Four thrifty ways to save money
As we look ahead to 2022, there are many factors that might make us want to pinch the pennies. With tax rises and inflation predicted to squeeze UK living standards next year, there are many reasons you might be rethinking reaching for your bank card.
Whether you’re on top of your finances or not, our practical money-saving tips can give you an easy way to get on top of your spending this winter and beyond.
Money comparison sites
The collapse of major energy companies has unfortunately hiked up energy prices for an estimated 18 more months. It’s therefore important to make sure you’re getting the best rates available and using money comparison sites, like MoneySuperMarket and GoCompare, can be a great resource. While you’re there, you can compare the prices of other products like car insurance, broadband, subscription services and more.
Loyalty points
Many of the popular high streets, as well as smaller companies and online shops, offer loyalty rewards schemes that make it easier to save money when you spend.
Some loyalty schemes, however, offer better value for money than others. So, we’ve compiled a short list of the best ones:
Supermarket chain Tesco offers one of the best value loyalty schemes around, with a conversion rate of one point for every penny spent (the best we’ve found so far). Clubcard members have access to reduced prices on many of Tesco’s products.
Sainsbury’s Nectar scheme allows you not only to receive discounts on your groceries but also from big brands like Argos, Just Eat, Dunelm and more.
BPme is fuel company BP’s rewards scheme that allows you to earn one point for each £1 spent in-store and one point for every litre of regular fuel. You can redeem 200 points for £1 off your fuel (or shop spend).
Costco Fuel – Costco offers very low prices on fuel for its members. Membership begins at £15 a year.
Round-up your purchases
If you’re wanting to save up a little money without a lot of effort, check to see if your bank offers a round-up savings feature.
Many banks, including Lloyds and TSB, are now offering this function, whereby every time you use your debit card your purchase is rounded up to the nearest pound and the remainder put in a savings account. This is an effortless saving strategy – and the pennies quickly build up.
Cashback websites
Cashback sites, like Topcashback and Quidco, give money back to you when you click through their website and make purchases with their retail partners.
You can receive cashback on several different products and services, such as Car Insurance, mobile phones and broadband.
Many cashback sites are also free to sign up to.
