Saving money with a computer

Pound coin Computers are less expensive than they used to be, and if you cannot buy one, your library will probably have one that you can use, free of charge. Your local Job Centre Plus has special computers designed to help you job vacancies in your area.  They are very easy to use, and staff will help you.

Quick money saving tips

• Consider reading the news online, instead of buying a newspaper every time you want to catch up on current affairs
• Go to Freecycle, the web network through which people give and receive unwanted items for free in your area

• Try to contact people by email rather than posting letters and paying for stamps
• Look at online auctions for second-hand goods instead of just buying new

Shopping

It is often cheaper to do your shopping online.  For example electronic items are less expensive than on the high street. There are also websites which will compare prices so that you get the best deal. 

Fuel bills

There are lots of different websites that allow you to compare the prices from different fuel suppliers – and now you can also do this on the My Great Place website!  Click here for more information

Internet banking

Most banks now allow their customers to check their accounts online.  You can make financial transactions, apply for products such as loans and new accounts, or view your balance and statements.

Bills and payments

Some service providers charge you for each paper bill you receive in the post, so you can save by setting up online bills.  Much like internet banking, this allows you to see all your statements on the computer. They can be printed off – which will still cost less.

Warning!
  • Do not enter your personal or payment details unless the address of the web page begins with ‘https://’ (this means secure), and always make sure that the padlock icon is visible in the bottom right hand corner.  This means that the site is secure and your personal details cannot be viewed by anyone else.
  • Be aware of fake or suspicious ‘spam’ emails which ask for personal details – these can look very realistic, but you should always ignore them.
  • Try not to fall victim to 'impulse buys' or buy items which look too good to be true – they probably are!
  • If you find a good deal on a website which you have never seen before, get a customer support phone number and an postal address for the company, not just an email.  All good websites should also have a privacy and returns policy.
  • Be aware that sometimes prices are quoted without VAT and postage, so make sure you don’t get surprised by hidden extras on your bill.