7 money-saving ideas to stretch your budget this summer | Tenant news

With summer in full swing and more sunny days ahead, keeping household costs down may be a priority, but it shouldn't mean missing out on all the fun - a few smart tweaks can help you keep more money in your pocket for special treats.

Here’s seven practical ways to cut down your everyday expenses.

1.     Make your own fun snacks

Instead of buying pricey fizzy drinks and crisps, try popping your own popcorn, make jelly with fruit slices and bake cupcakes with what you have in the cupboard and fridge.

2.    Grab a £3 grocery shop

Join your local pantry to get a basket of groceries from £3 a week. You could also look up your local community fridge where food is free to take.

3.     Hunt for supermarket yellow stickers

Supermarkets love to mark down food close to its sell-by date. Find out when your local shop does this and bag some bargains. If you don't eat it all on the day you cook it, put it straight into the freezer or get creative with leftovers – bubble and squeak anyone?

4.     Use the smart apps

Download the free Olio app to find free food being given away nearby. Or use Too Good To Go to buy cut price ‘surprise bags’ of food from local bakeries, cafes and petrol station shops.

5.     Host potlucks instead of eating out

Meeting up with friends for drinks or meals at restaurants can quickly drains your monthly budget. Move the social gathering to a local park or a backyard and ask everyone to bring one dish or drink to share.

6.     Ask for energy help

If you’re struggling to afford your electricity bill, contact your provider right away. Most energy suppliers have special funds and other support set up to help customers.

7.     Use free charity schemes

Check out the charity Charis. They run open schemes to help households pay off energy debt. Have a look on their website to see if you qualify.

More support

These charities and organisations can help with food costs, money advice and everyday essentials:

• Your Local Pantry (Discounted groceries): www.yourlocalpantry.co.uk.
• Too Good To Go (Half-price food app): Download via your phone's app store or visit www.toogoodtogo.com.  
• Citizens Advice (Free, independent energy and money advice): www.citizensadvice.org.uk.
• Community Grocery (Low-cost food shopping): www.communitygrocery.org.uk or call 0161 946 9494.

You can also find a list of organisations on our website at www.habinteg.org.uk/cost-of-living-support.

And remember, if you’re struggling with the cost of living and need help and advice, contact our Customer Service Team at 0300 365 3100 or via email direct@habinteg.org.uk. We’re here to help, so please don’t sit in silence.

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