20 Hacks To Help Stretch Your Cash

Being savvy can save money in the cost-of-living crisis, says HARVEY JONES

- Harvey Jones

AS LIVING costs continue to rocket, none of us can afford to throw money away. These tips should help your precious cash to stretch a little further.

1. TAKE BACK CONTROL

To take charge of your money, you need to understand where it's coming from, and where it's going, says Sarah Coles, senior personal finance analyst at asset management firm Hargreaves Lansdown.

"Examine your bank accounts and keep a spending diary, to identify any cash leaks.

"Check all your direct debits, including any fitness apps, gym, TV and music subscriptions, to see whether you still need them."

2. START SHOPPING AROUND MORE

Line up all your regular monthly costs, including landline, broadband, mobile, TV and motor insurance, and see if you can get them cheaper. Sarah says: "Keep searching for savings until you make ends meet and have a bit left over to save for a rainy day."

3. EAT CHEAPER FOOD

As food bills soar, do all you can to keep a lid on costs, says Scott Mowbray, founder of money management app Snoop.

"Consider changing supermarkets. Lidl and Aldi are the top discounters, Asda is the cheapest of the big four."

Supermarket are layouts designed to tempt you to buy things you don't need, so try ordering online or using click-and-collect.

Scott says: "If you do go in-store, make a list in advance and stick to it. Planning meals for the week can help." Shift to own brand goods, you won't always notice the difference, and don't get carried away by 'buy one get one free' deals either.

Delay your shop until the evening, when the yellow stickers come out for items soon to hit their sell-by-date.

"Batch cooking and freezing food to eat later in the week will also stretch your budget."

4. DOWNLOAD HELPFUL FOOD APPS