Give yourself a Lunchtime Money Makeover
22 Jan 2010 Tell a Friend
Are you finding that you are generally a little strapped for cash by the end of the month? Below are some ways in which you can make a positive difference to your finances with minimal effort.
Get your News Fix Online
Do you use your lunchbreak to browse the main headlines or catch up on celebrity gossip? If so, rather than popping out to buy your favourite paper or magazine, simply log onto their website. As well as free access to interesting articles, the online versions have the added bonus of video, interactive games and quizzes to keep you entertained. Just make sure that you give your eyes a break before starting work again!
Bring in a packed lunch twice a week
We're all guilty of nipping to the shops for a sandwich rather than bringing one in, but thinking about the cost might make you reach for the tupperware. Just £3 spent on food each weekday lunchtime amounts to a whopping £700 a year! Even bringing in a homemade sandwich or a salad twice a week could leave you with enough change to treat yourself at the end of the month.
Get on the phone to a creditor
Have you been ignoring letters from a company that you owe money to? Take a deep breath and pick up the phone. Even if you need to put off paying that bill until after payday, explaining your situation and agreeing a later payment date will usually make them much more sympathetic. Plus you can stop dreading the arrival of the post each morning! If you are struggling with your debt and want to talk to a debt specialist, request a callback here.
Ditch the added extras
If you went to university, you may have a graduate bank account as a hangover from your student days. Although the interest-free overdraft is often still a big benefit, you may find that you're paying for a number of extras that you don't need or use. Are breakdown assistance (when you don't have a car) and mobile phone insurance (when you have this through your phone provider) really worth £7 per month in account fees? Get on the phone to your bank and find out if you can switch to a cheaper account.
Earn money by writing reviews
Are you a budding journalist? Sign up to a local reviewing community such as bview and review restaurants, shops and other services in your local area. By sharing your opinion on services that you use every day, you can both earn money and start getting your writing published online.
Make your great driving pay
It's official, women make the safest drivers! Statistically, we're less likely to become involved in accidents and make car insurance claims, and as a result are rewarded by cheaper car insurance deals. If you're approaching the renewal period for your premium, take 15 minutes and go online to find out if you can save money by switching to another insurer. If you have not made a claim in the last 2 years, most insurers will also give you a no-claims discount, and you might even make extra savings simply by applying online.
Browse freecycle rather than shopping
Online shopping is either the greatest invention ever, or the work of the devil, depending on the state of your finances. If you can't help having a sneaky browse in your lunchbreak, sign up to Freecycle.