On the whole January can seem like a never ending month full
of post-Christmas blues, diets and resolutions.
January happens to be one of only 7 months in the year which
boasts 31 days or nearly 5 full weeks. What makes it unique though, is that for
the majority of people January’s pay comes early...
I made a promise to myself last year that I wouldn't be left
hunting around for that extra few pounds to buy dinner at the end of January.
However, after one to many Christmas parties my good intentions are long gone!
Here are a few of the things I have been doing to cut back
this month.
- Yellow sticker Shopping – This has become quite a big thing in our office. Everyday the local supermarket reduces certain foods which are due to run out of date that day, which you can buy and shove in the freezer! Our supermarket puts yellow stickers on everything (hence the name of this point ;)). Now, there is quite a science to this and you can never be sure on what you might find. But usually if you go about an hour or so before the shop shuts you can get yourself a bargain. Recent finds include 10p pizzas and 7p sandwiches.
- Staying away from the Sales – It might seem weird, but I have avoided the shopping centre like the plague this month. I find the sales far too tempting. To be honest though, I have found that unless you grab a bargain on the first few days after Christmas there isn’t much left. I dread to think the amount of times I have brought something just because it was on sale.
- Make use of other facilities - I rent my house so my electricity is one which needs to be topped up with a key. I hate it. One of the advantages though is that you are able to see just how much electric you are using. To save on the amount I need to top up each week I have started to make use of the electricity in other places. For example I charge my phone in the car on the way to and from work or plug the charger into my computer when at work. Also I’ve made full use of my Gym’s showers and hairdryers after a workout. I already pay for the facilities so I might as well make full use of them!
- Don’t take money to work with you – This one is fairly straightforward. I don’t take money to work so I am not tempted at lunch time to nip out and buy chocolate and naughty things. This is also an excellent way to not get tempted to stay from your healthy eating plan.
- Get walking – its 2 miles from my house to my office. It might be easier to drive in the mornings but I’ve found that even walking a couple of times a week really helps save money on petrol and makes me smash my 10k step target for the day.
- Plan – don’t waste food - If like me you have been yellow sticker shopping there is a certain amount of ‘going with the flow’ when it comes to meal planning. However, I can be smart about things. For example making enough to last for another day. My work lunches this month have consisted of soup and a roll for 4 days (half a tin each day) and then left overs for the other day. It’s pretty boring but does the job. Also the slow cooker has been a life saver!
- Returning or exchanging gifts – I brought a gift for a friend at Christmas but it was faulty so sent it back for a refund. That cheeky return was very welcome!
- Using cash back and reward cards – I am with NatWest, they are doing a thing where you can claim 1% cash back when you shop at certain places or pay using contactless. Without even thinking I have managed to save £15 over the last couple of months! I had a similar situation with my Nectar card, however I doubled these points up to spend on Christmas gifts in November.
I would be really grateful if you had any other ideas you
would like to share in the comments!
Happy budgeting!
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