Money Saving / Cutting Costs

[Oasis1878]

So to cut a long story short... me and my girlfriend have a mortgage, we’re not on the best wages and because of a family problem now have my sister has moved in.

Because of health reasons my sister (17 yo) is currently unable to work, so we’re having to pay for everything which has obviously increased.

What are the best ways of saving money / cutting costs?

We’re able to cover the bills currently, but we obviously don’t have the spare cash we did to save up/go out for meals etc.

 

[Tramps_mate]

We were similar-ish a while back.

We went down to one car.
Cancelled sky.
Cleared some small debts.
Cancelled subscriptions.
We don't drink a lot or smoke.
Can you cancel home internet and live of of phone data?

At the time we rented so moved to a smaller cheaper house..

There's certainly ways to save. But working out the super essentials is key...

 

[Eggs]

....good luck to you Joel, hopefully better times around the corner.

 

[chrismpw]

We were similar-ish a while back.

We went down to one car.
Cancelled sky.
Cleared some small debts.
Cancelled subscriptions.
We don't drink a lot or smoke.
Can you cancel home internet and live of of phone data?

At the time we rented so moved to a smaller cheaper house..

There's certainly ways to save. But working out the super essentials is key...

Add to this, use uswitch to compare utility bills. I ditched one of the big energy companies thanks to uswitch and went to 'peoples energy' for gas and leccy. I save £30 a month not being with the national thieves.

 

[The binman chronicles]

There is usually a lot to save food shopping wise by going with own brands. Try to create a meal planner so you only buy the food that you need, using rice/pasta etc. based dishes that are cheaper for a 3/4 meals a week.

Best of luck and I hope things improve soon.

 

[aazak]

All above for sure, a few others come to mind.

Try not to buy food and drink when out - can you bring it from home?

Batch cooking, especially veggie stuff.

Can you claim back any tax etc from previous years?


Also, if you if it is short term you might be able to pause things like car insurance and tax rather than cancelling (don't want to lose hni claims history)

 

[kev]

use uswitch to compare utility bills.

usually a lot to save food shopping wise by going with own brands.

Good advice. Savings can be made not just on utility bills. Write a list of ALL your regular bills and look for improved deals eg insurance, mortgage, even your bank account. Many banks will pay you for making a switch. Worth a look at Martin Lewis site moneysavingexpert.com for further advice. Good luck.

 

[woomy]

There is usually a lot to save food shopping wise by going with own brands. Try to create a meal planner so you only buy the food that you need, using rice/pasta etc. based dishes that are cheaper for a 3/4 meals a week.

Best of luck and I hope things improve soon.

To add to this.
Meal prep. Make up big batches of stuff and throw them in the freezer.
Make a big batch of marinara, and them make that into bolognaise, add meatballs to it, make a big lasagna and so on.
Add lentils to mince to make it go to further. You will hardly know the difference.

 

[chrismpw]

Oh and - because this is GOT - sell sawdust. Loads of uses.

 

[roydo]

There is usually a lot to save food shopping wise by going with own brands. Try to create a meal planner so you only buy the food that you need, using rice/pasta etc. based dishes that are cheaper for a 3/4 meals a week.

Best of luck and I hope things improve soon.

This really.

If you remember that some of the bestist foods/meals from across the globe started life as peasants food, you can realise you can make loads of lovely stuff for a lot less cash you may normally spend on them.

Rice, pasta, some fresh fish, (granted, atm, that aint easy), cheap cuts of meat, spuds, tomatos, some cheap herbs/spices, onions, salt, and you can whip up billions of cheap as chips lovely meals. Makes the house smell smashing as well.

Perhaps if your sister is able to, suggest she tries some out?

 

[witchdoc187]

So to cut a long story short... me and my girlfriend have a mortgage, we’re not on the best wages and because of a family problem now have my sister has moved in.

Because of health reasons my sister (17 yo) is currently unable to work, so we’re having to pay for everything which has obviously increased.

What are the best ways of saving money / cutting costs?

We’re able to cover the bills currently, but we obviously don’t have the spare cash we did to save up/go out for meals etc.

Hello mate. I used to do a lot of stuff with money management feel free to pm me. I'd start by going through any direct debits that you can cancel that aren't essential. A lot of people don't even know they have subscriptions to stuff so look through your statements. Keep a record of every single penny you spend over the course of a month then go over it. I've worked with people spending £350 a month on Costa coffee. You may be surprised at where your money goes.

 

[Number_25]

I lived for two years on just supplementary teaching money (around £60 p/w) as I finished my PhD. I got evicted, and lodged. Food prep is a big one, and switching to non-branded everything.

 

[roydo]

Hello mate. I used to do a lot of stuff with money management feel free to pm me. I'd start by going through any direct debits that you can cancel that aren't essential. A lot of people don't even know they have subscriptions to stuff so look through your statements. Keep a record of every single penny you spend over the course of a month then go over it. I've worked with people spending £350 a month on Costa coffee. You may be surprised at where your money goes.

Taking a packed lunch to work will save you £100 pm. If 2 of you are working, thats £200, obvs.

 

[JimmyJeffers]

So to cut a long story short... me and my girlfriend have a mortgage, we’re not on the best wages and because of a family problem now have my sister has moved in.

Because of health reasons my sister (17 yo) is currently unable to work, so we’re having to pay for everything which has obviously increased.

What are the best ways of saving money / cutting costs?

We’re able to cover the bills currently, but we obviously don’t have the spare cash we did to save up/go out for meals etc.

Can your sister apply for PIP or any other benefits? Check https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/ for further info.
As already has been mentioned check you’re on the best energy tariffs. Contact your water provider to see if they have any schemes that may assist you.
If you have a tv license do you really need it? Notify tv licensing if you wish to cancel it.
Food planning, especially for lunch at work can save a fortune. I’d probably look at a budget planner such as this one to see if there’s spending you can cut down on.

Budgeting

Find out how to work out your budget and what to do if you’re struggling to pay your bills.

www.citizensadvice.org.uk

If you are going to miss payments to creditors, make sure you contact them to let them know and ensure that your mortgage and council tax come first.

 

[roydo]

Can your sister apply for PIP

Cant speak for UC etc, but PIPs are taking 16 weeks for a decision atm. (And thats with a Surgeon signed discharge form attached, plus meds rap sheets)