We’ve all been there, the moment you realise there is too much term left at the end of your student loan. Here are our top ten tips to start cutting your outgoings!
1) Start shopping later at night
Depending on the supermarket around 6 – 8pm is when reductions happen. You can pick up a bargain for meat, bread & sweet treats etc. Just stick the stuff in the freezer and just take it out when you want to eat.
2) Put on another jumper
Depending on how you pay for heating (if it’s all inclusive it doesn’t matter.) Put another jumper on instead of putting the heat on. Your bank balance will thank you!
3) Cook as a house
If you get on well as a house cook meals as a household. You’ll save money by buying bigger portions of food plus you’ll get to try other house-mates food (big bonus if they are from other cultures!)
4) Consider a sim only deal
If you’re coming to the end of your contact consider switching to a sim only deal, you’ll save a ton of cash. If you do want a new phone haggle and shop around, don’t be afraid to ask for it cheaper. If you don’t ask you don’t get!
5) Invest in a bike
Get fit and save money in the long term by saving on bus/train fares and petrol. Be sure to brush up on your cycling before you hit the road however.
6) Buy old books
Ask around at your university or look at sites such as Ebay & Amazon. You can save a hefty amount by picking up used books as opposed to shiny new ones!
7) Check out websites for freebies.
Go to websites like Gumtree.co.uk or Freecycle.org for free bits of furniture, old electronics, books, clothes and other unwanted items.
8) Go without a TV licence.
If you watch catch-up TV you do not need a licence, so BBC iPlayer, Channel 4 on Demand and ITV Player are all free to use if you are watching shows that have already been broadcast. You also do not need a licence for watching DVDs and videos or to stream Netflix and Lovefilm.
9) Recycle old mobile phones, DVDs, CDs and clothes.
Mazumamobile.com is one of many websites you can use to sell your old mobile phone. You could also put your unwanted stuff on Ebay
10) Cut out Alcohol
We left this one to last because, well, it’s the least likely to happen but nights out tend to be expensive affairs, or at least try to pre drink before you go, slightly cheaper then 😉
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