View Full Version : Any money saving tips?
metalmonkey
21-02-08, 01:21 PM
I do need to think of ways of saving money! Anyone got any tips or suggestions on how to save to some cash?
Once my cell phone contract is up I'll be looking for a cheap 18 month one, get a low rate credit card, pay up in full for insurance stuff if its loads on intrest paying montly. Eat cheap food it looks like pasta, and stuff like chile is cheap....
Oh yeah stick a lump sum in a ISA and fill it....
My car isn't too bad with fuel either, I just probally need not to race about in it!
Come so what other ideas have folks got? I need to live as cheap possiable, whilst having fun!
Blue_SV650S
21-02-08, 01:26 PM
If you are serious, you need to make a spreadsheet of weekly/monthly expenditure, highlight areas that have a large impact (or lots of ones that have small) and see if you can improve.
Do you rent or own? If you own, then consider letting a room …s
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/
:rolleyes:
dizzyblonde
21-02-08, 01:31 PM
ermmmm, stop spending it!!!!!
SoulKiss
21-02-08, 01:32 PM
ermmmm, stop spending it!!!!!
Dont but a bike for only using on the track
Dont then try and get it up to race spec
Dont crash said racebike
And as DB said, dont spend it :)
One persons cheap lifestyle is another person wealthy life style :(
I dont do much that involves spending money as I'm soooo tight its unreal.
Around the house make sure everything is switched off at the socket rather than on standby or whatever.
Make every bulb in your house an energy saving one.
Fit half flush systems on your toilets.
Always have showers instead of baths.
Quit the gym and do free exercise.
I could list loads of things to be honest, because I'm tight and dont spend money because i prefer to save lol.
I used to be of the opinion i could never live without the gym, and alot of people think like that. But go for a run instead or a bike ride. I quit the gym and that saved me £60 straight away.
But its down to the lifestyle you want to lead ultimately, and i dont have much of one :(
I work, spend time with my girlfriend, then play the xbox and ride my bike, they are my only expenditures really.
timwilky
21-02-08, 01:35 PM
Cut out the beer, take aways and fags. eat healthily and boring
Stop paying for sex and dump the expensive high maintenance girl friends
Take butties to work instead of buying lunch
Dump any posh gyms, golf clubs etc. start using municipals and leisure centres instead.
Generally, giving something up is not going to last, so replace it with a cheaper alternative.
Move credit card balances onto 0% intro offers.
dizzyblonde
21-02-08, 01:44 PM
One persons cheap lifestyle is another person wealthy life style :(
I dont do much that involves spending money as I'm soooo tight its unreal.
Around the house make sure everything is switched off at the socket rather than on standby or whatever.
Make every bulb in your house an energy saving one.
Fit half flush systems on your toilets.
Always have showers instead of baths.
Quit the gym and do free exercise.
I could list loads of things to be honest, because I'm tight and dont spend money because i prefer to save lol.
I used to be of the opinion i could never live without the gym, and alot of people think like that. But go for a run instead or a bike ride. I quit the gym and that saved me £60 straight away.
But its down to the lifestyle you want to lead ultimately, and i dont have much of one :(
I work, spend time with my girlfriend, then play the xbox and ride my bike, they are my only expenditures really.
tight Ar$$e, but that makes me one too. i very rarely drink and don't smoke neither. In fact if you use a gym, its probably cheaper to have a dog or two like me.....thats a fitness excercise in itself taking my two for walkies.
I do all housey stuff like tiling/decorating DIY myself(even if i'm still at it 12 months later). I got 2 bikes, but tis my hobby and its as expensive or as cheap as you want it to be.
I empty all change in my pockets every night into my giant pub size vodka bottle. Its very full..due for an empty and comes in handy as a doorstop. Collect 2 pound coins in those camera film pots, you get ?28 in one of them, they soon add up, its how I paid for my CBT
Fizzy Fish
21-02-08, 01:45 PM
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/
+1
Oh, and don't go racing! ;)
Kate Moss
21-02-08, 01:52 PM
Get a rich boyfriend!!
metalmonkey
21-02-08, 01:58 PM
Well I rent right now, want to buy at some point I have heard about some new houses being built that are meant to be low cost:rolleyes: so I'm hoping for that...
I don't pay for the gym, I don't smoke and don't drink alot.
I know my gap insurance will paid before the end of year, I can change my cell contract to make it cheaper, I shower any way never enough time for baths.
So with those payed off it will make things cheaper.
Track bike works out better as its a race spec, also my road bike isn't insured if I bin it on the track, I really need my road bike.
Yup need to sit down and work out what I have left after bills....Though I'm hoping to keep going on the over time as that bumps up my pay. I'm just thinking how I can save money, that is all.
Unless you're in rags, do you really need new clothes? - no. So don't buy them.
Packed lunch saves a fortune.
So do BOGOF offers. But write out a list before you go shopping and stick to it. Things are only a bargain if you were going to buy them in the first place.
If you're going to put ? in an ISA, do it before 5 April, then you can put another lot in on 6 April.
If you have a water meter don't flush the loo after a pee, it doesn't smell (much);)
Spend weekend afternoons in the public library to save on heating costs:smt042
Blue_SV650S
21-02-08, 02:09 PM
If you have a water meter don't flush the loo after a pee, it doesn't smell (much);)
Or pee in the sink ... use your mouthful of 'rinse' water after brushing your teeth to wash it down!! :D
I ought to point out, I am not on a meter so don't NEED to practice this myself, but it is a genius idea ... it also saves on slipper/shoe sole too!!! ;)
DanDare
21-02-08, 02:15 PM
I'm gonna play Devils Advocate here and tell you to go and spend and enjoy it. Life's too short to scrimp and save and you can't take it with you.
If you die in debt, you've made a profit!
No can some lend me a fiver as the CSA are after me:(
.
So do BOGOF offers. But write out a list before you go shopping and stick to it. Things are only a bargain if you were going to buy them in the first place.
+1
Planning what meals you are going to have and only buying the food you need saves loads. Write a shopping list and stick to it and don't go to the supermarket when you are hungry.
JediGoat
21-02-08, 02:25 PM
If you die in debt, you've made a profit!
:smt042
Luckypants
21-02-08, 02:25 PM
and don't go to the supermarket when you are hungry.
That is a top tip, always spend double if I'm hungry.
gemma1675
21-02-08, 03:43 PM
Cashback credit cards are free money. You put everything on there, pay it off in full each month - or as the month goes on if you prefer - and at the end of the year you get a wadge of free cash.
Supermarket loyalty card schemes are good too. We have a clubcard and used the vouchers we earnt last year to pay for our ferry crossing for this year - the vouchers are worth more on items like that than taking it off your shopping. We also invested in an Asda credit card as then we get free delivery on their internet shopping.
metalmonkey
21-02-08, 04:06 PM
Well I'll into the cash back card thing, though I need to rid of some cards as well, or I will have too many!
Well I worked out if, I do a few days/over time, well its not much but it will bump the pay up.
Yup I have tesco card nearest stores to me, so I use that! Though I don't get many points as I try to keep the food bill, low but I may as well buy everything I need there!
Just trying to think off ways off saving thats all, and what you lot have done to save cash!
Well actually I'm worth far more 6ft under as well, but use is that to me?
Blue_SV650S
21-02-08, 04:27 PM
Why don't you sell that nice pointy and get an old CG125/CB250N sh1tter or something? at 100mpg and not enough power to wear out consumables, it will cost nothing to run, insurance will be 50p (especially as you'd only need TPO).
You than pocket the remaining value of the SV into your kitty 8)
ASM-Forever
21-02-08, 04:38 PM
Why don't you sell that nice pointy and get an old CG125/CB250N sh1tter or something? at 100mpg and not enough power to wear out consumables, it will cost nothing to run, insurance will be 50p (especially as you'd only need TPO).
You than pocket the remaining value of the SV into your kitty 8)
Thats the best sugestion thus far, if he's really serious about saving.
Fit half flush systems on your toilets.
A cheaper solution than that (I just replaced an old cistern unit with a new one, so opted for the aforementionned half flush system - £20 plus the time to fit it, and a couple of tools if you don't already have them, plus £5 for the flexi-hose if yours is the old style one).
Anyway, if you want a half flush to save on your water rates, drop a house brick or 2 (gently) into the cistern, therefore it fills less before the stopc*ck, erm, stops it.
Doubt that'll save much money though, depends how often you need to go really.
Sell all your stuff that you don't really need that is worth more that ?1.
Slim your life and give everything two chances to make you money. First it goes on eBay, then the local car boot sale - then into the tip on the way home if it hasn't sold.
Oh yeah - and never be ashamed to pick up those odds of loose change you occasionally see laying in the gutter/street etc. ;)
Sell all your stuff that you don't really need that is worth more that
The things you own, end up owning you.......
The things you own, end up owning you.......
You are not a unique and precious snowflake.
You are not a unique and precious snowflake.
My name is Robert Poulson.
...also for sale at:
http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=105011
;o)
metalmonkey
21-02-08, 05:29 PM
Becasue my nice pointy is on finance so if I sold it I wouldn't see much money back from it, having sold it, paid fianace off on it and the cost of selling it. So not really an option.
As for selling stuff not used much, I mean I could sell my dive computer but whats the point? It won't raise that much, probally a praticse day, I don't have much else I don't use.
I haven't bought clothes for like over a year, last thing I bough was my beannie hat for what $5 I don't have to buy them for work one good thing about uniform!
The only bills I pay on top of rent is broadband and gas casue its a pay as you use meter I need to get that changed. My car insurance is cheap 7 years NCB this year, will have one for the bike in August.
I'm just trying to think off ways of cutting back expense, once the gap insurance is paid, phone contract changed that will save money...
Well any other ideas? Apart from selling my bike?
Becasue my nice pointy is on finance so if I sold it I wouldn't see much money back from it, having sold it, paid fianace off on it and the cost of selling it. So not really an option.
As for selling stuff not used much, I mean I could sell my dive computer but whats the point? It won't raise that much, probally a praticse day, I don't have much else I don't use.
I haven't bought clothes for like over a year, last thing I bough was my beannie hat for what $5 I don't have to buy them for work one good thing about uniform!
The only bills I pay on top of rent is broadband and gas casue its a pay as you use meter I need to get that changed. My car insurance is cheap 7 years NCB this year, will have one for the bike in August.
I'm just trying to think off ways of cutting back expense, once the gap insurance is paid, phone contract changed that will save money...
Well any other ideas? Apart from selling my bike?
Part time bar work at yourfave/local pub - that way you get to go to a pub you like & hang with your mates (kinda) and you also make some money. Cheap too as you don't buy any beer?
Blue_SV650S
21-02-08, 05:59 PM
Becasue my nice pointy is on finance so if I sold it I wouldn't see much money back from it, having sold it, paid fianace off on it and the cost of selling it. So not really an option.
Er, ok so you won't be making money directly, but you then wouldn't be paying the finance every month and could pocket that!! ;)
You don't need to use the heating either ... if you are cold, then put a jumper on!! .... do you have showers at work?? If so use their shower, saving both water and gas/lecky to heat it!! ;)
Give up coffee/tea at home, only eat cold food at home.
But to be fair dude, if we are getting this extreme already, you are not going to like what is to come when you actually start racing … the costs become obscene … over a few weeks/months, you might be able to have saved £23 on cutting back heating/fuel bills, you then have to fork out £230 on a set of tyres … for ONE day … so those sorts of savings get lost in the noise …
ermmmm, stop spending it!!!!!
Just as well I read through the thread before replying, I was going to say just that.
Inherit a property abroad and rent it out, put all proceeds into a bank in the same country and save it as your pension fund. Buy and sell motorcycles and bike spares, do odd jobs that pay well, haggle on everything - even in Tesco, buy rolling baccy with Spanish tags on the packets from a bloke your mate knows down the pub, don't drink, keep a couple of cheap girlfriends with low moral standards within short driving distance and don't get emotionally involved with either, ignore xmas, birthdays (except for your kids) mothers day, fathers day and valentines day...works for me.
Inherit a property abroad and rent it out, put all proceeds into a bank in the same country and save it as your pension fund. Buy and sell motorcycles and bike spares, do odd jobs that pay well, haggle on everything - even in Tesco, buy rolling baccy with Spanish tags on the packets from a bloke your mate knows down the pub, don't drink, keep a couple of cheap girlfriends with low moral standards within short driving distance and don't get emotionally involved with either, ignore xmas, birthdays (except for your kids) mothers day, fathers day and valentines day...works for me.
:smt057
:smt057
Beats working for a living. I'm quite enjoying this semi-retirement lark.
jimmy4237
21-02-08, 08:40 PM
Don't drink or smoke
Get a traders vehicle insurance policy covering the use of any vehicle - saves separate car and bike policies.
Make your main mode of transport a works van with free mileage allowance and diesel. Save the cash you'd normally spend on fuel for the bike and acccessories. That's how I afford to run a 2.0i 16v car... and a ZX9R
Use 2 banks, and open high interest ISA's and high interest current accounts with each bank.
Minimise spending on credit cards, use loose cash. Use cash back free credit cards if you can pay the monthly balance off in full.
Own a house - rent out a room.
Lorry drivers with a shell diesel card and a V-Power loyalty card get massive points every day they fill up at the pumps. The points at the end of the year paid for all my christmas pressies and a cracking argos bike cover.8-)8-)
Broadband - use the pay as you go 3 mobile service if you're tight.
Payt vodafone - get the family deal added, and all your mates with a vodafone number can talk to each other for free all day 24-7. Lorry drivers are the worst abusers of this cheap money saving deal:smt067:smt067 Especially if you're doing a long haul trunk, bored at 56mph and want to talk to your pals for ages.
If you rent - then find some place cheaper to live. Don't be proud, it ain't forever.
And those credit cards. CUT THEM UP!!!!!!!! I did that to mine some years ago now, YOU DO NOT NEED THEM!!!!!!!!
Instead - pay cash. If you haven't got it, don't spend it!!! Simple!!! You'll find that you will become the tightest wotsit on God's earth.
Wayluya
21-02-08, 09:05 PM
Ditch all Credit Cards. If you can't afford it now, you won't be able to afford it later either.
Do you need a Mobile phone on a contract at all? Or just a PAYG for the odd call?
Housing - can you get cheaper to rent or to run (esp. to heat).
Internet - do you need it?
No Takeaways :o........and cook your own food. from scratch (i.e. using the main ingredients that have not been processed or have had "added value" from the supermarket. Not only is it cheaper overall, it tastes better - and is more healthy).
Stop smoking (more of a note to myself that one :smt031)
And finally, the BIG secret to saving money is..........
........work more :o When working you are not only earning money but have less opportunity to spend it. The only downside is that you have to work more :mad: But it works.......
metalmonkey
21-02-08, 09:17 PM
Finding a chepaer place than I have right now in London would be a hard one to do, though will be looking at something to buy may be in the next year. Along a good train route, so that would save a small amount on fuel.
Blue things aren't that tight right now, but trying to be proactive I just worked out my outgoings and whats left after tax and bills, I would say about 50% of what I earn I never see. But I worked out in that money can can be saved off that. The student loan is really weight to be carrying around but what can u do about it?
I don't smoke, don't drink that much, hard to another job, with what I do.
As for using public transport to save fuel spend, er I don't think so. It's cheaper to use the bike as you have to pay insurance, road tax & finance anyway. Depreciation - well maybe.
Unless you kip in a shop doorway it's hard to see what else you can do:(
Bank Account / Money Management
A two tier saving system works for me. This sounds poncy, complicated and people expect you to loaded when you tell them you have two savings accounts, although I wish that was the case.
Its based on a system i read from moneysavingexpert, but its slightly simpler because it allows me instant access to any money rather than having ISAs and other multiple accounts (thats the next step im going to look at). http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/savings/which-saving-account#the
You need 3 accounts (preferably with the same bank with internet banking for instant access should it be required).
1 Current bank account
1 Standard instant access savings account (whatever interest rate)
1 High Interest savings account (preferably one that wont pay interest if you take money out).
Work out how much you need to spend each month on food, water, a roof, fuel, etc, etc all your outgoings. When you get paid leave that amount in your current account. Transfer the rest to the normal savings account.
Spend whatever you need to during the month from your current account.
If you need more for an emergency take it from the standard savings account (You should try and build this up to a level where should you need a new fluxcapaciter for your wotzit then you can take it from this account).
Anything over your "safe/emergency" level should be transfered into the high interest account at your next pay day, along with any excess in your current account. Do not withdraw anything from the high interest account, it is your long term savings, and you will not get paid interest if you do.
You will be surprised how well it works. You have a limit on what you can spend because its in different accounts and you think twice before ****ing it away on gadgets, toys and hoofdoops.
One more thing, if you have debts work on paying them off rather than saving (although try and tuck some away for contingency). This is because the borrowing rate is usually more than the interest rate your receive on savings. Which means your loans cost you less and you get some free money back on your savings eventually.
I hope that helps a little, the above works for me and has for the past year or so. It just helps you keep track of what you are spending each month.
Dan
quote of the day
If you die in debt, you've made a profit!
Save money on your laundry bills. Give your dirty shirts to Oxfam. They will wash and iron them and you can buy them back for fifty pence
Always poo at work. Not only will you save money on toilet paper, but you'll also be getting paid for it.
Here's another.
Stop going to the barbers to get your hair cut. Buy a clipper set and do it yourself. Easy peasy.
metalmonkey
22-02-08, 10:30 AM
Yeah I pay $4.50 to get my hair cut once a month but mine grows fast and its out of control at the moment:rolleyes: going have to get it cut!
Well thx for all the ideas, I think have scared myself enough now I'm gonna try to about 2-3 days extra a month at work, which should bring in extra money. But that depnds on wheter they need people to work or not, I'm hoping that I can. What has annoyed while I'm still training I don't think I can do anytime, so over time until mid March grr. I don't think there is much more I can do now, I sat and worked where I can knock money off things, change what I eat sligtly its just gonna be hard going.
Oh I found something to sell!
But to be fair dude, if we are getting this extreme already, you are not going to like what is to come when you actually start racing … the costs become obscene … over a few weeks/months, you might be able to have saved £23 on cutting back heating/fuel bills, you then have to fork out £230 on a set of tyres … for ONE day … so those sorts of savings get lost in the noise …
+1 indeed.....
My old man gave up racing purley due to funding. Admittidly it was a Single and went through 8 pistons + rings in one season, but at £90 each, it adds up.
Fuel, camping, food, drink, tyres, wet tyres, spare tools, spare parts, fuel, fuel to get to event, van/trailor etc...
IF your trying to save, going into racing without sponsorship is a REALLY bad idea.
I would LOVE to get into it, but simple funding as always means its a no no.
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