Check list

Hello. I was on the radio this morning, wont tell you where it was, somewhere in the Midlands. Rushed interview that's all they want, usual money saving tips, no time to get down to the real nittygritty of how to save money and live within your means. Me feeling frustrated as usual, two minutes and it's all over. What can you say in two minutes? Just the usual. They want it short and punchy, jokey and giggly.

I made notes, reeled a few of them off, no time to get to grips with the topic before I was cut off. Don't know why I do it really, that's me trying to be helpful. They don't realize that people are desperately trying to pay off their debts, they need sound information in straight talking language, not some airyfairy skimming the surface. I got to mention the blog, so some listeners might find their way here, if they do, here is a rundown of the notes I made but wasn't able to talk about.

Prioritize your spending. Mortgage/rent first, must be paid. Council tax must be paid. Utilities must be paid. 

Buy food to live. Petrol in the car to get to work.

Look for better deals on phone - broadband - mobile.

Check comparison sites for good deals on utilities.

Dump Sky TV, or get rid of the television altogether.

Dump the gym, walking is free, do the 1000 mile challenge.

Are you getting all the benefits you are entitled to. Check.

Start a spending diary, write down every penny spent, read it every day.

Check bank statements, cancel any direct debits that are no longer applicable.

Do you really need a car. (I do, ha ha). Get rid if it is not important to your lifestyle or getting to work.

Can you find more work, extra part time job maybe. Earn more.

Stop eating meat, or at least cut down. It is expensive and should be classed as a treat.

Shop late at supermarkets look for reductions, yellow stickers.

Shop around, find the best bargains from all the shops. Discount stores.

Don't go shopping if you are hungry. Eat before you go.

Check your cupboards and freezer before you go shopping, can you delay shopping for another day or two.

Buy second hand from car boot sales and charity shops.

Know the difference between a NEED and a WANT. They are not the same.

Stop smoking, stupid thing to do, cost mega bucks in terms of cash and health.

Think before you get a pet. They cost a lot of money over the course of their lifetime.

Cut out impulse spending. If you didn't want it until you saw it, you don't need it.

Shopping is not a leisure activity. Shops are full of stuff you don't need.

Take food out with you from home. Make a pack up

Eat everything you buy, do not throw food away.

Put small amounts of cash away in an emergency fund. Things break down.

There are many more, and most of it you will already know, but it's always good to have a reminder. There may be people coming here for the first time so it might be helpful to them.

Raining today, no money will be spent, not going anywhere.
Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip.