Unfortunately living in the UK currently is becoming increasingly harder with the rise in the cost of living crisis. There are many people and families skipping meals in order to pay bills. It is disgusting and so worrying that more people are going to be in this position.
There is so much uncertainty in the air with regards to the government and the cost of living crisis. We are all feeling the need to tighten our belts and save money where we can. This is why I felt it was important to share a post about simple ways you can save money. I fully appreciate that some of these things you may not be spending money on. But, these are some things that we are all trying to help with the rise in all energy bills.
There are 12 things you can stop buying to save money:
1. Takeaways
There are so many delivery services like, Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats that make purchasing meals or groceries super convenient. However, not only have their fees and delivery prices increased, but increases your outgoings. So choosing to cook, even batch cooking more evenings than you choose to get a takeaway. This will enable you to not only save money but eat healthier food.
2. Hot drinks from coffee shops
It can be a habit to visit your local Costa or Starbucks each morning or on your break, to help you get through your work day. But, even one drink a day that could average at £3/£4, adds up especially if you make more than one visit.
Yes, making a coffee at home isn’t as nice I appreciate that, but even choosing to only purchase coffees a couple of times a week can make a difference.
3. Pre-packed sandwiches, meals, sliced fruits & vegetables
I have been guilty of reaching for a Tesco sandwich meal deal or choosing pre-cut carrot batons instead of buying the carrots and cutting them myself.
However, buying pre-cut fruit and vegetables is considerably more expensive than buying those fruits and vegetables whole. For your own convenience you could cut your fruit and veg yourself, then refrigerate or freeze it all. Then they are handy to grab when you need them. It takes more time but can save you a lot of money on your food shops.
Photo by Joshua Rondeau on Unsplash
4. Sale items you don’t need it
We are all susceptible to being enticed into the sale sections in a store, online or on a subscription service. You think it is a great idea because of all the price but, if you took a few moments to really think about it, you probably don’t need it. So, when you go shopping try and stick to your shopping list. However, if something you need is in the sale section then it is a bargain!
5. Name-brand products
This is something that I learned a while ago. A lot of products are all made in the same factories, they just have different packaging. It is crazy how people are duped into spending more money solely because of a brand’s packaging. This same thing does for medicine as well. Different versions of certain medicines are exactly the same as the braded. For example: Lemsip cold & flu tablets have the exact ingredients as a supermarket brand cold and flu tablets. So, you could save yourself a few pounds by switching.
6. Gym membership
This is only applicable if you are paying for a gym membership that you are not using. You are just wasting money. However, if you are paying to go the gym but want to stop, there are plenty of YouTube videos to give you the ability to workout from home.
7. TV subscriptions
There are so many tv subscriptions like Netflix, Disney+ or Apple TV, you may only watch one particular subscription. Or you may only watch them a few times, if that is the case, choose to keep a couple and cancel others. This can save you a lot of money each month. You just have to think can I justify having all these subscriptions as well as your TV provider like Sky?
Luckily we have Netflix through Sky, so cancelled the other subscription. We are also going to be cancelling Apple TV as it is an added expense we don’t need and use.
Photo by David Švihovec on Unsplash
8. Going out to eat regularly
In no way is this post about taking all the fun out of your life. However, if you reduce the amount of times you go out for dinner or drinks each week or month, will greatly increase your money each month.
Even when I have been out for a few lunches and a few dinners during a month, I think they weren’t experience. But then I add them together and it is easy to spend. Certainly on the lead up to Christmas we have decided to reduce meals out to special occasions. As I have anniversary and my brother’s birthday, we will be going out for dinner, but going to try and opt for meals at home at least until after Christmas.
9. Bottled water
I am definitely guilty of buying bottles of flavoured water. I love flavoured water and so I spend much more than I should on water. If you buy plain bottled water, let’s say an average of £5.00 for a multipack of the big litre bottles. If you spend just £5.00 a week on water that is £260 a year. Even more if you are buying several multipacks a week. Instead, you can purchase a water filter jug that will give you great tasting water but for a fraction of the price. We have one of these jugs and it is so handy.
10. Subscription boxes
There are so many subscription boxes on the market, stationery, books, beauty, skincare, tea, coffee boxes and many more. It can be hard to resist! I love all the stationery ones, I would have them all if I could afford them. Surprises through your letterbox is perfect stationery addicts.
That being said, all subscription boxes can be expensive and frivolous when you are trying to save money. If you still want to treat yourself definitely check out cheaper alternatives. For example: FabFitFun is £39.65 per month, however you could try Beauty Pie that is only £10.00 per month.
Photo by Katie Harp on Unsplash
11. Getting your nails done
Okay, so this activity is something I do semi-regularly if I can afford it. It’s the one thing I like to buy to feel pampered. But, if I cannot afford it I will not have them done.
However, there are so many different brands that offer salon quality nail varnishes. So you could swap to those if you want to save money.
12. Car washes
It can be really tempting to utilise a car wash, especially if you take pride in your car and love it to be shiny. On the other hand, all those car washes and valets add up, so why not shop around to find the best deal. Or, use an extension cord to hoover your car’s interior. You can also use a bucket of soap, some wash cloths and towels to clean the outside of your car.
These are just some of the things you can limit purchasing or stop buying all together to help save yourself money. Other areas you could look at stopping:
- Travel-sized products
- Disposable razors
- Extending warranties on electric products
- Bank fees
I hope that this post has been helpful if you are trying to save money and reduce your outgoings. This is a really important topic especially with the increase in all our energy bills in this cost of living crisis.
You should put all that money you would have spent per month on those things but didn’t to one side. Then at the end of the month put all that money into your savings or towards your bill.
Great points👍🏻
I concur with you on the aspect of cutting cost and saving money. Poeple should leave by their means. But again, its gratifying to have all these things that you have mentioned. I firmly believe people should be financially discipline and on the other hand aggressive in making money.
Thank you for reading and commenting.
I agree — I have been trying to get better about not getting coffee out so I’ve been using my Nespresso pods instead ($1.50 a cup)!
Thank you for reading and commenting. Can you link your blog so I can have a read.
I’ve stopped a magazine subscription recently as I found I wasn’t getting round to reading them so was a waste of money.
That’s great you have managed to get rid of the subscription and saved yourself money!
I live in the states and we have also felt the effects of inflation and the rise in cost of living. Since then, I’ve given up getting my nails done, I’ve switched my cellphone carrier service to a more affordable one, and cancelled numerous tv subscriptions. I have a huge issue with eating out, take out, and paying for coffee at shops. I do it more so for convenience but I am actively working on cancelling these as well. Great post!
Well it sounds like you have made huge changes to reduce your spending. That is so good. I hope it has helped you. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I used to buy me coffee a lot of times haha. But we decided to stop that and make it at home. Although not as good, but still coffee.
It isn’t as nice but can save you a lot of money. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Yessss to all of these! Especially name brand products. Let me tell you something – I worked in many a factory where we packaged food and there is literally one difference between what you buy in Sainsburys, and the ‘off’ brand Lidl version; Packaging! Branded products are simply put into ‘nicer’ packaging and sold with an elevated price tag! Sometimes ingredients can be different but the general consistency and use are always the same.
It is crazy isn’t it! How they can do that with food packaging etc. Thank you for reading and commenting. X
I’ve done away with the drive-through coffee visits and committed to my making my own caffeinated beverages.
That’s great you have already been trying the coffee tip! Thank you for reading and commenting.
This was a really great and a thought out list. Coffee for 3 pounds is a lot. Ready-made snacks, car washes, sales, nails, gym are all great ideas to cut costs on. Cooking and eating at home is something one can always start out with. Xx
Isa A. Blogger
Glad you enjoyed this post. Thank you for reading and commenting. Xx
This is a great list! Buying sale items we don’t need – omg I am so bad for this haha I think we do forget that even if it’s “cheap”, we are still spending money! Now more than ever this post will be invaluble <3
I am glad you enjoyed this blog post. I hope this post can help you and many others. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I have always been a saver. If I want it and don’t need it, I never buy it. 😊
Savings is definitely a great hack to learn! Thank you for reading and commenting.
The way I was brought up 🌺
These are all such good ideas. I’ve definitely had a mindset shift recently when it comes to money & saving where possible. If we’re out, literally anywhere, I’d always make the excuse to stop off for a coffee and a cake, Amelia’s become accustomed to that level of boujee. Nowadays I’ll treat the girls, but I won’t get anything for myself, because like you say it all adds up. When we moved house last year too we did a big cut down on direct debits. Bar Netflix & Amazon prime everything else we have is a necessity. I really liked the nails idea too! For Christmas last year I asked for a gel nail kit. So instead of paying £20/£30 every month it’s only cost £60 for the whole almost two years. I’m not running low on anything het either too which is great. Fab post as always!
Claire.X
http://www.clairemac.co.uk
That’s great that you have found a nail kit that will work well to save money! It is great you have cut down on your direct debits. It all makes such a big difference. Thank you for reading and commenting. X
Agree with all these points, especially about buying things because they are on sale and eating out. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you for reading and commenting.
I know it wasn’t your intention … but stationery boxes? I’ve been missing out all this time! 😬 where do I get them … might have to cut something else out.
I did just change my mobile contract, saving just under £20 a month
Oh gosh! Sorry! So papergang is an Ohh Deer monthly subscription, Handmade Dorset have a journal monthly kit, Martha Brook also have one too! That’s great you were able to find a better mobile contract for £20 cheaper! Thank you for reading and commenting.
I totally agree with buying coffee out. It can add up significantly in a month. As much as I love buying coffee, I have limited myself.
It is great you have limited yourself and finding it is helping you to save money!
Yea I definitely agree with these. I never do take out I cook everything every day. On the occasional Sunday when I come back from hiking sometimes I will pick up a pizza across the street but that’s it. My friends love cooking thankfully so we have themed cooking nights :). I realized how many subscriptions to things I wasn’t using that one is so spot on. Thanks for sharing these tips!
That’s great you have found cutting back or cutting out these things have helped you. I am glad this post was enjoyable. Thank you for reading and commenting.
There are some really good reminders here; a fe of these things I need to look at and see where I can make cutbacks and save myself some money (which is much needed; especially with prices rises).
I am glad this post was helpful for you. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Thankfully we stopped doing most of these so we could stop spending so much. The only thing we need to work on is canceling some of our streaming services.
It is great you have found it has helped. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I like these suggestions. I need to stop buying coffee, but just let me have one last coffee meet up today. Haha
Ha ha! You don’t necessarily have to stop everyday. But maybe half the time would still save you money! Thank you for reading and commenting.
These are really great ideas! We stopped ordering delivery as much recently and it helped us save a lot. Additionally, I just do my nails myself because of the cost. It’s actually relaxing.
It is great you have found ways to save yourself money. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Hi Lauren. All of your advice is spot on! Like it or not, things are tough at the moment and many of us need to learn how to live on a tight budget. And all of those little but regular expenses add-up over the course of a year – so it makes a big difference if you can cut them out.
I am glad you found this post helpful. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Some really good ideas on saving money! I try as much as possible to avoid buying bottled people. You can carry your own water from home.
I am glad you found these ideas helpful. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I definitely feel that canceling subscriptions is a major way to save! Cutting back on car washes and beauty appointments is also a great way to reduce overall expenses. Ever since I got a reusable water bottle, I have not needed to buy bottled water either, which is a huge plus. Those two dollar bottles of water really do add up! <3
I am glad you have found this post helpful and that you have found changes that have helped. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I definitely don’t use Disney+ enough to justify paying £7.99 each month. I am going to cancel, there are lots of good shows on iPlayer which is completely free. Great post Lauren xx
It is great way to save money! Thank you for reading and commenting. Xx
Super interesting post! I think all of these things are totally okay every once in a while – we shouldn’t forget to live! But definitely not all the time. I stopped buying coffee from coffee shops all the time and now I just do it to treat myself maybe once or twice a month. I also get way less takeout/delivery food than before and I haven’t been broke in a while 😀 Magic haha!
Lots of love,
Krissi of the marquise diamond
https://www.themarquisediamond.de/
Absolutely, you should never deny yourself the chance to have fun. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Love this article. I’m far too frugal to spend on most of the above 🤣 but then living deep in the mountains also means most of it is unavailable anyway.
I did learn to do my own gel nails at home as it makes me happy to have manicured nails 🤣
It is great you are able to do your own gel nails. Thank you for reading and commenting.
This is a gem of a post, it’s like you were talking about me.Where do I start, the small coffee cup at work £3 -I stopped that. I had signed for gym (as you do) but realised I wasn’t going for several months, so just cancelled that…I enjoyed reading this really, thanks for sharing
It is great you have identified where you can save money. I am glad you enjoyed the post. Thank you for reading and commenting.
A great, common sense post. I stopped buying lunch and coffee at work. Packing lunch is still weird for me but it’s more enjoyable eating lunch now at work. The coffee at my work is expensive and lousy. Brewing at home is also making me happier and helping financially just a little bit.
That’s great you have found the changes you have made helpful. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Totally with you on a lot of these. We’ve cut our TV subscriptions down a lot, but by far my worst habit is buying things I don’t need in sales!
Thank you for reading and commenting. I hope this post has helped you.
So true! These things are the things our ego wants. But are not the things we need.
Thank you for reading and commenting.
These are some very practical money saving tips. I have tried most of them; over the long term they translate into saving thousands of dollars each year. making my own coffee and taking it to work saved me an average of $10 – $15 a day from Dunkin or Starbucks.
That is a huge difference in savings especially when it adds up over the year. Thank you for reading and commenting.
You are absolutely right about all these points. I follow so many of your suggestions already. It is a great way to save and have a nice bank balance. Great post my dear. 🙂
Via | https://glossnglitters.com
Thank you for reading and commenting Via! So glad you are already following a lot of these tips!
I never understand why people buy bottled water when you can get it for free out of the tap! Also it’s less sustainable buying bottled water because of the plastic etc. I need to stop buying takeaways so much, something I will try and strive to do in 2023! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
I am with you on the takeaways! I hope you manage to achieve it in 2023. I am planning to also cook more. Thank you for reading and commenting Lucy.
I know it is crazy the inflation, and cost of living, kind of scary. You have a great list here. There are some TV subscriptions I have been thinking of putting on hold.
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
Thank you for reading and commenting.
Super helpful little ways to save! Thanks for sharing!
I am glad you found this post helpful. Thank you for reading and commenting.
It’s so disappointing to see people in UK facing financial troubles. This is indeed a great post to help people. If someone abides by them, they can definitely save some money for themselves.
Thank you for reading and commenting.
Yes! To all of these, the biggest expense people don’t realize besides the daily coffee (I’m so guilty of it) is the subscriptions! Crazy how quick it adds up.
Thanks for this.
I am glad you can relate to this post. Thank you for reading and commenting.
These are great suggestions of things to stop buying. We definitely stopped doing takeaway so often & instead of once a week, it’s closer to once a month. We also shop at the discount grocery stores instead of the supermarkets & plan meals around what’s on sale that week.
Also, this is a good reminder to cancel subscriptions we don’t need or use. I have Netflix then we have Disney+ through our TV provider & that’s plenty! I also don’t subscribe to subscription boxes anymore.
It is great you have made some changes and have been saving money. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Good tips! During my old job, a colleague of mine would go out for coffee several times a day and buy sandwiches etc for lunch. She must have been spending a fortune considering it was a part time job!
Thank you for reading and commenting. I am glad you found the post good!
Great advice. We seem to lose control of DD’s. Sadly for some, I have had to also cancel my charity donations, and instead will donate to charity shops to show support. I’ve also started the process of cancelling my phone contract, realising that I don’t really care about having the latest model and then get stuck into a 2 year plan. Back to basics for me. I would love not to pay, or to have the choice to pay, for the BBC, as I rarely watch it.
It is frustrating the things we have to pay for but don’t necessarily use. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Very handy practical tips Lauren. These will definitely help reduce monthly outgo. We can probably add binge drinking in pubs to the list. Don’t want to dampen spirits here, but when times are hard, we need tough measures.
regards
That is also some great suggestions. Thank you for sharing.
🤗☺️