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Credit crunch ideas forum
Welcome to our top tips for tough times forum.We’re doing our best to let you know about our and other services that you might find useful. We’d love to hear your hints and tips and we’ll share them with everyone else.
Just email us at moneytips@portsmouthcc.gov.uk to send us your tips or to ask a question.
Disclaimer
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Subject: Cashback from online purchases
Date: 3 April 2009
Comment: If you do online shopping try registering with www.quidco.com. If you use the links on this site to shop with certain online merchants you can earn a percentage of your spend back. Anything from insurance to holidays to books and CDs, and much more - even the first online shop at some supermarkets can earn you cash. It takes some time for your cashback to be processed but you can have it paid to your bank or paypal account, if you have one, and the more times you use Quidco to do shopping the more you'll earn.
Response: I think that this proves you can get something for nothing! Always remember when you submit personal details online, especially bank or card details, to use a secure site.
Subject: Free book, DVD and games rentals from our libraries
Date: 30 March 2009
Comment: An idea dawned on me last night whilst watching the movie 'Shopaholic', in a scene where the main character tried to purchase a book with her credit card and was refused - why not join the library? Such a simple idea but not one which comes to mind if you are an avid reader like myself who has a few hours to spare each month. Not forgetting the leisure card that people on low incomes can apply to gain reduced cost/free access to other council services such as swimming, golf, tennis and bowling.
Response: The libraries are a fantastic source of free to hire books, DVDs and games (including Palystation). There's also music and computer CDs, talking books and language packs on offer. Membership is free - have a look at our libraries section for more details. Our leisure card is also another way to get reduced cost/free admission to a host of activites across the city if you're on a low income.
Subject: Help with school uniforms, sports equipment and musical instruments
Date: 26 February 2009
Comment: There is a great free web site for parents to buy and sell second hand school uniform, musical instruments and sports kit at www.blazered.co.uk. It's used extensively by parents at the Portsmouth Grammar School but anyone from any school can use it – and it doesn’t cost anything!
Response: It's never cheap to make sure that your child has everything they need for school, even more so if they play an instrument or specific sport. This site is a great idea to make sure that parents can get what they need.
Subject: Recycle your unwanted items
Date: 16 February 2009
Comment: Recycle all your unwanted items for free at http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/Portsmouth_Freecycle and ask for those items that you want.
Response: This group is open to everyone in Portsmouth and the surrounding areas who want to recycle an item rather than throw it away. You can find other Freecycle groups at www.uk.freecycle.org.
Subject: Cash for your old mobile phone, cheap days out and save at the supermarket
Date: 16 February 2009
Comment: Recycle mobile phones and earn money or vouchers, companies such as Envirophone (there are other such companies available) pay by cheque or in vouchers depending on make/model of phone.
Check out www.moneysavingexpert.com, as it usually has links to top chains for printable discount vouchers, including for meals out.
Remember to look in the local press in their events/days out sections where they sometimes have free or discounted tickets - very useful at half term.
When shopping, try to check price per kg of fruit and veg loose compared to pre-packaged goods. Pick up the supermarket's free magazine as they often have money off vouchers. Remember only to use them if you would be buying the item anyway and recycle the magazine when you've finished with it.
Response: Thanks for letting us know, it's always a good idea to double check prices between packaged and loose food. Also, loose food will be better for the environment as well as there's no wrappers to get rid off.
Subject: Charity shops can have hidden treasures
Date: 9 February 2009
Comment: One of the best ways to save money and recycle is by buying clothes, books and other things from a charity shop. They have come into their own a bit recently and its amazing what people throw away. I've found several designer pieces in charity shops.
Response: Not only is buying from charity shops a guaranteed way to save you money, you'll also be helping some very worthy causes. Remember, you can also donate items you don't need as well - just contact them first.
Subject: Neighbourhood credits system
Date: 6 February 2009
Comment: To help save some money why not set up a scheme with your neighbours in your road and neighbouring roads to exchange skills and time. I use my time to grow veg in my garden and on my allotment and I get a 'credit ' when I give it to an elderly gent in the next street. In turn I can use my 'credit' to ask someone in the scheme offering say 'painting' to paint my front gate. This would save people some money and develop a sense of communirty spirit and support.
Response: This sounds like an excellent idea, to not only save money but also to get to know who lives in your street.
Subject: Are ‘buy one, get one free’ offers in supermarkets really a saving?
Date: 16 January 2009
Comment: I keep seeing ‘buy one, get one free’ (BOGOF) offers in supermarkets, are they really a saving?
Response: The first thing to do when you go food shopping is to make sure that you have a list and you stick to it. Don’t be tempted by BOGOF offers, unless it’s on the list. You can also try doing your food shopping online, you may have to pay for delivery but at least you’re out of temptation’s way and you’ll keep more of an eye on what you’re spending.
Subject: How can I save money when I go out?
Date: 16 January 2009
Comment: Even with the low economy at the moment I still like to go out off a weekend to enjoy myself, as it cheers me up. How can I still have a great time but spend less?
Response: It’s the same as everything else - budget yourself. If you’re used to spending something like £100 on a night out then you can still have a good time, but spend less. Take a smaller amount with you and leave your cards at home. That way you’ll know your limit of spending - just remember to leave enough for the taxi home!
Subject: Get a good deal
Date: 10 December 2008
Comment: Is it true you can save money by shopping around?
Response: Yes, you can. Try telephoning to negotiate a purchase price - and don't forget a number of shops have a price promise where they will match their competitors. Online shopping is also an option, often purchased items online will be cheaper and delivery may also be free.
