ABBA got it right, our finances need to be in order. We all know that but if we don't have the money, if our circumstances have been reduced, what do we do?
Like a lot of people, you're probably really feeling the financial pinch. It isn't much consolation to be told you're not alone - but you're not. A lot of us at the moment, need financial help. We need ways to save money.
Here in Spain, those of us relying on money transfer from the UK - such as pensioners - are several thousand Euros a year worse off than a couple of years ago - purely because of the exchange rate. On top of that is the increase in cost of living. Our financial circumstances have changed.
Along with everyone else we've had to adjust our belts. Luckily there are ways and means of smoothing it out a little. Most of us are guilty of wasting money. Here are a few ways to make sure we grab back as much of that money as we can - a financial health check if you like...
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Even a so-called 'cheap' meal for two people will probably total 20 Euros by the time you've finished drinking, paying for petrol or taxis, etc. If you have just one meal a week out, that's 1000 Euros a year. Whether bar meals, caf meals, or restaurant meals, you'll save serious money by cooking a special meal at home instead of eating out - and you'll probably find it healthier and more enjoyable as well.You'll even be able to purchase a decent bottle of plonk if you want to make it really special, and STILL save money
I'm relatively new to cooking at home, yet I know my meals are as good or better, than those we have out. If I can do it, so can you. Check out my simple recipes if you need guidance. I promise they're easy, quick, and tasty.
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We all like the convenience of one-stop shopping - but it IS expensive. Consider using your local market stall for groceries. Lower financial overheads mean lower prices. It's quite easy to save 60% on certain items on your grocery bill
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We shouldn't, but we do. Save money and save the planet - switch off those unused lights, the TV the Hi Fi. If they aren't in use, why waste money on them? Don't leave the damn things on standby - that's just money down the drain.
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Most of us are guilty of it. If you can stand it being slightly cooler, turning your central heating down by just 1 degree will save a whopping 5% on your fuel bill.... and fuel is very expensive. We're talking about serious saving here. Think what you can save if you turn it down a little further...
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Tip for saving money - Be honest about it. Most people don't really need one. For most it has a sort of 'toy' value. Do without it if you can - most calls simply aren't necessary - most can wait. If you REALLY can't do without, then ask yourself, do you really need those glitzy gizmos as part of the package?
Think about a pay-as-you go mobile phone.You can purchase a pay-as-you-go phone very cheaply and only pay for the odd call as and when you need it.
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Tip for saving money - Purchase supermarket own-brand goods - forget all about stigma, its all in the mind, save money.
I always buy home brand goods in my supermarket - including spirits. Currently I save 30% on brandy, white rum and gin. Own-brand cleaning goods are excellent value. Own-brand foodstuff is always worth a try. You'll be amazed how much money you can save on your shopping bill, try it.
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Change those energy hungry incandescent light bulbs for energy efficient lamps around the home - and your finances will light up.
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For some reason, a lot of people today have been brainwashed into thinking designer labels are what they should purchase.
Yet the majority of people don't have a clue WHO the designers of your clothes are. You'd probably have to point out where you purchased them from if you wanted them to notice - don't bother. Buy a cheaper brand and keep it to yourself.
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Do your own household repairs, and decorating - become a DIY person. Don't call in the handyman, put that shelf up yourself - you might even find you enjoy it. It's very satisfying doing that job around the home, and adds a more personal touch to the home.
If you don't know how to tackle it, take a programme at your local adult education college to improve skills to undertake those household repairs. You'll save a fortune on call outs and decorating bills.
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Tip for saving money - Don't automatically renew car insurance when it's due%u2026
You should ALWAYS ask for a new quote instead of renewing. This month (March 2009) my car insurance was due. I didn't return the phone call reminder.
On the second call from them, I explained it was too expensive, that I was looking for an alternative quote from other companies. Within minutes, their quote was reduced by just over 30% - a saving of 150 Euros ($200).
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Don't throw your food away. In Britain alone, people discard 17 million tons of food each year, a quarter of which is still quite edible.
Look very carefully, at what you're throwing away. Make soup from leftover vegetables. Make sure you only purchase sufficient perishable food whilst shopping.
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Tip for saving money - Trying to keep up appearances is an expensive hobby. If your neighbour has loads of bright shiney new things, there's a great probability they're in more financial debt than you. Even if they aren't, why bother.... Set your own trend, don't follow someone else's. Be independent and you might just find they're following you instead.
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Tip for saving money - Instead of following the crowd and eating in the bar, caf or canteen every lunchtime, go to the park with some homemade sandwiches - it's far cheaper. You can always feed the ducks afterwards. Make your own coffee or take a flask. It's cheaper and better than machine coffee.
It's the small money saving ideas you use each day that make the difference. We tend to dismiss these as insignificant. They're not. They all mount up to a great big saving.
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Tip for saving money -Get off the station or bus one stop before you usually do, and walk. You'll be fitter, save money, and feel a heck of lot better for it. You'll be in a healthier state, your finances will be heathier.
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A drink after work might be convivial, but it can be far more expensive than you admit. We all have that extra drink, stop a little longer than we intended. Set limits and be strict with yourself - or don't do it at all. Once again, you'll save money and feel much better for doing so.
Pack up smoking 20 cigarettes a day is costing you nearly 2,000 ($2800) a year. Pack it in.
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Forget about ready made meals.
Ready meals may be handy, but preparing your own fresh food is far healthier and will save a LOT of money - and it REALLY doesn't take that much longer
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Tip for saving money - Electrical and electronic equipment is far more dependable than it ever used to be. Provided you've purchased a reputable brand, you'll have no problem.
Think about how many times your freezer or TV went wrong in the last five years. Extended warranties exploit fear of the unknown, and shop assistants are quick to prey on it.. In every case that I know of where equipment has gone wrong, the amount of money paid for a warranty would have more than paid for a new piece of equipment.
My freezer is ten years old and going strong, the last freezer was 25 years old and still working. My vacuum cleaner has just packed up after nine years - the only thing to have gone wrong. The cooker, microwave and Hi Fi have more than paid for themselves.
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The Internet is increasingly taking over. Online shopping is improving all the time and there are comparison websites to help find the best prices. Try it, you'll be surprised how much you can save.
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