Small changes in your day-to-day life could save you bigger sums of cash, especially if you do several of them.
Computers are undoubtedly an essential, yet expensive, part of modern living and keeping your laptop or device in tip-top shape could save you hundreds of pounds.
Even changing the font on your documents could make your printer ink cartridges last for longer.
Read on for some more tips, from putting timed locks on your online banking savings pots to resist temptations to spend, to getting an NHS prescription ‘season ticket’ to save on medications.
Speed up your computer by cleaning it up
During the lifespan of a computer, we tend to install all types of software only never to use it again.
Some of that may be running in the background and causing your computer to slow to a crawl.
If you use Windows, you can access your list of programs by finding Programs & Features in the Control Panel.
Click “Uninstall” to remove the programs you no longer use. Mac users should open Applications and click and drag any programs they don’t use to the Trash icon.
Brick by brick
Brickit is an app that scans any jumble of bricks, identifies every piece in it, gives you ideas what to build with them and lets you share the things you make with other enthusiasts.
The app has meticulous instructions that show you the exact location of each piece you’ll need. Brickit is free and has some paid Pro features and it is available via both iOS and Android. Just scatter your bricks on a table and take a photo. Find out more at brickit. application
Put timed locks on banking pots
Virtual banks often allow for savings pots to be locked and only accessible on certain dates. Having the visual lock on display can help prevent the temptation of taking cash out on a frequent basis.
Turn containers upside down
After opening containers of foods like cottage cheese, yogurt, salsa, and spaghetti sauce, store them upside down in the refrigerator.
By inverting the container, it creates a vacuum effect that slows the growth of food-spoiling bacteria. Boom.
Childproof doors with pool noodles
Toddlers are notorious for pinching their fingers in doors. To stop this from happening, simply cut a pool noodle to the length required to fit on the door.
This will keep the door from slamming and protect little fingers in the process.
Prepay your prescriptions
More than one million people in England missed out on savings of around £40 in the 12 months leading up to this April because they didn’t buy a prescription ‘season ticket’, according to figures obtained by MoneySavingExpert.com (MSE). If you are under the age of 60 and spend a lot on NHS prescriptions, currently £9.35 a piece, it may be cheaper to buy a prepayment certificate (PPC).
For instance, under the new pricing scheme, a three-month PPC costs £30.25 and will save you money if you need more than four prescribed items in three months. While a 12-month PPC will set you back £108.10 for 12 months and it will save you money if you need more than 12 prescribed items in a year.
There are several payment options available, but those who opt for an annual certificate can pay by monthly direct debit. To buy one, visit services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/buy-prescription-prepayment-certificate/start
Change your font to save on printer ink
Wondering how you can save some printer ink and not have to purchase as many of those high-priced ink cartridges?
Printing your documents in the Garamond font will reduce your printer ink by a quarter.
Choosing the ‘draft’ print option is perfect for print jobs where the quality isn’t as important.
Be cheeky for extra ice cream
When ordering ice cream, always ask for a single scoop. However, when the server is finished, say, ‘Actually I’d like a second scoop.’ This forces them into matching the size of the first scoop, which tends to be bigger, since it was for a single cone.
Ride the bus for less
Good news for bus passengers. The fare for thousands of single bus journeys in England will be capped at £2 until the end of March. The move could save passengers an average of £2.80 per fare, according to the Department for Transport (DfT), which is behind the move.
You don’t need to do anything to get the reduced price – but not all bus services are taking part.
The flat rate cap will apply to single journeys, at any time of day. But any return trips will be charged at their usual price, so check if it may be cheaper to buy two single tickets instead of a return. The cap will also only apply to bus routes, not to coaches.
But not all bus operators are taking part in the voluntary scheme, and even those that are, may not apply the cap to every route. You can check which routes the new £2 cap will apply to on the Gov.uk website, which includes a full list of operators taking part.
Share your money-saving hacks with Kara on Instagram via @Kara.Gammell and on Twitter at @karagammell
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