Beat the Credit Crunch with Floorell’s Money Saving Ideas

With the price of fuel sky rocketing, food prices increasing, rising energy bills the credit crunch is well and truly in effect. At Floorell we always try our best to save you money - that’s why we stock a full range of quality natural stone, wood and porcelain products all at factory prices (in fact they are usually up to 50% off r.r.p). But if you’re not up for a bit of DIY at the moment, but still want to save money, here’s a few tips you may find useful.

1. Payback- It’s time to be honest. How much money do your really owe? As a nation we have just enjoyed a period of ‘free spending’. Unfortunately now it’s payback time. The average credit card holder now owes an average of £ 2,000 on their credit cards. The best way to ensure a healthy financial future is to pay it back as soon as possible and to not get caught out by the interest. Keeping on top of your repayments is important, but if you can’t keep up ensure you’ve got something in place to help you cope. A low cost loan could help fight off larger interest debts and are often more cost effective than credit cards.

2. Energy bills- are you being ripped off? As well a making sure you’re not paying too much for your energy- you should also make changes to the way you use it in your home. Changing supplier is easy- go online or ring around and get the to ‘quote you happy’. It’s a competitive market out there and you can even save yourself time by switching all your suppliers to one source. That way you’ll be in control of what you’re spending with one regular bill. Other habits are hard to break - all household members should make more of an effort to switch off light switches, turn down the heating, close windows when the heating on, saving water- it’s the little things that can make a big difference.

3. Mobile - Is it really a necessity? It wasn’t that long ago that we all survived without them.  So unless you travel long distances or need it for work - ask yourself is it just more money going out unnecessarily? If you really, really can’t do without it then think about a pay-as-you option they are much cheaper and you can limit your spending.

4. Food - Did you know that 1 in every £7 spent by shoppers goes to Tescos? How often have you only gone into the supermarket for a loaf of bread and come out with bag fulls of things you didn’t really need? It happens to us all and the best way to stop it happening is to either make a list of things that you need and stick to it - don’t be tempted by BOGOF offers (unless it is on the list). Stick to the list. The list is in charge and get in and out as soon a possible. Also, you could try Internet shopping. You may have to pay for delivery but at least you’re out of temptations way and you’ll keep more of en eye on what you’re spending.

5. Remember all the little shops you used to go to before the large supermarket came to your area? Why not pay them a visit again. Local shopping is a good way to keep an eye on what your spending on each food group. For example- agree to spend just £15 a week at the butchers, or £10 a week on fruit and veg at the green grocers. Markets are also good places ot pick up bargain and you can get a lot more for your money than pre-packed, pre-washed food.

6. Have a good clear out. You’ll be amazed at what you have collected over the years. Unwanted presents, baby toys, clothes that don’t fit, old bikes - they can all be sold on eBay from the comfort of your own home. Or head down to your local car boot sale and get some cash back the old fashioned way. Not only will you feel much lighter without all the clutter around you could make a few quid as well.

7. Renewing Policies. It’s easy to just ignore renewal when they come through the door as we all know that if you pay by Direct Debit they will just be renewed automatically. But stop. Open the envelope and have a good look at what they are charging you. Then search online or pick up the phone and call around to get a better deal. There’s even companies that will do it all for you. It’s well worth it. Just imagine how much you could save on your travel insurance, car breakdown cover, household insurance, life insruance etc. Don’t be lazy, at these times every penny counts.

8. Budget yourself. if on a night out you’re used to spending £100, if you can still afford it, great, if not only take out £50 with you and leave the plastic at home. It wills top you spending more. Set yourself limits and agree not to go over it. Same goes for days out with the kids- rather than eating out - why not take a picnic and your own drinks? Look for free days out as well. Like parks, museums, galleries - all cheaper days out than Alton Towers.

9. Book your own holiday. It’s really not as hard as it sounds. All you have to do is go on-line search individually for flights, insurance, hotels and try and put together your own package. With the hefty add ons that many travel agents charge you’ll actually save your self some money.

10. Leave the car at home. Not only should you be looking to downgrade yoru car if it’s a fuel guzzler but you should also be looking at walking everywhere. Downsizing is a good way to make sure you’re not wasting money. There are loads of cost effective cars on the market that will pay for themselves in the long run. They may not look as pretty but can you really justify the amount you’re  spending on it? Walking is good (except when it’s raining), (or when you’re in rush) (or when you’ve got lots of heavy bags or high heels on). But overall it’s good for the environment, good for you, and good for your pocket as it’s absolutely free- and we like that!  So walk to work, walk to school, walk to the bus and leave your car at home.

These top money saving tips were bought to you by Floorell www.floorell.co.uk