Money Saving Monday! - A recent shopping trip 95% Saving

A couple of weeks ago I went on a coupon shop and never had time to write a post on it but the day has come, unfortunately I also didn't get around to taking some pictures before eating everything so a collage will have to do, Sorry!

The first shop I went to was Pets At Home, I had a coupon for £1 off cat food which was soon to expire so I picked up some treats by Wagg, these treats are soft crunchy treats (if that makes sense?). One of my cats has very little teeth so this is perfect for her! They were £1 which means they were completely free!

I then went to Tesco, I picked up the Innocent Veg Pot which Was half price to £1.95 and I had a £2 off coupon. I also brought a two bags of gluten free bagels which were £2.30 but I had a £1 coupon for each from the Free From Show! I also had a £2.11 price promise.

My Price Break Down:

• Wagg Prrr's Treats - Free
• Inncocent Veg Pot - 5p overage
• Udis Gluten Free Bagels x 2 - 2.60 
• Tesco £2.11Price Promise

Total for shopping after coupons: 44p

That means I got a retail price of £9.50 for 44p after coupons and offers that is a 95% saving!

Hannah x

Money Saving Monday #3 - Food for Days out

Today I wanted to give my thoughts on days out and in particular eating and drinking whilst out. This weekend I went to see Wicked (Which was AMAZING) and then the others walked over the O2, which I didn't do again as I hated it the first time!

Being as thrifty as I am (or cheap as some people may think) I was shocked at paying £18.50 for 5 bottles of water and two bags of sweets! So that made me think what sort of meals and refreshments I could do on a budget but still be on the go friendly and this is what I came up with.

Cinema/shows
I know some places won't let you take in your own food but some do and this is what I would pack for James and I

• 500ml bottles of fizz - 2 for £2 in ASDA and Waitrose but this offer circulates all supermarkets, then using 70p off on shopitize 
• Tesco Everyday Value midget Gems - 27p (other supermarkets do similar) 
• Popcorn is about £1 in most shops, just pick between your preference/ what's on offer. 

Total - £2.57

The average price of this in a cinema or show would be £15-£20 so that is a huge saving. And I would recommend throwing the midget gems in the popcorn bag and mix it up! YUM!

All Day Events
All day events can be tricky as you do not know what type of weather or seating there is other than the cafe, so to play it safe I always pick easy eating on the go items.

• Seabrook Crinkle Cut Crisps (6 pack) - Free with shopitize app 
• The same bottles of fizz as before 
• evian 500ml water bottles x6 - £1.80 after cash back from Checkoutsmart (you can buy basics but I enjoy this brands soft taste) 
• Bagels with Cream Cheese and Salmon x4
• Udis gluten free bagels 50p after coupon from free from show and in store offer.
• Cream Cheese 75p for basics
• Basics Smoked salmon trimmings for £1.69
• Frubes (James loves these!) 80p in ASDA after topcashback offer.
• Fruit from my garden

Total - £ 7.24

The best thing about this is we are bound to have left overs as there is only two of us but this could feed up to four. 

Evening Snacks (quiz night Suitable)
I am part of a drama group and when we do events such as quiz nights we do have a bar but we also welcome people to bring their own if they want. This is what I would take

• Kettle Chips 150g - £2.20 each but are 3 for 2 plus 70p off on Shopitize 
• Blossom Hill White Zinfandel £7 but £1 off with Shopitize
• Blossom Hill Californian Red - £5 but £1 off with shopitize 
• Basics peanuts - 70p 

Total - £14.40 

This is to cater for 6 people so that is only £2.40 per person! 

As you all know I really enjoy my coffees so this allows room in my budget to visit a Starbucks or a costa whilst out!

Hannah x

Money Saving Monday #1 - Samples and Coupons

It is fair to say that I love a bargain, freebie, sample, coupon, loyalty card or anything were I can get something for less, try before I buy or getting the most out of my money. As we all try to save money here and there I thought I would start a series of small money saving tips and deals I have found! Hence Money Saving Monday! This week I will start with my views and tips on samples and coupons.

Samples
Many manufactures give out samples on their websites or on Facebook or through other companies. My biggest tip is don't become a sample hoarder. If you have never had a dishwasher why apply for dishwasher tablet samples? If it is not something you will use or something someone you know will appreciate don't apply for one, otherwise people who do what to try these products will not be able to get their hands on them!

I find most of my samples through Facebook, from online shopping/Tesco groceries online or googling for a product I am interested in to see if they are freely giving away samples. I know many people contact companies for samples but I do not tend to do this. I also would recommend supersavvyme, they give away many samples and useful ones at that!

Here is a quick look at the samples I have received recently, as you see they are all on the same vain as these are products I am interested and potentially would buy!

Coupons
Coupons are great! Yes my family think it's funny but I don't mind, I enjoy using coupons. My first bit of advice is don't watch Extreme couponing and think 'yeah! Everything is gonna be free' This just does not work in the UK and those who do manage this are more than likely buying things they really don't want/need which is again a waste!

Watch out though, sometimes the non brand item still may be cheaper even with a coupon, just look when you think you are savvy shopping! I tend to use coupons combined with a deal or to get speciality items also to try branded products. Or if the coupon makes the price comparable to the own brand equivalent I'll give the product a go.

For example this week I brought 2 John West Infusions pots in Sainsbury's they were on offer from £1.50 down to £1 and I had two 50p off coupons. This meant I got flavoured Tuna for 50p a pot, a really good deal! (These were done on two separate days, if there is a product and I got my boyfriend to print the second coupon!).

As I am gluten free I do not take advantage of as many coupons as others could. However I do get some great deals.

Where I find coupons: 99% of my coupons are found online either through google, emails or Facebook, I have also received some in the past from companies when I have been dissatisfied by a product, but only contact companies if you have a real complaint or issue. I also received some in the post and recently from going to to a free from show!

I would also recommend cash back websites and apps! But I will talk about these more later. 

How do you save money?

Hananh x