Thrift Tips for Shoppers In The UK

Whether you live in the UK or the rest of the world the recent economic problems world-wide are causing all of us to watch what we spend and stretch out budgets as far as possible.

This Lens will give you lots of tips on where, when and how to buy at a bargain. Tips on when to buy, where the best places are to shop, and even tips on where to look in certain stores.

So save your money ad read this lens before your next shopping trip. You'll be glad you did.

Enjoy!

You would be surprised how much you can save.

People assume that local shops are more expensive than the supermarkets. Often that isn't the case and great deals can be found at your local shop.

In season fruit and vegetables for example are very often cheaper at your local greengrocer. Fishmongers may be more expensive for the common types of fish available in supermarkets, but they tend to have a far wider range of produce, including cheaper, but tasty, varieties such as mackerel and whiting. Local butchers do tend to be a bit more expensive than the supermarkets, but the meat is usually of a far higher quality, so it makes sense to use them for special occasions.

Farmers' markets offer top quality produce but can be very expensive. However, if you search thoroughly amongst all the stalls you may find one or two that are also very good value. A meat shop that sells local game such as venison, rabbit, and game birds usually sells them at a fraction of what you would pay for beef or lamb in a supermarket.

Local Food Advisor lists the best local food shops in the UK. You just type in your post code to find those nearest to you:

The best place for ultra-cheap but high quality pots, pans and kitchen utensils is TK Maxx. You do need to hunt carefully for the genuinely high quality stuff, but some of the bargains are amazing. The same can be said of Argos.They are also surprisingly good for some home-ware items like cushions or duvet covers - again far, far cheaper than department store equivalents, but you may have to go back several times before you find something decent. Children's toys and books are also the same as you would get elsewhere but a lot cheaper. Even if you don't want to cover yourself in brand names it's worth the occasional look in TK Maxx just to remind yourself how crazy you'd have to be to buy that stuff at full price elsewhere.

Lidl also occasionally do some very good value, high quality kitchenware.

For crockery that will last, even though it might not sound that thrifty, there's a strong argument for John Lewis at sale time.

Eat right and save money

Sticking to a budget doesn't have to be a dreary task. See it as a creative challenge. If you're thrifty you can afford a few luxuries.

Here are a few ideas to inspire you, and hopefully to help you save a few pennies.

1. Stock your freezer - batch cook and snap up offers.

2. Shop online. Having the time to think about your shop stops you filling your basket with junk.

3. Plan a few meals at a time to strategically use your ingredients and not waste them.

4. Eat a pasta or rice-based meal once or twice a week. Carbohydrates are filling, healthy and a great way to use up leftovers.

5. Make a weekly roast - it doesn't have to be on a Sunday. You can get several meals out of a large chicken or turkey, making it cheaper than buying a single cut in the end.

6. Clear out your fridge out before your next shopping trip and make sure you don't buy something you already have.

7. Buy a loaf of bread and freeze half of it (slice it first).

8. Always have canned food in the cupboard - tomatoes, beans, pulses, fish. They're great for quick and cheap meals.

9. Potatoes are loaded with potassium and are filling. You can use them as a side or feature them as the main event.

10. Buy a treat. Like dieting you can allow yourself an occasional treat which will make you less likely to have an impulsive splurge.

Clothing styles come and go, but Thrifty is forever.

Thrifty Clothes Shopping often means getting clothes from garage sales, thrift stores, second hand stores, or even hand me downs from friends and relatives.

RETAIL CLOTHING If you find that you just must go into a retail store and purchase clothing - be a thrifty shopper! Start with the DISCOUNT CLOTHING stores. Once inside go straight to the sales racks. Some of these discount clothing stores offer up to 75% off on the sales racks.

If there are FACTORY STORES in your area, they are sometimes less expensive. Pay attention to prices and don't pay full retail if you don't have to.

Also at the END OF EACH SEASON, when the stores are switching out the clothing, you can find the best bargains. This means you are generally buying clothes for next year and therefore they will be this years styles, so try to buy the classic pieces that tend not to go out of style.

For some items you will want to buy the LATEST STYLES, so once again shop for the bargain, the sale, the markdown. Be a thrifty shopper - watch the inserts in your newspaper for sales and take advantage of them!!

Keep in mind - clothing styles come and go, so don't try to fill your whole wardrobe with the latest styles. However have a few items that you can wear when the occasion calls for it. So shop those sales!!