Inflation was 6.2% in February and over 7% in April. One of the ways to combat the rising costs that could cause a dent in your finances is by reducing your cost of living,
These tips appear in various public media, online and some are also from Which Consumer Association. Here are the key summaries:-
Shopping
- Consider shopping at cheaper supermarkets – such as 1) Lidl and 2) Aldi
- Buy the supermarket’s own branded goods and products
- Shop around for more expensive items
- Join Loyalty schemes
- Write a list of items you need to buy and stick to it
- Look up higher and lower shelves – you will often find cheaper products that are not in your eye line vision.
- Check out discounted items in the late afternoon (usually perishable items)
Heating – Energy
- Like the Japanese, heat up only one room where you spend most of your time (usually lounge or kitchen/diner)
- Move your thermostat from your hallway to this room
- Turning the temperature down by just one degree can save you £80 a year
Cooking
- Electric, induction hobs are the most efficient
- Electric ceramic hobs are the next best thing
- However, gas is still cheaper than electricity, so cook on gas
Around your home
- Insulate your home
- Insulate the loft
- Install draught proofing
- Insulate hot water pipes and tanks
- Fit secondary double glazing
Driving
- Refuel at Supermarkets (generally cheapest)
- Avoid Premium unleaded
- Check your tyre pressure
- Drive within or below the speed limit
- Change gears earlier
Banking
- Review all your regular outgoings and cancel Direct Debits (or Standing Orders) for unused services