20 unusual ways to save money 

Shoestring Jane suggests 20 unusual ways to save money

If you’ve tried all the mainstream tips, consider these unusual ways to save money instead.

Seasoned money savers will already know that you need to shop with a list, turn the thermostat down and wear layers in winter. But what else can you do to save some pennies?

Here I will explore some unusual ways to save money.

1# Get a student to cut your hair

Colleges and salons often need models for their junior stylists to practice on. You will be charged a fraction of the usual price or even get your hair cut for free.

2# Use cash envelopes

Cash is harder to part with than digital money. Try the cash envelope method of budgeting. Withdraw just the cash you want to spend on groceries, fuel, fares, going out, etc and hide your debit card away. Once the cash has gone, it’s time to stop spending!

3# Take a day a month to batch cook

Batch cooking saves time and money, particularly if you often get takeout food when you are tired or short of time. Plus you save money by buying larger packs of things like mince, cheese, etc. 

Set aside a day a month and do a huge quantity of whatever you enjoy eating regularly, then freeze into individual or family-size portions. Good options for batch cooking are bolognese or chilli sauce, shepherd’s pie, casseroles and soups.

4# House swap

Save money on holiday accommodation by house-swapping. You could start with friends and family, or join a home-swapping agency. One of the advantages is that many exchanges are happy to look after cats and other creatures as part of the deal.

5# Rent a driveway to save on parking

If you have to pay to park whilst you work, renting someone’s driveway can be a cheaper option. You could approach householders directly if you notice their driveway is often empty, or use an agency such as YourParkingSpace.

6# Plant some fruit trees

If you have the space, plant some fruit trees to save money on fruit for years to come. They require a little watering to get them going but, after that, they are quite low maintenance.

7# Wash your clothes less

Consider whether your clothing needs laundering after just a few hours of wear. Washing damages fabrics and causes them to fade over time, so they will last longer from being washed less. In addition, you will save money on water and energy.

8# Use the library audiobook service

If you currently pay for an audiobook subscription, did you know most libraries offer a similar service for free? All you need is a library card and an app. Many libraries use Borrowbox, for example.

9# Rent your kids’ toys

Check to see if you have a toy library in your area. You can borrow a range of toys, large and small, usually for the cost of a membership fee. Ask your local council or toddler group or do an internet search to locate your nearest one.

More from Shoestring Jane on Mouthy Money

10# Use up old paint

Who hasn’t got a shed full of old DIY supplies? To stop paint drying up and going to waste, find ways to put it to good use. Ideally, use it to brighten up a room. If you don’t have enough for a whole room, you could do one feature wall. 

Use spare paint to upcycle garden furniture or decorate the inside of a shed, or decant it into small containers for children’s craft projects.

11# Take a pantry challenge

Eat from your pantry for a week, planning your meals around what you already have. Yes, including the jar of fancy chutney you got in a Christmas hamper three years ago… 

Research recipes on the internet and use stuff up!

12# Cut your own and your family’s hair

YouTube will show you how to do anything yourself, including cutting your hair. Long, layered hair appears to be the easiest to do. This tutorial shows you how. 

13# Always buy generic

One of the easiest ways to save money when shopping is to go for generic brands. Be it toothpaste, paracetamol, baked beans, pasta or bread, generic labels are significantly cheaper.

14# Learn to fix things

Learn to do simple repairs yourself. Again, YouTube is a goldmine of useful advice. From fixing a broken tile, to repairing a garden chair, to patching a hole in your rug, you can find people who can show you how.

15# Start a pot-luck tradition

Pot-luck suppers are an American tradition that is becoming more popular here. They offer a great way to socialise on a budget.

The idea is that you get together with friends and each brings a dish to share.  Alternatively, you can be a bit less pot-luck and arrange for one person to bring a starter, one a main course, one the sides and another a dessert.

16# Learn some beauty treatments

If you usually go to a beauty salon, learning to carry out some of your treatments yourself can save you a packet. Waxing, brow and lash tints, lash extensions, manicures and pedicures are all relatively easy to learn. You could even do your own gel nails if you invest in an LEP lamp.

17# How much do you have to work to pay for something?

Before you make a purchase, work out how many hours you will need to work to pay for it. This can change your mindset completely. When you consider that you would have to work four hours to pay for an expensive pair of boots, for example, it might make you reconsider buying them!

18# Delete apps that encourage impulse spending

If you find yourself casually browsing your Temu, Amazon or Vinted apps and making purchases for items you don’t need, consider deleting the apps. You can reinstall them when you want to make a planned purchase. 

19# Give up smoking 

There are many health benefits to quitting smoking, but the high cost of this particular habit shouldn’t be underestimated. 

The NHS has a Quit Smoking app, which can be very helpful as it shows you how much you are saving each day. This illustration is a real one from a friend, 14 months after she quit. She set up a standing order each month, so what she previously spent on cigarettes now goes straight into her bank account!

20# Don’t idle

Turn off your car engine at traffic lights and in queues to save on fuel and reduce your carbon emissions.

I hope these slightly off-the-wall ways to save money give you a little fresh inspiration. What are your unusual way to save money?

Photo credits: Pexels