5 unusual ways to save money

Explore flexible working

Flexible working isn’t only good for your lifestyle, it could help you save money too. Working from home means you won’t be faced with everyday temptations – there’s no need to get that morning coffee, buy lunch out, or stop in the supermarket on the way home. And it saves on travel costs; just make sure you block your favourite online shopping sites too. Flexi-time can save you money on travel even if you do go into the office. You can save on fuel by skipping the rush hour traffic jams and choosing off-peak train fares.

Drive at 60MPH on the motorway

Going slow might sound frustrating, but it could really help you save! Reducing your speed on motorways by just 10MPH – from 70 to 60 - could reduce your fuel use by almost 10%. You might also be able to cut your driving costs by decreasing the amount of weight you’re carrying around in your car, planning your journeys so that you always take the most direct route, and trying to drive as smoothly and gently as possible with no harsh accelerating or braking.

Commit to a ‘no new year’ pledge 

Let’s face it; most of us don’t buy new clothes only when we need to replace items that have worn out. Even buying fast fashion pieces can add up – it’s easy to overbuy, only wear a piece once or twice, and need to replace it sooner. Pledging to have a ‘no new year’ doesn’t mean you can’t add to your wardrobe at all, you just can’t buy new clothes. You could try thrifting at local charity shops, go vintage shopping, check out online auction sites like eBay, or even try a clothing rental service to get a new outfit for a special occasion.

Turn appliances off at the wall

Spending just 10 minutes at the end of the day making a conscious effort to switch all your appliances off at the wall could help you save on your energy bill. Leave the essentials (don’t try turning your fridge freezer off at night) but do remember to hit the switch on your TV, kettle, microwave, CD player, and even your digital alarm clock if you don’t have work the next day. That'll stop your electricals from being left on standby to drain power and money. 

Save your £2 coins

Do you ever end up with pockets full of heavy change? One unusual way that you can save money is to start saving all the £2 coins you get. Every time you get a handful of coins, set aside all if the £2 coins. They’re rare enough – and a small enough amount – that you’re unlikely to miss them in the moment and, as time goes on, the amount you’re able to save could really add up.

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