Money Saving Tips

There are a range of things you can do to help you save money. Always check to see if you are eligible for Benefits or a hardship grant.  The BBC has information on cost of living tips: a personalised guide to saving money. It has screening questions in order to tailor the information provided asking

• How are you coping (doing ok, coping, struggling, in crisis)
• What best describes your household (working age family, working age and single, working age couple, retired)
• Do you have a pre-payment meter (yes, no)
• Do you receive disability benefits (yes, no)
• How do you usually travel (petrol car, electric vehicle, public transport)
• Where do you live (social housing, rent privately, homeowner)

Cycling and car sharing schemes are both actively promoted by NHS Lothian and can reduce the costs associated with using your car.  NHS Lothian runs a cycle to work scheme. Staff can save on a bike package of up to £4K and spread the cost over 12, 18 or 24 months with the additional savings on fuel as well as the health benefits of being on a bike. For more details on the scheme look at the intranet. The City of Edinburgh has information on cycling and walking routes maps and have created an interactive map to help key workers find bike offers and services in their area. Sustrans has information on cycle routes for other areas.

Free bus travel for under 22s. Young persons’ free bus travel scheme.

Cheaper phone and broadband.  Social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits. The BBC suggested that only 3.5% of those eligible for the deals are currently on one. Some providers call them ‘essential’ or ‘basic’ broadband. If you or someone in your household claims Universal Credit, you could switch to any of the tariffs available. Some providers also include people on other benefits such as Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker’s Allowance, and Income Support. The person receiving the benefit will need to be the main person on the contract.

They’re delivered in the same way as normal packages, just at a lower price.  There is a list of available tariffs.

How a social tariff could help you

• It’s available to those on a variety of benefits. If you or someone in your household claims Universal Credit, you could switch to any of the tariffs available.
• It’s cheaper than a regular package. Current prices range from £10 to £20.
• Fast, unlimited broadband. Most tariffs offer superfast broadband at speeds over 30 Mbit/s – fast enough for you to keep in touch with friends and family, stream HD films or shop online.
• You’ll pay next-to-nothing to get set up. If you do have to pay any setup costs, these should only be small. Your provider should tell you before you sign up.
• It could cost nothing to switch. If your provider offers a social tariff, you can switch to it at any time, free of charge.
• The price won’t go up mid-contract. You won’t pay any more than what you agree at the start of the contract.
• It costs nothing to leave. You won’t pay a fee to leave the tariff before the end of your contract.
  

There are a number sites that give practical ways to reduce, reuse, repair and recycle everyday items in Edinburgh and the Lothians – and every area will have the equivalent information.

Edinburgh Re-Use Map has information on local charity shops and workshops to help you give, fix and get items all over Edinburgh.

Freecycle Freecycle is a non-profit movement of people who are giving (and getting) stuff for free in their own towns and neighbourhoods. It’s all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills. Each local group is moderated by local volunteers and membership is free. 

Shrub CoOpThe Food Sharing Hub, located in the Zero Waste Hub at 22 Bread Street, is Scotland’s first rescued food shop and exists to save surplus food from supermarkets and small businesses around Edinburgh from an unnecessary fate in the bin. It’s open for everyone. Simply come along to the Food Sharing Hub. Fill a basket with food and pay as you feel.

Open 11am to 6pm Tuesday to Saturday

Too Good to Waste is an online A to Z guide of practical ways to reduce, reuse, repair and recycle everyday items in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Too Good to Go The Too Good To Go app lets customers buy and collect Magic Bags of this food – at a great price – directly from businesses. Cafés, shops and restaurants all put together any leftover food in a bag or two – depending on how much is left – and sell it at a cheaper price.

Edinburgh School Uniform Bank distributes bespoke packs of new school uniform to Edinburgh families each year, as well as supplying nearly-new uniform to schools and community groups. Individuals have to be referred by a professional. Please note self referrals not accepted.

Free period products Local councils currently provide free period products in a range of locations. You can use the PickupMyPeriod app to find out where you can find locations across Scotland where free period products can be accessed.