Money Saving Tips

[mrs_overall]

Prompted by mallyh's thread on retiring, what are your favourite money saving tips?
My best one is to use the comparison websites to find the best deals but DO NOT buy from them. Once you have made your selection, go to the website of the company you have chosen and buy through them. I saved another £30 on my car insurance by doing this.

[Old_Geezer]

I thought they claimed that it was they who got the better deal to pass on to you. Surprised better ones are on offer. Makes one wonder if direct dealing with any insurer would achieve a better result.

Anyway in today's commercial climate the main thing is not to be a nice guy and stick with those who were good in the past. No one cares about customer relationships these days and loyalty is seen as something suckers who ask to be screwed, do.

[mrs_overall]

OG, trust me, I have done this with my house insurance and car insurance for the past few years and made tremendous savings

[sunny-dave]

Save water & soap - always shower with a friend :)

[Sqad]

dave.....LOL......of the opposite sex?

[mrs_overall]

sqad I would have said yes to dave showering with the opposite sex at one time....but having seen his holiday snaps of the inside of gents public toilets I am now no longer sure......

[Sqad]

\\\\inside of gents public toilets \\\

Are we talking about the same use of the word "shower?"...;-)

[mrs_overall]

sqad, I never mentioned the word "golden".....

[mrs_overall]

Bloody typical. I start a serious post and it ends up at gutter level almost immediately!

[hc4361]

I find it better value to buy through a cash back site such as Quidco and TopCashBack., but don't forget some companies such as Direct Line don't use comparison sites.

[sunny-dave]

Seriously though folks ...

... to save money "Shop at Aldi"

You won't recognise the brands, the checkout system is different (better), the stores are small (better) - but try it for a few weeks.

It is seriously cheap, the fresh fruit/veg/meat is great and I rarely cross the threshold of a MorriTesBury's these days.

[society]

"No one cares about customer relationships these days and loyalty is seen as something suckers who ask to be screwed, do. "

OG, this is so true. Everywhere it's the same.
What I've noticed though, customer service online is a tad bit better.

[TheOtherHalf]

Weve just got a car quote of £159 through Direct Line compared to our current cover due for renewal at £279 with Insurance Brokers who are supposed to find you the best deals !!
I agree with you all the way Mrs O. Im always trying to save wherever I can. We have also done this for hotel booking. Go straight to the hotel website and phone them to get the best deal

[joggerjayne]

I know this is less practical if you have a family with you, but ...

When I go to see the BF (which involves a flight) I don't usually book a flight in advance.

Just turn up at the airport and buy a ticket from the airline desk for the next available flight.

By that time, they are filling the empty seats, and you can get some really cheap tickets.

[maggiebee]

As mentioned, shop at Aldi. Shop with a friend and share BOGOF items. Buy in bulk for items used regularly. Practice what you preach lol

[hc4361]

Know the prices of things you have to buy regularly so that you will recognise a genuine offer. If you can afford to, buy toilet rolls, kitchen rolls, shampoos, washing up liquids - everything you will need but won't go off - in bulk when it is on offer.

Never, ever shop when you are hungry, you will spend a lot more on goodies you wouldn't normally buy.

If your inclusive or minutes don't include 0845 or similar numbers always use this site to find a 'proper' phone number.
http://www.saynoto0870.com/

If you regularly use your oven for small amounts of food such as a pie, baked potatoes or one or two chops think about buying a cheap combi microwave. Mine was under £50 from Aldi and is much cheaper to run than the big oven.

Use Invisible Hand so that you can find goods cheaper when browsing online:
http://www.getinvisiblehand.com/

If you buy a magazine regularly a subscription will be cheaper.

[joggerjayne]

Triggy, that was one of the funniest things I've seen in ages.

Wasn't he scanning all sorts of thing, and just pressing "loose onions".

LOL

[boxtops]

keep all those money-off vouchers in magazines and which come through the door (but only use them if you were going to buy those things anyway) - join the Seniors discounts site - make use of special rates for haircuts, dinners, etc for senior persons. Get a senior railcard, get a senior coach pass.

[society]

Only buy what you need, not what you want, and try not to impulsive buy.

[sandyRoe]

If you're buying heating oil and and you ask the price of,say, 600lts, and they quote the cost, ask, 'Is that the lowest you can do?' They'll usually come down a little more.