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Money Saving Ideas by Neelam Shah

You can never have too many money saving ideas, right? We all love to have some extra cash in our back pockets and now you can too by taking a look at these top money saving ideas.

Loyalty Cards:

Joining a loyalty scheme means that every time you shop at the same store, you’ll be given a number of points depending on how much you’ve spent. Once you’ve collected enough points, you can use them to pay for your shopping in the same way that you’d use cash.

Your points will be held on your own loyalty card that you give to the cashier whenever you pay for your goods. You’ll also be able to check how many points you’ve got in the store or online.

Loyalty cards are handy if you buy a lot of things from the same shop, and you’d be surprised to see how quickly points can add up.

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Magazine vouchers

Keep your eyes open for any money-off vouchers in magazines that you read (just like The SPG).

There are always lots of discount offers if you spend a certain amount in store, especially on things like toiletries, music and DVDs. You can also pick up ‘buy one get one free’ vouchers that you can use to get more stuff without paying any extra for it.

Going out and spending your money just for the sake of using the voucher isn’t a good idea, but if you were planning on a shopping trip, make the most of any vouchers that you can pick up.

Cheap cuts

If you’re after a good haircut or fancy a bit of pampering, but can’t afford to go to a top salon, find out whether there are any hair and beauty schools near you. There could also be one you never knew about in your college.

Selling your old stuff

If you’re looking to raise some extra cash quickly, find out if you’ve got anything that you can sell.

Have a good look around your bedroom. You’re bound to discover some unwanted stuff that you don’t use anymore.  Instead of just throwing them in the bin, unwanted CDs or old furniture can give your bank balance a much needed boost. You may surprised at the amount of money you can raise.

Once you’ve got some things together, put an advert in your local paper or use one of the many online auction sites on the internet. If you’re after a quick sale, describe your items accurately and set a realistic asking price.

Make sure that you ask if it’s OK before you sell anything. Getting rid of something with sentimental value to someone else or something that a younger relative might be able to use will probably cause arguments.

Charity shops

If there’s a good cause that’s really close to your heart, try your local charity shop. You can often find books, DVDs and accessories at real bargain prices.

As well as saving money on what you buy, you’ll be giving money to charity at the same time.