Money and Energy Saving Tips!

Saving money and energy has now become a way of life that I automatically think about without thinking about it, if that makes any sense.  I thought I'd compile a list of things I do around the home and when out and about (most of you will already be doing these no doubt).

• Never let the kettle boil - turn it off before it has chance to 'click'.  The water will be more than hot enough for what you need it for.

• Only boil what you need, (or nearly boil as the case may be).

• Turn all electrical items off at the socket - the only item that stays on overnight is the fridge freezer.

• Don't throw crusts from loaves away - freeze them and use them to make breadcrumbs.

• My bedside bulb has gone and rather than replace it I have a wind up camping lamp that I use when I want to read in bed.  Strange looks from the elder 2 kids round the door when they can hear me cranking it up!

• I shower in the dark - the light from the landing is more than enough for me to see.  I know some will say why not shower in the morning - simple reason, I am not really a morning person and have far too much to do, plus I like getting into bed feeling nice and fresh.

• I'm not a big fan of make up but one item I simply cannot do without is my liquid eyeliner.  When I feel this is running out I add a couple of drops of water to it and get a few more months out of it.

• I always try and avoid 0844, 0870 numbers etc and will use http://www.saynoto0870.com/ before I dial.

• On wash days I put a load in as soon as I come downstairs and by the time I've taken Mini A to school the cycle has finished.  I then spread out on my maiden and radiator airers in the conservatory.  Even in winter, if the sun is shining it soon heats up and the damp air is not spread around the house.  Another tip I picked up from fellow bloggers was that if the flags are dry, the washing will dry whether it is summer or winter, so outside it goes.

• A simple solution of thin bleach, washing up liquid and water kept in a handy squirty bottle keeps mildew at bay in the bathroom.

• Any leftover lemon from baking is squeezed and mixed with 300ml of water and used in the microwave for 2 minutes to keep it clean and fresh.

• I'm lucky enough to be able to walk to work each day, thus getting fresh air and exercise all for free.

• Everyone should be in possession of a 'Magic Sponge'. Cheap, and ideal for removing those stubborn marks.

• I only buy what I need, not what I want.  However, if there is an item I want and need but is not really essential, I will post on Facebook to see if anyone wants to sell or give away the item in question.  If not, I will scour the car boot sales. Failing that, should anyone ask me what I would like for Christmas I will mention one of these items.  Retro scales is one such item - I need some new scales as my current ones are cracked and do not hold enough, also the retro scales would be in keeping with my kitchen but something I  would not consider buying myself.

• I email or use Facebook messaging rather than texting.

• Use all the loose change in your purse when paying for stuff to make your notes last that little bit longer.

• I saved Hands On over £5 when he needed a car radio code.  He was willing to pay to have it unlocked.  I wasn't.  I scoured the internet and hey presto we now have one working radio.

• Watch every item being scanned if you use a supermarket, particularly those on offer and check your receipt whilst in store.  Several times I have had to take a detour to customer services due to incorrect pricing. 

• In a supermarket look at the higher and lower shelves for the item you want.  Whilst the offers are mainly placed at eye level and you think you are getting a bargain the cheaper alternatives are very often placed on the higher and lower shelves.

• If you have to use a supermarket for your fruit and veg don't buy in the packages.  It is cheaper to buy them loose.

• And finally -  a smile, and a please and a thank you go a long way.  Good manners cost nothing!

If any of you have any thrifty tips please do feel free to share.  I'm always willing to learn.