10 Money Saving Tips for Scottish Residents
At Trust Deed Scotland we are always thinking of ways to help you save money. Try applying each of these money saving tips to your life and see how much you can save.
- Switch Bank Account
A lot of people stay with the same bank their whole lives but why is that? A bank account is the same as a TV package or mobile phone contract. If you aren’t being offered good perks and service, then you can shop around and change to a better deal. Look for an account offering a period of higher interest or a cash incentive if you switch to them.
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- Change Energy Provider
The tariffs energy providers have can vary by a large margin and it’s important to compare the prices for gas and electricity at each company. You may find one company offering a deal if you take both types of fuel with them or you may find using one company for gas and another for electricity works out better for you. Remember, the cheapest tariffs are available to customers who pay via direct debit. Some tariffs may offer added extras such as boiler cover but remember, the boiler cover is not actually free, it’s included in the price and you may actually pay less if you take a cheaper tariff and get boiler cover separately.
- Take Note of Energy Saving tips
Although you don’t realise, leaving electronic items on standby is not only bad for the environment, it’s costing you money each year. By turning down your thermostat by one degree, switching off lights and sockets when they’re not in use and getting cavity wall and loft insulation to cut down on heating bills, you could save a reasonable sum. Research the company you are with as certain energy providers can offer energy smart thermostats which allow you to control them even when you’re not at home. This means if you forget to turn the heating off, you can do so without having to return to your house.
- Take Lunch to Work
Most people don’t realise how much money they spend on work/school lunches each week. By preparing lunch the night before or weekly and freezing them until they are needed, you can cut down on expensive convenience foods and use your lunch hour to relax instead of waiting in a busy queue to buy something.
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- Write a Shopping List
Before going to the supermarket, check your fridge, freezer and cupboards, then write a list of what you need. If you stick to your list, you’re less likely to buy things you don’t need on impulse. Also, don’t go shopping when you’re hungry as you’re likely to buy more than you would usually!
- Avoid Fast Food and Microwave Meals
Fast food and pre-prepared meals are overpriced and usually not very good for you. Save money and eat healthier by preparing your own meals at home. For a quick and easy main meal, why not try a stir fry with rice noodles and for a lighter option, blend some vegetables together with some stock to make a quick and simple soup.
- Sell unwanted items
Do you have unused items sitting around the house gathering dust? Why not try selling them on Ebay, Gumtree or at a local car boot sale. Then, you’ll make something back for the items and every penny adds up.
See our blog for 10 reasons people enter into a Trust Deed.
- Cancel any unused memberships you have.
This may seem like an obvious thing to do but you’d be surprised how many people forget about magazine subscriptions, online subscriptions or clubs they are members of. Maybe you keep meaning to go to the gym but you don’t have time just now. Don’t pay for services you don’t use, you can always set up a direct debit at a later time that suits you better so you’ll actually use it.
For more advice, see the Debt Advice Scotland FAQs page.
- Shop for Christmas presents in December/January sales.
Everyone knows there are large sales in January but not everyone is aware that many shops actually start their sales on Boxing Day. Use this opportunity to snap up bargains for the following Christmas. With discounts of up to 70% off, you could save yourself a small fortune and save yourself the stress of rushing to get ready for Christmas closer to the time.
- Set up Direct Debits for Regular Payments
A lot of the time you pay an extra charge each month if you don’t pay by direct debit, so make sure your mobile phone bill, gas, electricity and other regular payments are set up as direct debits. This also means you won’t accidentally miss a payment and get a late payment charge.
For tailored, professional advice contact Trust Deed Scotland today to see how we could help you get your finances back on track.