Here are a few cost saving tricks for around the house so you and your shoes can breathe easy.

• Replace regular light bulbs with eco bulbs and turn them off when you leave the room.
• If replacing a dishwasher or frontloading washing machine purchase one which will heat its own water instead of draining the hot water cylinder. You could also wash clothes in cold water to save money on the power bill.
• Use the washing line or make a line in your shed for those wet days instead of using the dryer.
• Make your washing powder go further by mixing in a container of washing crystals.  This also softens your clothes eliminating the need for extra fabric softener.
• Turn off your television and stereo using the power button instead of the remote control, this saves power by turning it off completely and your pedometer will love you for it!
• Baking soda and white vinegar makes a great cleaner for showers, baths and stainless steel.  Buy in bulk as a cheaper and environment friendly cleaning alternative.
• Sell off your child's clothes at the beginning of each season.  Sort through and separate the clothes which are not going to fit for the coming season, as well as any sport shoes such as soccer boots and advertise them for sale.
• Plant a vegetable garden. Makes a great form of entertainment for the children watching their vegetables grow.  If you don't have the space to dig a garden, buy a couple of concrete rounds that they make for soak holes, fill them with soil and compost and there you have an instant garden.
• When going to the movies take your own popcorn and drinks, you will save a fortune if you are taking the whole family and have lots of fun making it before you go. It may be a good idea to hide it though - some movie theatres don't take to kindly to it being flaunted about!
• Join your local library, many don't charge or have a minimal annual fee, allowing access to the internet, books and often the latest magazines.
• Use family planning instead of your doctor for anything related to sexual health - from smears, to contraception to fertility advice, they are a lot cheaper to visit than your doctors and they are experts at what they do.

Lastly, and most important of all - put all your spare change in your 'saving for shoes' moneybox. By the time the sales are on you will have saved enough for that bargain pair of shoes you have been pining over all season!

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Article by Rachel Goodchild

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