Top 10 Frugal Tips

1. Get Organised
The most important thing you need to do to save on spending and therefore have extra cash is get organised about it. This means, shopping around for the best deals and planning what you need to buy. By planning what you need to buy, you can get the goods and services you need at the lowest price. An example of this is making sure all food you need is bought from the cheapest shops in good time, therefore you don't need to pop round to the local late night – and much more expensive – shop.

2. Don’t be mean
Being frugal does not mean being mean. It is quite possible to be generous to yourself and others without being wasteful.

3. Ignore adverts
Adverts and marketing work, that’s why so much money is spent on them by companies. Living frugal means switching off to adverts and spending your money in a wise and intelligent way.

4. Use the internet
Great deals are often, but not always, found on the internet. When purchasing an expensive item it is worth looking round high street shops and then once you have decided what to buy searching for the best deal online.

5. Be creative
There are lots of opportunities to cut the amount you spend. Selecting the right brands of food and drink, looking at how much you are paying for gas, electric, telephone etc. Changing your bank to an account with a better interest rate.

6. Avoid credit cards
Although credit cards have their uses for some people, on the whole they are the most expensive way of purchasing goods and services.

7. Shop smart for food
The way to reduce the amount you spend on essential items (such as food) is to buy the majority of it from lower cost supermarkets. For foods that have a very long shelf life, buy in larger quantities as this is usual the cheapest “per portion.” Make a list and stick to it. Finally, don’t go food shopping when you are hungry, eat first.

8. Shop smart for cleaning products
Vinegar is very effective at cleaning glass. It is much cheaper than glass cleaning products and when mixed half and half with water works really well. For other household cleaning products try One Pound or Dollar shops as they often sell the same products as supermarkets but at a lower price.

9. Plan for Christmas
Don’t leave your Christmas shopping until December. By shopping for Christmas throughout the year you can get great bargains as they are available. Store your purchases ready for Christmas. This can save a lot of money.

10. Check your finances
Mistakes happen all the time. Check you’re on the correct Tax code, check your pay slips and check you bank statements.