30 ways to save £1

With MoneySupermarket celebrating the 30th anniversary of the £1 coin by asking for 30 money saving tips I thought I'd get in on the act, especially as there is a chance to win £1,000 (which doubles to £2,000 if they get 2000 of these posts so get blogging!). Who could possibly not want to have a go at that? 

1) Use loyalty cards. Collect those points! It's always worth it. Even if you feel you don't shop somewhere regularly enough it's worth signing up for the card, those points add up faster than you think.

2) Collect coupons. Cut them out and use them. Yes, really USE them, don't just leave them languishing in your purse until they have expired. Every little helps... now who was it that said that? lol

3) Use every last drop. Tip bottles upside down to drain, cut open toothpaste tubes. You've paid for it, don't throw it away!

4) Turn your thermostat down a bit. It makes a big difference. If it's separate make sure you turn down the thermostat on your water boiler too. There's no point heating it hotter than you need only to add cold water, use a lower temperature in the first place.

5) Turn taps off fully. A dripping tap can put your water bill through the roof.

6) Use a lip brush. Think of all that lippy you throw away when you can't just slick it on any more. Use a brush and get lots of extra wear out of it.

7) Leave the car at home. The sun is shining, get out there and walk. Saves on petrol and gym membership.

8) Take a packed lunch. No more expensive cafes or burger bars.

9) Bag it. Use free carrier bags as bin liners.

10) Collect supermarket savings stamps. Most give you £1 free when you've filled the card up.

11) Load it up. Only use you washing machine when you have a full load.

12) Exchange. Swap clothes, toys, books etc with friends rather than buying new.

13) Fresh as a daisy. Have 'no make up days'. It'll last longer, (and do your skin good to have a break) if you have at least a couple of days a week make up free.

14) Party Animal. Having a party? See if you can organise it jointly with a friend if your birthdays are close together and have double the fun at half the cost.

15) Shop around. For suppliers that is. Don't pay more than you need to for gas and electricity, phone and broadband.

16) Use your library. They are there for more than just books these days. Music, movies and even free kids clubs to keep the little ones entertained while you're choosing. Check out what your local library has on offer.

17) Homemade Goodies. Make your own homemade jam/wine etc from hedgerow fruits and flowers. Almost free to make, lovely to eat and great to give as gifts.

18) Have a mantra. Mine is Use it up, Wear it out, Make it do, Or do without. saying this to yourself really does make you much less likely to spend unless you absolutely need to.

19) Declutter. Sell unwanted items at bootsales or on eBay but DON'T BUY MORE to fill up the spaces.

20) Switch in the supermarket. Change to own brand or basic ranges. Even if you only do this with a few items it will save pounds.

21) Be Organised. Send out birthday/Christmas cards and any letters early and use second class stamps. Over the course of a year the savings really add up.

22) Bagsy it for nothing. Make use of sites like freecycle and freegle. You can pick up some great things, as well as getting rid of unwanted stuff too.

23) Go back to school. Try your local college when you need a hair cut, and for beauty treatments too. The trainees are supervised so there's no risk involved and you'll save a fortune.

24) Going Solo. Use a saucepan steamer to cook your entire meal, meaning you only have to use one ring on your cooker.

25) Learn to sew. Not only can you make your own stylish clothes but you can mend them too get getting extra wear.

26) Blend it. Don't throw away old or bruised fruit and veg, use it in soups and smoothies instead.

27) Halve it. Don't feel you have to use the amount it says on the box when it comes to things like washing powder. They want you to use it up fast so you'll buy more. Cut down on the soap and it will still clean.

28) Be Vigilant. Check your car tyre pressures regularly. You'll use less fuel when they are properly inflated.

29) Fill it. Always keep your freezer full, it's cheaper to run that way. Fill it up with bread, or even scrunched up bags if you need to, but fill that space.

30) Ask the pharmacist. When getting items on prescription, always ask if it would be cheaper to buy over the counter. It often is.

I could keep going, but I've a cake in the oven that is starting to smell a little well done (ooops) so I'll leave it here. I hope you like my 30 ways to save £1. Can you think of any more?