by Siobhan Watts

Created on: October 07, 2009

There is an old saying look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves, it's very true but sometimes the mere thought of budgets, downsizing and cutting back can make you go running screaming to the nearest store for a big hefty retail fix to calm your nerves, but if you look at saving money in a positive way it can be fun and fairly addictive.

Firstly, white vinegar, bicarbonate of soda and lemons all actually work as household cleaners. White vinegar is an effective pre-wash stain remover on clothes it is also brilliant as a fabric softener (I cap in the softener dispenser). I have used it to remove lime scale off taps and shower heads, sprayed on floors and rinsed off leaves floors clean and most importantly it is really cheap.

Moving on from cleaning are the obvious tips such as turning off lights and electrical equipment when not in use. Switch off at the socket; do not leave items on standby! Energy saving light bulbs are really cheap and in the UK can be obtained for free, as can home energy surveys which can lead to free or subsidised home insulating. Look to switch your utilities providers, use cost comparison websites and work out what savings you can make and switch.

Monitor your food spending, shop once a week or bi-weekly or monthly avoid those quick trips to the store. You will only end up wasting fuel costs as well as buying more than you need. Don't take the kids if at all possible they always distract you, sneak things in and pester for extras. Write a list and stick to it and most of don't shop when hungry or in a hurry.

When at the store compare prices, go for cheaper or store own brands, stop buying pre-packed and ready meals they are expensive, not that good for you and the packaging is damaging to the environment. Prepare your meals from scratch and use a lot of vegetables and rice or pasta with rich aromatic sauces to bulk out meat. If you use a lot of an item buy in bulk or stock up if it is on special offer. Only cook what you need and avoid wastage, as for vegetable peelings etc compost them and make a start on that vegetable patch you have been thinking about for ages.

Hunt the hedgerows for edible berries and fruit to make jams and jellies, athough I hasten to add if in doubt don't pick it. Not only do I have the makings of delicious cheap plentiful jams and jellies I also have Christmas presents for family and friends. Bake more, invest in a bread maker it will pay for itself very quickly as you can make jam, pasta dough, pizza dough, cakes as well as bread.

Car pooling is another way to cut down on fuel costs, use public transport if you can or club together with other parents to do the school run, better yet walk or bike. If you don't need to use the car then don't it's as simple as that.

When it comes to clothing look on the internet for websites that sell or exchange pre-loved items, there are some great sites whereby you can hire the latest designer bag for a month or two or sites that offer discounts on first time orders. Clip and use coupons exchange with friends so you get the ones you want, don't need baby food? Then swap those for the money off shoes coupon for example.

Start small and you will see results really quickly and the quicker the results the more likely you will stick at it. It's not about being miserly, it's about defining needs versus wants and thinking before you act.

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