We might only be a couple of months into 2025, but it already looks set to be another year where the cost of living looms, rises in the prices of everyday basics have become the norm in the last half a decade and families are well and truly starting to feel the pinch.
Following a year that saw slowing but still upward trending figures in the inflation of UK households’ outgoings, many are looking at ways to bring those costs down without sacrificing enjoyment. From cutting back on bills to buying in bulk, cash-strapped Brits are having to get creative in their battle against the cost of living.
Nowhere is this felt more than in communities in the north of the country, including here in Stockport and wider Merseyside. So, what can cash-conscious Sandgrounders do to keep the costs low and still enjoy some of the finer things in life?
Make The Most of Free Trials and Offers
Have you ever heard of someone complaining about getting something for free? In times where luxuries – even the smaller ones – are becoming increasingly overpriced, you can’t be picky about how you get your fill. Especially if there’s a chance you can get something for free.
Entertainment is probably the biggest outgoing in this regard. Nights out and visits to the cinema have become almost completely unaffordable now, so home entertainment is very much the way forward. If you can’t get something on the big screen, it might be time to scour the internet for those free trials.
iGaming Entertainment
Bingo halls and casinos are a staple of British night-out culture, yet many are having to look to cut them from their budgets. However, that doesn’t mean that all forms of this sort of gaming have to be cut entirely. You only need to look at their online versions, iGaming.
Many online casinos offer promotions to new players to give them the chance to play more of their favourite games at less of the expense. As an example, the Karamba welcome bonus gives players bonus credit of up to £100 when they first make an account. This means that players can take advantage of playing with the bonus credit on top of their deposit.
Video Streaming
Netflix, Prime, Disney+, NowTV – if you want to watch all of your favourite films and TV shows, you would probably need to sink the best part of £100. However, most of these services will also offer an introductory trial.
Prime, for example, offers a 30-day trial for its video service, so it’s worth taking advantage of this when available. Also, Digital Spy reports that the service also offers a number of little-known discounts.
Additionally, while these are not free trials as such, it is worth looking at the free streaming services that are available here in the UK. Channel 4’s streaming output not only includes all of the best shows from all of its channels, but also includes a number of blockbuster films from its FilmFour production arm. The same is true of BBC’s iPlayer.
Food and Drink
One area that does seem to be putting the squeeze on families the most is food and drink. Eating out has become a luxury that many are going without and this has even hurt local restaurants. Not only that, but the receipt for the weekly food shop has started to feel more like Marks & Spencer and less like Asda. There are some food and drink services that can help bring a little cheer, though.
HelloFresh, the meal prep service has become a big part of UK families’ lives in the last decade. It might be an expensive option, but they too offer discounts like 50% off your first box. Then you have Beer52 that delivers interesting and unique beers offering their first box for free. So, while it might not be a night on the town, it can help keep the feeling of luxury alive at home.
At the end of the day, while the cost of living will continue to make some things less budget-friendly, there are always options out there for those who can find the bargains.
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