Almost everyone is
struggling to cope financially
during this current
recession. Prices on
everything are increasing
and wages are not being
increased to help us cope
during this economic
squeeze.
In view of this, is there
anything that we ourselves
can do to award ourselves a
pay rise?
The answer is yes there are
things that we can do to
help create extra funds to
pay our household bills. All
we need to do is to examine
what we spend on a daily/
weekly business and see
whether there are any
things that we can eliminate
or reduce on to create the
extra funds. Below are some
tips on some ways that we
can reduce on costs.
1. Laundry/washing up
Do you really need to use
the dishwasher everyday
especially if there is not a
full load? Given that the
average dishwasher uses 2
units of electricity an hour
many units a month could be
saved by washing by hand.
The same applies to the
costly tumble drier. This
appliance uses on average 4
units of electricity per hour.
It is therefore better to dry
the washing outdoors. It is
also more cost effective to
ensure that you wait until
you have a full load before
washing clothes in the
washing machine. Just
implementing these few
simple changes can reduce
your electricity bills and
save the pennies for other
things.
2. Switch off appliances.
Don't leave them on standby
This is an easy way of
cutting down on the
electricity that you use.
Leaving appliances on
standby uses lots of
unnecessary electricity.
Be sure to also switch off
any lights not being used
and again you will gain some
extra pennies off your
electricity bills.
3. Change to Direct Debit and
online billing
Most companies now offer
large discounts for
customers who pay both by
direct debit and online. Any
savings made by them for
billing in this way are passed
on to you the customer via
cheaper tariffs so why not
take advantage of such an
easy saving?
4. Cut down on unwanted
items
Do you really need to buy a
newspaper everyday
especially as current news
is easily available via the
internet or on television? Do
you also read the magazines
that tempt you via appealing
headlines on the covers?
The best way to avoid
buying such items is to
steer clear of the counters
where they are displayed.
The same applies to the
tempting snack counters
that sell sandwiches and
snacks. Making your own
lunch is not only cheaper
but also a healthier option.
Do you take your children to
soft play? This can be an
expensive experience
especially if you also have
food and drinks there. Why
not take it in turns with
friends to call to each
other's houses instead and
create some fun at home by
using your own toys and
maybe introducing a craft
table complete with things to
make to keep them
occupied. You could also
make up your own packed
lunches to make it more fun.
It is also surprising how
much money could be saved
by stopping eating out or
having takeaways. Instead
why not try making your own
curries or even buying a
ready made supermarket
curry. This option will be a
lot cheaper and can still be
fun.
4. Change your brand
Experiment by dropping a
brand level on everything
that you buy. Instead of
buying specific branded
products try a supermarket
own brand. They often taste
the same but are cheaper.
The same applies to buying
value or basic supermarket
brands as opposed to the
premium ones. Often these
measures alone can cut
your bill by a third. It's
certainly worth a try.
5. Use your accelerator less
With the ever increasing
cost of petrol and diesel it is
important for us to get the
most for our money. By
merely keeping the revs
less by not accelerating so
hard it is possible to lower
our petrol costs by at least
20%.
6. Get the best deal from
Insurance companies and
energy suppliers
Do not automatically renew
your household or car
insurances. Make sure that
you use the various
comparison websites that
can get you the cheapest
deals available. The same
applies to your energy bills.
7. Check your tax code
When you get your tax
notice make sure that your
tax code is correct. At least
5 million people in the U.k
have been overpaying as
they were on the wrong
code. Make sure that you
are not one of them!
All in all when you closely
examine your finances it can
be surprising how much
extra cash can be raised by
cutting down on basic items.
So go on, take control and
reward yourself your own
pay rise by just looking at
and cutting down on what
you spend.
You could even invest a
little of the money raised to
create additional income for
yourself by starting your
own business. There are
many business opportunities
that can be started up on a
very small budget which
would also include a step by
step educational pack to
help you get started.
So here's to your success
as you start saving money.
My name is Roy Derrick and I
live in South Wales with my
wife and four children. I
began my working career as
a gas engineer but soon
realised that I wanted to
start my own business and
reap any rewards for myself.
I opened three retail shops
and a food manufacturing
company and won several
national awards for best
retailer including an all
expenses trip to New York
paid for by Richard Branson.
This whet my appetite to
want to become an
entrepreneur.
I sold my retail outlets in
2002 and started up my own
construction and
development company which
has established itself into a
successful business. As well
as running the construction
business I also run a
successful internet
marketing company and also
coach others on how to
succeed in business.
When I'm not working I enjoy
socialising with friends and
family and adrenaline filled
activities like paint balling
and racing fast cars.
Find out more on http://
www.perfectprosperity.com
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