PRICES are rocketing but there are still plenty of ways to save on everything from groceries to clothes.
Discount expert Jo Threlfall, 30, has cut costs by hundreds of pounds this year – and it doesn’t have to be difficult.
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With a growing number of apps and websites, it’s easier to save than ever.
Here, the bargain hunter, from Manchester, shares her tips for making the most of your money.
1. Shop pre-loved bargains
Jo, a brand PR manager for Embryo, buys most of her clothes on re-selling app Depop.
She also uses eBay and Vinted for pre-loved bargains.
“But I’ve found Depop the best in terms of value and seller responses,” she said.
She recommends making an offer, and haggling over the price.
“You can ask any questions you want. If a dress is pictured on a hanger, ask to see a picture with it on,” she said.
“If you like the item, don’t be afraid to ask for a lower price – particularly if there’s any damage or a stain.”
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When you favourite an item on the app, you may get a discount from the seller too, as they’ll get an alert that you’re interested.
The savvy shopper recently bought a second-hand Columbia winter jacket on Depop for £5 that sells new for about £100.
“This will be particularly useful in the cold weather, but generally, I look for items that I can wear all year round,” she said.
2. Go to Kilo sales
Jo also saves money by shopping at charity shops and Kilo sale events.
She said: “A few vintage shops in Manchester run Kilo sale events, and you can get some great bargains on a budget.”
Simply, you grab as many items as you like at a Kilo sale that weigh up to 1kg for £15.
“That’s a lot of clothes that weigh little such as t-shirts, for example,” she said.
She recently bought some Dr Marten boots for just £10 in a Kilo sale.
“I’ve also bought shirts, sweaters, turtlenecks and blazers all for a few pounds,” she said.
She focuses on grabbing items that she’ll definitely wear or can make things out of to avoid wasting clothes.
3. Sign up for pre-sales
She recommends signing up to the email newsletters of your favourite shops and restaurants.
“You’ll be the first to know about any great deals and pre-sales this way,” she said.
“Brands also quite often do pre-sales or exclusive deals, which save extra money buying items online.”
She noticed that Asos pushes out quite a few pre-sale discounts, for example.
She also recommends signing up for the Superdrug newsletter, and its loyalty scheme.
You can bag loads of discounts on everything from cosmetics and skincare to supplements.
“This is great if you’re looking to keep your immune system strong during the winter months.”
4. Download discount browser extensions
She has downloaded Pouch to make she never misses a discount.
This is a browser extension that offers discount code add-ons on thousands of websites.
It automatically applies any discounts on a site the customer is browsing at checkout.
Honey is another discount add-on extension that you can use, which will show coupon codes before you checkout.
5. Grab cheap New Year subscriptions
Many of us make a New Year’s resolution to get fit, and Jo recommends keeping an eye out for gym discounts.
“If you want to go to a gym there are usually great deals around in December and January on coupon sites, such as Pure Gym,” she said.
She also suggests keeping an eye out for Disney and Netflix, which often roll out deals in the New Year.
“I have Disney+ and paid just £1.99 for a month as part of an exclusive offer,” she said.
“Keep an eye on the company’s social media and do a search online to see if there are any deals.”
She shares TV streaming accounts with family members to save cash too.
6. Use several supermarkets – and find the best bargains
Jo spends between £5 and £11 a week on her food shop.
“I changed from a monthly to a weekly shop to buy smaller amounts, and only what I’ll use,” she said.
She shops around for the lowest prices on products, usually finding these at Aldi.
“But Morrisons and the Co-op are good for reduced items,” she says.
When it comes to cupboard essentials such as cereal and rice, she searches online for the best deal on sites such as Home Bargains.
