If the economy, the budget and your own personal finances have got you down and you’re tired of hearing that you should cut back on pub nights in order to pinch a few pennies, then read on to learn our favourite credit crunch money saving tips.

Let’s start with the easy stuff:

1.  Skip the tumble dryer: Hang your clothes to air dry. In the heat we’ve been having, even your jeans will be dry by morning!

2. School run carpool: You’re all going to the same place at the same time, right? Why not create a rota with the other parents; not only will you save money on petrol, but you’ll free up some time as well.

3. Home cooked meals: Stop buying ready-meals and dining out, instead cook dinner at home. Not only will you save money, but you’ll have healthier meals as well. Pack up any leftovers for lunch.

4. Market shopping: Get out your reusable sacks and head to the market on the weekends. You’ll eat more salad and vegetables and save money – bonus!

5. Cash-back sites: If you’re going to be shopping online then shop via a cash-back site and get some money back on your purchases.

6. Charity shops: Second-hand or charity shops can have some great bargains and not just on clothes. You can find toys, games and cheap jewellery as well. Be sure to check out the shops in the posh areas as the locals tend to donate name brand fashions and other gently used items.

…and now the not-so-easy stuff:

7. Online savings account: Many online banks offer strong interest rates on their savings accounts. Search around for a great rate and start tucking away whatever you can each month to build up a nest egg or rainy day fund.

8. Think before you buy: Not as much effort as looking for a new bank account, but skipping impulse buys might be more difficult than you think. If it’s something that you WANT and not something that you need, walk away and hold off buying the item for a month. If after a month you’re still feeling the need, make cuts elsewhere in your budget to accommodate the expense.

9. Utility providers: It’s much easier to keep paying the bills that are sent to you rather than researching new utility providers, however a change could save you money. Use a comparison website or make a phone call or two; you may find a cheaper alternative who wants your business.

10. Review your insurance: Whether it’s life insurance, income protection, health insurance or just the insurance on your mobile phone, look into cheaper alternatives. The credit crunch has caused companies to review their rates and you could pinch a few more pennies in this area.

If you’ve pinched every penny and occasionally come up short, Wonga is here to help with fast, short-term loans online. We deposit cash straight into your bank account within 15 minutes of approval, 24/7. Visit our homepage and move the sliders to customise your own loan.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 13th, 2010 at 1:47 pm