Saving Approaches that we don't (always) use

Saving Approaches that we don't (always) use 

We like to save money and keep costs down. More savings = more time on the water. But we are by no means excessive or extreme. Here are a few approaches that we have not tried (and probably won't). Why? Well, we are time-poor and aren't obsessive.

Extreme Couponing

Just turn on your Freeview TV and tune to TLC and you'll soon come across the

Copyright (C), Froo Gal 2014, All Rights Reserved

reality TV show Extreme Couponing. The show demonstrates that (in the US) if you are patient you can find discount coupons and shop sales that add up to massive discount and free products. The stars of the show regularly buy hundreds of dollars worth of non-perishable supermarket goods for a few tens of dollars or less. A quick search shows that the boat owner can save money with coupons.  For example coupons.com found discount codes for West Marine. It is a US based retailer, but they ship overseas and might have that hard to find item that you need. voucherselector.co.uk looks like a useful resource. For example I found a discount codes for lastminute.com a land yachting taster session and 37% off a London Boat show dinner cruise for two -- travel and entertainment stacked discounts (I could get hooked). How about getting a free burrito at any London Chipotle restaurant from 4-6pm on Sat 6th or Sat 13th of December just for wearing a Christmas jumper, says www.hotukdeals.com. I also found a free download of Photomatix Essentials 4 (worth about 45USD) and Fusion VFX 7.5 (previously costing ~1000USD) -- they should come in handing for tinkering with photos and videos for the blog. The above graphic was edited with it. We used the YouTube video editor to loop it -- a bit clunky, but not bad for 30 minutes work. The O2 Priority ap might be worth checking out too for savings an freebies.

Cash back credit cards
At any one time one of the major credit card companies is doing a great cash back deal. While we have used some of these, but don't change cards to keep with the best. Google compares UK cards here. Be sure you can always pay off your bill before using these cards as the interest charges will wipe out the small percentage of cash back very quickly. Moneysavingexpert.com sets out its 'golden rules' for cash back credit cards.

Comparison sites
Whether changing utility suppliers, seeking the lowest cost mortgage, buying a car or renewing insurance, comparison sites can do some of the work for you. Comparethemarket.com is perhaps the most promoted site in the Uk, but there are plenty of others. And don't forget to compare the prices with the vendors who don't use the compare sites!

Free Stuff and Great Discounts
Moneysavingexpert.com lists all sort of deals. Here are some examples that could be useful for a cost conscious sailing crew:

Free St. John Ambulance first aid ap

Free Spotify for any device free music for the price of your wifi.

Easybus -- full fare travel does not get much cheaper.

Regatta web outlet -- Polo shirts and fleeces from 5.00GBP.

More to come...


Understand the difference between cost, price and value!