If you see a gift set containing full size products that you normally use, again marked down to half price, buy yourself a set. I favour a particular brand of moisturiser which helpfully was included in a gift set at the supermarket along with a number of other full size items for way less than I would expect to pay for the single item. Result!
2.Trade gift cards with a friend. If you've received a gift card for a store that you wouldn't be seen dead in let alone shop in, it's fine to swap them with a friend. Just remember which friend gave you the token in the first place. Do not attempt to do a swapsy with the friend who originally gifted the gift card to you.
3. Never leave the house without eating first. You might not feel hungry when you set off, but it's a dead cert that by the time you arrive at your destination you'll be starving and buying food whilst out is not only expensive, but also generally high in calories, fats sugar and salts (unless you're self-disciplined enough to avoid the tempting display of doughnuts and cupcakes and opt for a nice banana instead.) Remember to make sure your children (whatever age) are also fed and watered before you set off, otherwise you and they are going to end up fed up and hungry and no fun at all, buying lunch for the family can be an expensive business so avoid at all costs.
4. If you must eat out, it's cheaper to eat out at lunch time than dinner, so if possible fit in a crafty lunch to catch up with friends. If you are pressed for time having a lunch date can be very handy as you have the excuse of going back to work if it's a weekday lunch so it doesn't need to take up the whole day. If you would LIKE it to take up the whole day choose to meet at a weekend or on your day off. This works well with blind dates, as at least you're not left alone in the dark with them, and there are normally a hundred other things you need to do so you're never short of an excuse to leave if he is the most dull guy in the world. If he isn't he will end up wanting more, and that's a bonus.
5. Check out events in your local area. Your local free directory delivered to your door is a good place to look for free events (especially those with a free buffet or refreshments afterwards).
6. Your local pub might have a pub quiz night. This can be a great way of having a relatively inexpensive night out, for a couple of quid you can meet friends have a drink and a laugh and then afterwards the pub is usually generous enough to serve food (often free) which is far cheaper than going out for dinner.
7. Invite your friends for supper. Another great way to have fun with friends is to invite them round for supper. Have an informal meal where everyone brings something with them, be it dessert, a starter, a main dish, salad, wine, chocolates etc. If you have enough people you can get away without having to spend a lot on food or wine, as the guests will bring it with them. It is a good idea to have some spare items on stand by in case anyone doesn't turn up or worse turns up without bringing the agreed item with them. Failing that having the numbers of the local takeaways that deliver would be a good back up plan.
8. Make good use of loyalty cards. Here in the UK most places seem to have a loyalty card scheme and offer a variety of benefits from free coffees to money off, free products, days out etc. If you usually shop in a store with a loyalty card scheme make sure you sign up to their scheme. If you forget your card, check whether they will add on your points afterwards.
9. 'Like' or 'Follow' your favourite companies on social media sites. This is a great way of finding out when the next sale is going to be on, what is on special offer, and when new products are released. They sometimes release competitions or special discount codes only available to people who have 'liked' or 'followed' them.
10. Fresh air is free! You don't necessarily have to buy a gym membership to get fit. You can get fit by taking a walk in the fresh air. You could build up to going for a jog, or a run when you get fitter. If you set a walking date with a friend you can have a catch up and get fit at the same time. Sometimes it's easier to talk to a friend when you're outdoors and no one can over hear you. If you like animals volunteer your services as a dog walker, this way you get paid for getting fresh air and keeping fit! Double result.
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