Saving Money Around the House.

Without Much Effort.

Frugal Friday

Here is my menu plan for this week and next week. My husband has been away this week so not only did I get some time off working, I got away with easier meals too! Monday on week 2 I am planning to top up my freezer meals. I have to do this about every 3 weeks, but so appreciate it in the time in between as it makes the evenings so much easier, especially on the days I am not in.

F = freezer meals I have previously made

SC = Slow Cooker meals

* = indicates I am cooking extra for the freezer

Day	Week One	Week Two
Sunday	Lunch: Pumpkin Soup Dinner :Roast Chicken	Lunch: Sandwiches Dinner:Pot Roast - Brisket
Monday	Faggots and Mash/peas   F	Chilli *and rice
Tuesday	Risotto                       SC	Loaded Baked  Potatoes
Wednesday	Pasta and bacon/cheese	Beef Stew  *  SC ( will make a pie too )
Thursday	Lasagne  F	Cheesy Macaroni
Friday	Egg and Homemade oven chips	Lasagne and garlic rolls  F
Saturday	Lunch: Sausages in homemade rolls  Dinner:Steak Pie mash and veg F	Lunch: Soup and rolls Dinner:Italian tuna balls and spaghetti

My motivation for writing these posts is two fold. One is because we are trying to save a little more in preparation for an extension project we are starting on our house next year. We have been saving for about five years , but it's never quite enough is it?! The second is that I really resent spending our hard earned money on products I know I can get cheaper elsewhere. The retailers have us right where they want us and I feel like fighting back. I want to choose where and what I spend my money on!

Ok rant over!

This weeks Frugal Friday is focusing on simple changes you can make around the house that can end up saving you hundreds of pounds a year. With the pace of life today , it is so easy to overlook some of the simpler things that we can do to cut back on our everyday outgoings. Each one of these tips may not seem much on their own , but tot them up over a month, a year, five years and they soon add up!  

There are so many I could choose, but here are my top 20.

• Switch your light bulbs, as they run out, to energy efficient bulbs. They cost more up front, but can save you £7 a year, per bulb in running costs. That's £60 per bulb before it needs replacing.
• Turning your thermostat down by 1 degree could save you up to £100 a year.
• Turn your radiators down or off in rooms that are not used.
• Install thermostatic radiator valves so you can control each radiator individually. Money up front that will save you money in the long run.
• Bleed your radiators regularly so they run efficiently.
• Switch appliances off standby. This can save up to £50 on your bills a year.
• Turning your washing machine to a 30 degree wash instead of a 40 or 60 degree wash and save 40 degrees of energy thus saving money.
• Get a good clothes airer and hang your clothes to dry whenever possible. Driers cost between 14p and 50p a 7kg load ( depending on size and energy rating) to use. This soon mounts up.
• Drop a brand at the supermarket and see your grocery bill go down.
• Start collecting coupons - you can cut your grocery bills by between 15 and 50%. Check out online sites - print off coupons.
• Be vigilant about how much water you use if you are on a meter- don't leave the tap running whilst brushing teeth, take shorter showers, flush only when necessary etc.
• Pay off your credit card every month to avoid interest charges.
• Make a packed lunch for work, take flasks of coffee.
• Turn off lights when you aren't in the room.
• Use a slow cooker instead of your oven.
• Learn to say no.
• Always write a shopping list and plan your menus.
• Go through your bank balance and cancel direct debit for things you don't make the most of - gym membership?!!
• Use your library.
• Stop trying to keep up with the Jones's.

                 

What tips could you add to this list?