If you’re a parent, you’ll know all too well that children don’t come cheap. Providing them with everything they could ever need, want or wish for comes at a price. Even if you’re in a comfortable financial situation, you probably wouldn’t say no to a bit of extra cash at the end of the month. If you’re looking for simple ways to turn pennies into pounds, you’ve come to the right place.
Switch your energy provider
Have you been with the same energy company for years, or has a promotional tariff recently run out? If you haven’t switched provider in a while, or your energy bills are rising month on month, it may be time to see what else is out there. Many of us assume that it’s a hassle to get new quotes and change provider, but it’s never been easier thanks to the Internet. Now, you can log on, enter some details and get the latest prices and offers from a host of different companies within seconds. You can access dedicated sites that are great for energy comparison and see if you could save by changing to a different provider. You may find that one firm has got a brilliant incentive for new clients or you may see a special offer from your current provider, which you weren’t aware of. Once you’ve got the information in front of you, you can make a decision. If you’re not sure whether to switch or not, call your current company and ask them if they can beat the deals you’ve found online.
Don’t renew or upgrade automatically
If you’ve got an insurance policy that is due for renewal, or your phone contract is coming to an end, resist the temptation to just renew or upgrade automatically. As competition is so fierce, many companies offer the best deals to new customers. This means that it’s worth seeing if you could get a better price for your home, pet, travel, car or contents insurance or a great package from a different phone network. You can compare prices online or make a few calls and see what you can get for your money.
Do your grocery shop online
Are you one of those people who goes to the supermarket armed with a list and comes back with a trolley full of additional items? If so, you may benefit from shopping online. When you go to the shop, especially with kids, it’s very easy to get carried away and end up throwing a load of extra products into your basket. If you’re keen to cut down on spending, write a list, fire up your tablet or laptop, and work your way through it. Shopping online is quick, it’s convenient, you don’t have to worry about traffic or entertaining the children, and it gives you a running total. This makes it much easier to stick to a budget.
Take advantage of vouchers, discount codes, and sales
Whether you’re planning to treat the kids to a day out, you’re shopping for new uniforms for the next school year or you’re buying outfits for your summer holiday, it’s hugely beneficial to look for vouchers and discount codes before you buy. There’s a huge range of offers out there, and you could save a fortune. If you’re going to the cinema or a water park, you want to go out for dinner, or you’re looking to book a last minute holiday, search online for sales and offers. If you sign up to discount websites, you’ll get regular emails with details of the best deals. If you can save 10 or 20 percent on your uniform shop, or you can get a free ticket to an amusement park or free main meals for the kids, your pennies will stretch a lot further. If you tend to shop at the same stores or you have a favourite restaurant, it’s also worth signing up to their mailing list and following their social media accounts, as this will ensure that you know all about the latest promotions.
If you’d like to have more disposable income, you’re definitely not alone. With the summer holidays approaching, it’s a great time to see if you could maximise your household budget and make your money go further. Use the Internet to compare energy and insurance providers, look around for better deals on your mobile phone and broadband, do your grocery shop online, and keep an eye out for sales and promotions on days out, activities, clothing, footwear, and food.
