Whether you're struggling to keep to budget on your grocery shopping, or you want some ideas for meals to make on a shoe-string, our little blonde belter has got the answer.
Yes, our resident octogenarian glamour girl (i.e. my Auntie Annie) is here to answer all your budgeting questions. She'll even answer a couple about line-dancing too, if you're interested...
To keep you going until the questions pour in, here are Annie's top tips on keeping your bank balance in the black.
1) If you need it, save for it; if you want it, wait for it.
There's a world of difference between need and want. Make do and mend isn't just a war-time notion, it's a lifestyle. There's nothing wrong with having a coat cleaned and sewing some new buttons on. Not buying new things all the time will not only be good for your bank balance but is also better for the environment and will keep your home tidier without all the clutter too. If you just want something but don't really need it, give it a week after you've seen it and then go back and it look at it again. I bet it won't look half as appealing the second time around.
2) Credit isn't extra cash, it's extra debt
If you run out of spending money before you get paid again then that's your lot. Don't start borrowing from your friend, or even worse from one of those payday loan places where you get an advance loan on your wage that you pay back when you're paid. They're a rip-off (see this article for an example). Get used to having to do without if you don't control your money properly -- it makes you far more likely to control it better in future.
3) Shop for meals but avoid three for two deals
Me and my husband have always cooked meals from scratch. I had three jobs, which I loved doing, but it meant that even though I didn't have much time, I'd still always make a meal. I've never liked those ready meal things. We knew exactly what we were going to have for the three meals that day and then we went shopping to get what we'd need. The thing is to only buy what you need and not fall for those three for two things so you end up spending a fiver on yoghurts instead of only buying the chicken you needed.
4) Sales are expensive!
I've never been a big fan of sale shopping. I've bought the occasional thing that has been discounted but in general I find that sales are just an excuse to get you to buy things that you never normally would. It's usually cheaper to shop around for the things you need and find the best price that way. Don't even bother with sales if you don't really need anything, you'll almost certainly buy a load of old rubbish that you don't really want and won't wear or use.