subject: Make Your Money Go Further In Five Simple Steps [print this page] Lets face it; times are tough at the moment, so its important to hold onto your hard-earned cash. The economy is in turmoil, jobs are hard to find and food prices are on the rise but there are ways to make your money go further.
Take a look at these penny-pinching tips:
Arrange a boiler service
According to the Energy Saving Trust, boilers account for around 60 per cent of a typical familys energy bills. As a result, its essential to arrange a boiler service with a reputable company and to have all other gas appliances checked. A Gas Safe Register approved engineer will make sure everythings working efficiently and could save you money in the long-run.
Rent out properties you cant sell
With the housing market at a virtual standstill, it might be wise to rent out any properties you cant sell. This will cover your mortgage and will help boost your income during the double-dip recession easing financial pressures. If you decide to let out your property, however, make sure you take out landlord insurance with a provider like Homeserve and run credit checks on all tenants.
Call your utility companies
Are you paying too much for your electricity? Perhaps your water bills are through the roof? If so, call up your utility companies and try to negotiate a deal. Find out what other companies are charging and ask them to match the lowest price available. If they wont, consider swapping accounts in search of a better offer.
Compare food prices
Food prices differ from shop-to-shop, so always do your homework. Look for buy one get one free offers and make the most of coupons if you have them. Whats more, you can also download apps such as Groupon, Google Shopper and Price Checker by Amazon as these will help you get the very best deals available. Sites like www.mysupermarket.co.uk, will also let you compare the price of products in each store and are great money-saving tools.
Walk, jog or cycle to work
Filling up your car can drain your bank balance, so why not walk or jog to work? This will get you fit and should save you money in the process. If walkings not an option, consider sharing lifts with another colleague or join a cycling scheme at work. The Government provides tax-free bikes as part of their Cycle to Work initiative and provides support for employees looking to cycle.
Moneys hard to come by, so do all you can to improve your bank balance.
