A recent survey found that, on average, British workers spend a whopping 20% of their salary on food and drink. The majority of this is on alcohol, but the study also showed that we all spend far too much on clothing and cosmetics, and that the average Brit spends £1,000 a year on beauty products alone.Here are our top tips to help you save money on food and drink, and spend less on fashion and make-up:
1. Plan your meals
Planning your meals in advance means you can take the time to choose which foods are best for you, and which you’d prefer to spend your money on.A recent study revealed that the biggest cost on British families is food and drink, and that we spend an average of £500 per week on food.If you’re not using your freezer, you may not be using it to its full potential. A recent study found that a freezer makes a big difference to a family’s grocery bill.This is because a freezer helps to keep food fresh, which means you don’t have to buy it all at once.This in turn means you can have better control over what you buy, and plan your meals better.
2. Drink less wine
Wine is notoriously expensive, and we tend to drink a lot of it.Even if you’re trying to cut down on alcohol consumption, the best way to start is by drinking less.This means you’re less likely to spend a lot of money on it, and you’ll be able to enjoy it more.
3. Cook your own food
Cooking your own food is often cheaper than eating out.However, if you’re trying to save money, you’ll need to plan your meals in advance.This means you’ll need to be a bit more organised, and plan your meals in advance.You can also save money by cooking for one.
4. Learn to say ‘no’
If you’re constantly being asked to do things for other people, you’re likely to be spending a lot of money on things you don’t need.Instead of doing this, it may be better to learn to say ‘no’.The more you can say ‘no’, the more money you’ll be able to save.
5. Make your own coffee
Buying coffee from a shop or supermarket can be expensive, and you’re unlikely to get a discount.You can make your own coffee instead, using a simple recipe.You can also use your coffee machine to make your own coffee.
6. Eat more fruit and vegetables
Eating more fruit and vegetables will help you to cut down on your weekly shopping bill.It’s also much cheaper than buying fruit and vegetables in a shop.7. Shop on sale daysIt’s not always possible to save money by shopping on sale days, but you can still save a lot of money by planning your shopping around sale days.For example, if you’re planning to buy some fruit, you could buy it in a shop on a sale day.This will help you to save money on your weekly shopping, and you won’t have to spend as much money on it.
8. Eat breakfast
Eating breakfast can help you to save money on your grocery bill.You’ll be able to avoid buying a lunch box or shopping for a meal for yourself, and you’ll be able to save money by eating your breakfast at home.9. Buy onlineIf you can, it’s usually cheaper to buy things online than in a shop.This is because you’re not paying for a shop’s staff and premises, and you’re not paying for the packaging.You can also avoid the hassle of queuing in a shop, and save time by buying online.This way, you’ll be able to save money on your weekly shopping, and you’ll be able to save money on your monthly grocery bill.