Best Money-saving life hacks

I don't know how I managed to live without all those nifty little ideas shared on Pinterest and social media.  A couple of years ago I'd never heard of the expression 'life hack' but now people are 'hacking' left, right and centre.

I thought I'd share some of my favourite nuggets I've found which make life that little bit easier, and save you money too.

1. Food Waste

This is a big drain on the household finances, so any tips to make sure I don't waste food are always welcomed.

This is a great idea to make sure you can get to all your jars and bottles at the back of your fridge - how many times have you found out of date stuff languishing at the back because you just can't see it?  Via Buzzfeed.com

We have a big larder in our kitchen and it's piled with multi-buys and special offer purchases.  It can be hard to see exactly what I've got, and makes writing a shopping list tricky, so this is an ingenous idea to keep all your tins neat and to hand. Via PB & J Stories.

2. Don't over dollop!

I wrote a little while ago about how one simple change of mindset can save so much money when it comes to toiletries and products.  However, it's not so easy to get kids into the habit of frugal use, which is why I love this idea.  The elastic band prevents the pump dispenser being depressed too much and saves excessive use. Via Marc and Angel Hack Life.

3. Make-over your junk

Regular readers will know how I love to upcycle old junk, or tart up tatty bits that I've picked up in junk stores.  It means I can fill my house with pretty for not too many pennies.

One of my all time favourite blog posts in this one by Lulastic on how to make your own chalkboard paint. It's absolutely genius, it's saved me tonnes of money on make-over projects and best of all you're not limited to black blackboard paint - you can make all colours of the rainbow!  Here's a thrifted tray I painted up.

4. Spruce up your dingy towels

Before you sling out your faded old towels or even bed linen and splash out on new, try dyeing it to give it a new lease of life.  If you're redecorating, it can be an added expense buying new linen to co-ordinate, but if you have cotton and it's still in good condition, a packet of machine dye will turn it into a whole new set.

5. Ditch the Takeaway

One of my worst money-wasting habits is to reach for the takeaway menu after a busy day.  It's not just that it's so easy, it's that I actually LOVE takeaway food - fish and chips; pizza; Chinese... you name it.  But in actual fact, by the time you've collected it, or had it delivered, it's not really that much quicker.

The lastest food craze is for 'Fakeaways', so next time you fancy something a little naughty, instead of picking up the phone, try out a DIY version.  It'll not only be cheaper, but it will be healthier too.  Some of my favourites are:

Chinese pancakes by A Bavarian Sojourn.

Chicken kebabs from All You Need is Love and Cake.

Chicken Fried Rice from The Crazy Kitchen.

Slimming World friendly Chinese Fakeaway by A Seasider in the City.

What are your top money-saving life-hacks?

Disclosure:  This post is in association with VoucherCodes.co.uk