Money's tight - any suggestions?

[zgma]

We're living on a small income, and money is getting tighter and tighter. We're finding we have to cut out some of our expenses. Any creative ideas of how to save money here and there? We'll be looking closely at our spending, but I thought I'd tap into your creativity...

[natalie_1982]

This is the best thing I could think of...... I don't spend any 20p's ever. And the end of the day I empty my man's pockets/ wallet of his 20p's aswell. They build up quite quickly and before you know it there's quite a few pounds there. But if you're talking, hundreds of pounds saving then I don't know. If you find out then tell me!

[Thistle]

Visit the freebie sites on the internet.lots of samples etc for nothing .and collect coupons (no need to buy the advertised product) which will be deducted from shopping bills (up to �3 at a time) in Asda and Tesco. Surprising how these mount up.

[dodgyshirt]

I have just saved my in-laws who are both in their 80`s over �100 per annum which on their small usage represents a 33% saving on their gas/electric by transferring to Powergen on-line.Use this site to assess yours :- http://www.uswitch.com

[robunibumuk]

when your brushing your teeth turn the tap off unless you need to rinse your brush. when driving your car, drive with the windows up cause having the windows down wastes petrol. have a copper jar.

[JB]

Vary where you buy food. When I was on a pretty tight budget, I couldn't afford to buy everything in one shop - KwikSave/Aldi etc for tinned food/dried stuff, market for fruit and veg, Somerfield/Tesco for meat (depending on what was on offer!) and Iceland for any frozen stuff. Takes more time but does cost less.

[Hammer]

As well as your gas & electricity, move your phone calls to a diferent company. If you have credit, get a cheap introductory offer. Move your bank account to one paying higher interest (Halifax?). It all adds up...

[ianess]

Lots of good advice so far. You could also consider local markets, boot sales and charity shops for good quality stuff, especially if you live near a university town. What students get rid of is incredible value as fashions change so quickly.