Money Tips
EnergyFood shoppingFrugal livingBillsAttack the recurring costs first, in order of size, and ignore anything that promises a saving that only works if you were going to spend the money anyway.
Spending less across a household is mostly about the costs that repeat. A one-off saving is worth its own value once; a repeating cost cut by a small amount is worth it every month for as long as you live there.
What it covers
Every tip in frugal living
In order of size: rent or mortgage, energy, council tax, insurance, food, transport, subscriptions. Work down the list, because ten per cent off the biggest line beats eliminating the smallest one entirely.
Go through three months of statements line by line and cancel everything you cannot immediately justify. Then set a calendar reminder for every renewal date.
Check what neighbouring properties of the same size and type are banded at. If yours is higher, you can challenge it with the Valuation Office Agency for free, and a successful challenge is usually backdated.
Four things cover almost everything: washing-up liquid, white vinegar, bicarbonate of soda and a bleach or disinfectant. Specialist sprays are mostly those four with fragrance and a higher price.
Get a diagnosis and a quote before deciding. As a rough rule, repairing is worth it if the cost is under half the replacement price and the item is less than halfway through its expected life.
Nearly everything that wears out early does so through one specific neglected maintenance job. Learning the one for each expensive thing you own is the highest return available.
Tipking is general household information, not professional advice. Test anything on a hidden patch first. Full disclaimer.