APPS TO SAVE YOU A PACKET
Rising prices have forced many households into becoming more thrifty and creative with their spending.
Handily, there are several apps and websites that might be worth checking out, if you’re looking to pick things up for low costs – or even find freebies.
As well as being a site for buying and selling, Gumtree, for example, also has a freebies section (gumtree.com/freebies).
For those looking to save some money on food, the Too Good to Go app (toogoodtogo. co.uk) allows people to buy bundles of food at a knock-down price from local cafes, restaurants and food stores, which may otherwise go to waste. Bear in mind, though, that what you’ll get is a surprise.
Food sharing app Olio (olioex. com) also helps stop surplus food going to waste. Launched in the UK five years ago, it says it recently passed the milestone of more than four and-a-half million community members, with half of these based in the UK.
App users post pictures of giveaways and pick-up can be arranged via messaging in the app. Since launch, it has broadened its offer to include free sharing of household items such as toiletries, kitchen appliances, books and clothes. Neighbours can also use the app to lend and borrow items.
There are also giveaway websites such as Freecycle and Freegle, which match people with items to give away with those looking to source them – whether you’re on the hunt for a tin of paint, kids’ toys or furniture, among other things.
Many communities also have their own websites, where neighbours can share items around.
When looking for local freebies, the one cost you may need to factor in is getting them home – so just make sure that the transport expense doesn’t outweigh the benefits of having them.