Ten Ways to Save Money & Beat the Credit Crunch

Methods Most People Haven't Thought of for Economising

Oct 10, 2008

Most people know that to save cash they should cut down on fuel bills and shop more economically for food. But here are some less well known ways to reduce expenditure.

During recent times, people have become quite extravagant...because they could afford to. But with times becoming harder, economy may now be necessary. Here are ten practical ways to reduce outgoings.

Make Compost

Those who make their own compost, using fruit and vegetable peelings, scraps, tea bags, coffee grounds etc, will not have to buy it from the garden centre. One doesn't need to buy an expensive compost bin, although these are sometimes available from local councils at reduced rates. All one needs is a pile, covered with plastic to keep it warm and protect it from the elements. After a year, it will have turned into rich compost.

Make Birthday and Christmas Cards

This has become very popular, and card blanks and greetings are available in craft shops. They cost far less than shop-bought cards, are great fun for children to do (and adults) and much appreciated by recipients. They can also be very easily personalised in a way which shop bought cards cannot.

Circulate Books

One can pass books around among family and friends. Or borrow them from the library in the first place. This not only saves money; it declutters the house, and everyone gets good advice on what is worth reading.

Ask Shops for Beauty Freebies

Most department stores, especially smart ones, have beauty halls which will give away free samples. They will sometimes give free treatments too. Or one can become a cosmetic tester.

Give Furniture a New lease of Life

Instead of spending a fortune on new furniture, invest in some slipcovers; it's far cheaper and less wasteful. It also makes it possible to have a wider choice of colours and fabrics, which will coordinate well with the rest of the room.

Hire Music Instead of Buying

It is possible to hire CDs from the library these days, often very cheaply. And for those who want to buy, it is always best to listen to music before one actually buys it. In the pst many people ended up with music that they did not actually want to listen to that often; this should not happen now.

Buy Travel Tickets in Advance

Train tickets bought in advance are often far cheaper than those bought at the station on the day of travel. This can sometimes apply to bus tickets too; it is always worth checking. And in most cases buying air tickets as far in advance as possible is the most economical way to do things.

Mend and Alter Clothes

It's not necessary to start any major sewing projects. Laddered tights can be worn under trousers, old T-shirts can be tie-dyed, and dresses can be turned into fashionable tunics. It's a lot of fun, and very easy.

Make Pet Beds

These can be made from old duvets, cut into sections and stitched around the edges. The dog and cat will love them, and they can be the made the appropriate size for the breed. And again, the colours can be chosen to coordinate with the room.

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The copyright of the article Ten Ways to Save Money & Beat the Credit Crunch in Family Budgeting is owned by Helen Krasner. Permission to republish Ten Ways to Save Money & Beat the Credit Crunch in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.