Living in the capital city of the United Kingdom is exciting and full of opportunities to do new things and meet new people, however, it isn’t a secret that it can be expensive. Despite London salaries being higher than national, it can be tricky to save money when prices are also high and the temptation to spend money if often right on the doorstep. So, here are a few tips that can help you to save your pennies whilst living in the old smoke.
Shop Online
Grocery shopping in London is usually fraught with higher prices and less variety thanks to the small supermarkets on offer, so shopping online is a great alternative. If you get groceries delivered from superstore warehouses, you can avoid the extra fee that you pay for the convenience of smaller stores near your home. So, plan ahead, make lists of what you think you will need and you will find yourself saving a lot of money that would ordinarily be spent on those cheeky snacks that you buy on your commute.
Be Deal-Savvy
There are discounts and bonuses to be found everywhere, even in the big city. For example, did you know that you can apply your railcard discount to your oyster card? By doing so, you can save up to 1/3 off your Off-Peak Oyster costs, and it’s very easy to do. Just visit any underground station and ask the ticket operators to combine your discount with your Oyster card. Going online is also a great way to find deals for pretty much anything, simply hop online and do some research, look for student discounts, consumer deals, and bonuses. You can get them for anything from clothing to online casino games, with discounts offered on card registration.
Get in Early
Many popular venues in London sell events tickets on the door and this is great for spontaneous nights out, however, if you are planning on attending an event in advance, then look for any savings you can make by pre-booking or getting ‘early bird’ tickets. It’s more commitment to the event, but you will be happy knowing that your seat is secure and you have paid less than those who decided to wait.
Review you Energy Provider
This one is something that slips many people’s minds because there is a culture in London of inheriting your energy provider from the previous homeowner or their landlord. However, it’s worth checking out comparison sites because you could save hundreds of pounds on your energy bills that could be tucked away for a rainy day or spent on something you really need. Thanks to the internet, it’s very simple to look into switching providers and many companies even offer bonuses if you switch to their service.
Budgeting in London can be tricky, but the most important thing is to keep track of what you’re spending and where you’re spending it. It requires a few street smarts, but that will make you more of a Londoner than anything else.
