Saving Money during Lockdown

I think it's fair to say that many people save money just by being in lockdown as they are not going out socially eating, drinking, cinema, theatre etc. Bills for heating etc may be a little higher but to be honest does it really matter if you don't change your clothes every day thereby saving on washing costs.

Foodwise I save by buying larger amounts and my freezer is my best friend. A 4 pint milk is decanted into smaller containers and frozen. I buy a large minced beef and make 4 cottage pies, eat one and freeze 3, same with lasagne and casseroles etc.

I am not sure making money is viable unless your skill set enables you to work online but with the savings you can make staying home 80% on furlough should hopefully equate to 100% of your regular wage.

Finally avoid non grocery online shopping unless in desperate need, shop groceries sensibly and cut out all the rubbish you might be tempted to buy in store but can avoid online. You may end up fitter and slimmer if you also go for a long walk daily!

Spend no more than 25 per cent of your income on living costs (rent, bills, food, transport). Give away 10% to good causes. Spend no more than 10% on fun. Save the rest and watch your savings build up! If you're looking for help with saving, Dani Johnson has loads of free resources on her YouTube and website DaniJohnson.com

Hi, you could always have a clear out and list things on ebay? The post offices are still open so you are able to post items.

Like Lynibis says, bulk cooking is good and saves money. If you're usually someone who goes out to eat or out for drinks then try popping that money you would have spent in to a tin or transferring to a savings account. I have 3 savings accounts (for xmas/birthdays etc) and just transfer money left (not usually much but adds up) at the end of the month into those.

I do think latestdeals helps to save too, especially if you find something you're after which is discounted, just be strict with yourself.

We spent extra on utilities during first lockdown still paying off excess. We don't spend money socialising normally so not saving there. At least wont have to wash clothes everytime kids come home from school.

If you are able to go to the shops check the cashback apps like Checkoutsmart before you go. You send a photo of your receipt to them and they send you money back. You will need to register first though.

Thanks for all your comments guys some good stuff

Thorpey You don't say if you live alone or have family, I suspect it's easier if you live without kids, (I find so, less demands on the purse). Lynibis has covered all the good points, I also keep curtains in spare room closed, bought thermal liners or you could use a second pair of curtains. Turn thermostat down 2 degree or lower and leave on during day, rooms stay constant warm and don't have to heat from cold when timer kicks in. Wear socks/slippers and a jumper or even two. Buy 'yellow stickers' but only what you would normally buy (I do this normally and put difference into savings 2020 I saved £724.32) veg can all be bought in bulk and cooked/froze and spuds will keep 2 - 3 weeks after 'sell by' date. - Good luck.

I am always looking for ways to save money. We meal plan each week so we only buy what we need. If there is a yellow sticker of something I need then I will buy it. Bulk cooking also helps save money. Depending on where you shop, try going down a brand at the supermarket or swapping to a different supermarket. Use left over food so it's not wasted. Switch energy supplier, car and home insurance as it can save you money. If you have a subscription to something you aren't using just now, like the gym, then cancel it. Eat less takeaways and cook more. Give up luxuries such as alcohol, take away coffee etc. If you can walk somewhere rather than driving, then do it, saves petrol. Turn your thermostat down a degree or two and wear more layers, sit under blankets. If using the oven, leave the oven door after you've used it (if safe to do so) as it will heat your kitchen. Keep doors shut to keep the heat in, keep curtains and blinds closed too. Using a shower puff will make soap/shower gel last longer. Only boil the amount of water you need, saves energy. Turn radiators down in rooms that aren't used all the time. When getting towards the end of liquid soap/washing up liquid, add water to it so it lasts longer. Cut the ends off tubes such as toothpaste so you can get what's left in the tube. Only buy clothes or shoes when something needs replaced and can't be fixed and always try to buy them in the sale. Unplug electrics from the wall when not in use to save energy. Only buy what you actually need, not because you want it. Don't go food shopping hungry as you tend to buy more. Use apps like shoppix, shopmium etc to save money. Use cashback sites when shopping online. You can still use foods after their best before dates, but only certain items. If you are shopping somewhere and you have a loyalty card or app then make sure you use it as the vouchers are handy. Bulk out foods like mince with lentils and veg so the meat goes further, also buying less meat will save money.

You could do surveys to get some extra money but it they aren't going to earn you a fortune, still it helps. If you have unwanted items then you could sell them and make some money, just make sure to use PayPal for payments, get money in advance and be covid compliant.