Store Cards. Do not fall into the trap of using store | | | | offer a free internet service. Try to always get your |
| cards, unless you can afford to pay the balance off | | | | books back on time to save paying the fine. |
| in full. The interest and late payment fees are | | | | 12. Stamps. Always buy 2nd Class stamps and post |
| atrocious. | | | | your letters a day earlier. |
| 5. Gym Membership. If you only go to the gym once | | | | 13. Home Delivery. Take advantage of free home |
| in a blue moon, cancel your membership. Go outside | | | | delivery for your grocery shopping, you are saving |
| and exercise in the fresh air, its free. | | | | the cost of your petrol and the parking charges. |
| 6. Car Wash. Whenever possible wash your car | | | | 14. Parking. Set the time that your parking ticket runs |
| yourself, it not only saves money, but you are | | | | out into your mobile as an alarm setting, then you will |
| getting more of that outside exercise!. | | | | never have to pay a parking fine. |
| 7. Take Away Food. Save your money by cutting | | | | I sincerely hope that some of these suggestions |
| down on take away food. It really is so much | | | | have been helpful to you. If you would like some |
| cheaper and healthier in some cases, to cook your | | | | more useful tips, please check out my website. |
| own meals. | | | | Thank you. Sue Ryan. |