10 best money saving websites
My top ten money saving websites of 2013.
I’ve put together a list of my top ten money saving websites. Whether it’s utility bills, the weekly shop or travel costs – there’s always money to be saved and these sites show us how to do it.
1. The Energy Shop
The Energy Shop lets you compare energy prices for your home. If you could be on a cheaper tariff, but don’t want to trawl comparison websites all asking for endless details before giving you a quote, then this is the one for you.
All you need to do is enter your address and current supplier and you’ll find the cheapest tariff within seconds. Be aware of early exit fees and fixed contracts, it might be cheaper annually but ask yourself if you want to be tied to one supplier for the next three years?
2. Broadband Choices
Broadband choices makes it easy to compare broadband and TV packages in your area.
Their broadband calculator is quick and customisable – so if unlimited usage is more important to you than speed for example, you can sort the best deals according to your broadband needs.
3. Bill Monitor
Similarly, Bill Monitor is the best comparison site for phone contracts. It’s more personalised than a bog standard price comparison site but it does mean you get tailored information.
You can either use the calculator or have your mobile bills analysed to determine which contract you should really be on.
4. OrSaveit
OrSaveit is really, really useful. A bit like how a lot of us can’t survive without the Don’t forget the Milk app, once you download it – you won’t look back.
Do you really need that coffee? Is a monthly ticket cheaper? It’s great at stopping those impulse buys that end up costing us.
5. My Supermarket
If any of you do your weekly shop online, you’ll know how it always takes longer than expected. By the end of it, you can’t help but feel like it would have been less effort to actually go to the supermarket.
When I came across My Supermarket, I thought an extra step to my online shop was a big no-no. But after my first go, I realised what I’d been missing. You shop online as normal and then decide which supermarket to checkout with depending on price. It’s genius – and well worth a go.
6. Skyscanner
Skyscanner has always been a firm favourite – a simple, easy-to-use website (or app) that lets you find the cheapest flight for your departure date/airport.
I’ve saved hundreds of pounds using Skyscanner in the past – sometimes that meant 2 stops, a 5 hour wait in Dubai or 3 different airlines- but if you’re flexible with your travel times, it’s nice to have the option isn’t it?
7. Read it Swap it
I discovered Read it Swap it at uni – and it saved me a fortune! I didn’t buy one book during my three year course.
The basic concept: you list the books you want to get rid of, find a book you want on the website, contact the user, and if they like one of your books you’ve got a swap!
Books are sent in the post by you, so you do have to pay delivery but it’s still much cheaper than buying the books, especially for students or regular readers.
8. Red Spotted Hanky
Red Spotted Hanky is the go to website for cheaper rail travel. Find the best deals, no booking fee, no delivery charge and no credit card charge.
You’ll also earn loyalty points with every journey booked, which can be exchanged for future tickets.
9. The Miss Thrifty Blog
Miss Thrifty is my favourite money saving blog – it features great money-saving articles that are fun to read.
Her mission? “Spend less, live within your means and get out of debt – without resorting to recycling teabags.”
10. Say no to 0870
Not many people know that premium rate numbers are an option – it is a completely avoidable cost. Whilst 0800 numbers and some 0845/0808 are free from a landline – numbers starting with 0844/0871 are not.
Especially for those of us who don’t own a landline and rely on our mobiles to make calls, the Say No to 0870 website is a necessity to avoid the extortionate rates these numbers charge.
