Money saving carers
Whether we are simply trying to make ends meet or saving up for a "staycation" or post lockdown treat, our top tips from carers on saving money are worth checking out.
We opened the topic up in a Cuppa and the answers came pouring out, then we asked the same question in our Facebook community and to those who are signed up to our daily and weekly emails.
So here are our very own Money Saving Experts tips
Good finance habits
Save your loose change in a jar. An online version of save your change is available with lots of bank accounts too.
Split money for bills into a separate account - particularly good if you are paid weekly but bills go out monthly.
When phone contracts end don’t carry on paying - switch to a sim only contract.
Use a switching site like USwitch or Compare the Market when you reach the end of a contract period with your utility company (they really are low effort in comparison to how much you could save).
Websites
Not all are tried and tested by carers but discounts and money back schemes are available:
Discounts for Carers (One of our community is asking them to extend their cash back scheme to unpaid carers)
Supermarket Savings
Pop to supermarkets about an hour before they close to hunt down yellow ticket / reduced items. Look out for the section or temporary trolley where they put these.
Most supermarkets have a card scheme that might help you save points or get discount vouchers.
Making things last
When toiletries, cleaning chemicals, food in squeezy packaging is nearly finished chop open the packaging to scoop out and not waste any
Add water to the last few drops of washing up liquid, hand soap etc to use every last drop
Out and About (when we can!)
If you travel by train more than a couple of times a year consider getting a railcard
CEA Cinema pass Carers goes free
Theatre Access Passes - check with your local theatre - they may have free carers tickets
Theme parks and zoos often offer free carers entry
Tell people about your caring role
Let your energy & utility companies know you are caring for someone
If you are struggling to pay a bill let the company you owe know and let them know your caring situation
Places local to you may also offer a carer discount - don’t forget to ask
Register as a carer with your GP - you’ll get a free flu jab
Make money from your spending
Try cashback sites like TopCashBack and Quidco. Visit their website first and then click through to buy things from the websites that interest you.
Have a bank account or credit card which rewards you for spending with a cashback incentive
Just spend less
Mislay your bankers card
Make list of necessary items before descending on the shops, and keep to it.
Only go to the shops when they’re about to close.
Make list of necessities and ask a friend to shop for you.
Only buy essentials
Leave your card or cash at home if you are not going out with the intention of buying something
If you (or the person you are looking after) have more that 4 prescription items per year look into a pre-paid certificate You can pay monthly.