Shop for less. Here’s how

When you’re trying to change your spending habits, a few small changes can make a huge difference. Here are some tips – what are yours?

Grocery shopping

• Never underestimate the power of a list! Making a meal plan and cooking in bulk isn’t an option for everyone, but if you have the time and the freezer space it’s a great way to save money and cut down on food waste. Plan your meals – including snacks! – in advance for a week or a fortnight, make a list of everything you’ll need, and use online codes and coupons, bots and comparison sites to find the best prices for the items on your list.
• Stick to your list once you get to the shops! Don’t be tempted by multi-buy deals. Unless you genuinely buy that item regularly, it’s not a bargain – it’s a waste of money. In fact, if you’re able to nab a delivery slot, doing your big shop online is an even better way to make sure you’re not tempted by unnecessary extras.
• Many supermarkets offer discounts to customers if their shopping could have been bought cheaper from certain rivals, so remember to swipe your loyalty card or register your receipt online after every supermarket shop. (Another reason to shop online – these discounts are often applied automatically if you do!)

Other shopping

• Petrol (or diesel) is pricey, so use apps or sites like petrolprices.com to find the best price.
• Coupons and codes are good for more than just grocery shopping. Download a plugin like Honey to search the internet for available codes before you make an online purchase, and have a google around for discount codes before you shop!
• Using cashback websites is a way to get a little back on money you were planning to spend anyway! This is how it works: cashback sites such as Quidco or TopCashBack offer cash rewards if you click through their website to purchase from some online retailers. Download a browser plugin to be reminded whenever cashback is available! It’s usually only a few pence at a time, but it all adds up – and for bigger purchases, like a new mobile phone or a household appliance, you can earn surprisingly generous rewards!

28 more way to save

Check out these other tips to help you spend less.

Fnally, don’t forget that the most effective way to save on spending, is to buy less. If you shop for the wrong reasons – perhaps to try to cheer yourself up – see our guide to the psychology of spending.