Ellis Cameron: Save, save, save

So it’s early days in 2012, but it’s the time of year that my spending needs to be curbed a little, as I’m not quite as flush as I was back in September. So I’ve been thinking about the different ways I can spend a little, and save a lot. I thought I’d share with you a few tips and insights that are part of my survival strategy.

eBay is your friend

Not just for buying cheaply, eBay is a great way to make money too.

I’m currently selling about 20 items and the majority of them are selling well. If you’re not precious about pricing, you can save money by listing any item on a eBay for 0.99p or less, as then you don’t have to pay a listing fee for each item.

Although the listing fee is only a few pennies, it does add up if you’re listing a lot of items, so it’s worth keeping the 0.99p idea in mind.

Use a variety of photographs to reach more buyers and list items 100% accurately. I tend to sell clothes mostly, so I also provide the waist, chest and hip measurements in inches, alongside the actual stated dress size, just so the buyer can check that it will fit. eBay is a great way to make a little extra money, and clear out your wardrobe too!

…And So Are Charity Shops!

On the other end of the spectrum, I’ve decided buying things is still okay too, especially when you know where to go to get great things at great prices.

Shopping wise, head to both of the Shelter’s on Great Western Road – there’s one beside St George’s Cross subway station and another nearer Byres Road. Both are fairly cheap (clothes for £3 etc.) and you’re sure to find a bargain in there.

Betty’s Market near Trongate Tower is however, my favourite shop. It is a gorgeous menagerie of second hand and vintage clothes, for really low prices. It’s run by Betty and her friend Katherine, who are the loveliest of ladies. They’ll happily chat to you while you browse their stock and you always come away with a great deal (and a great deal of clothes!).

Likewise, Salvation Army on Dumbarton Road can be another goldmine; I’ve picked up a Jaeger jacket for £6 there before, amongst other lovely items. Plus, if you get a loyalty card (free) then every time you spend over £5 you get a stamp. After 8 stamps you get a fiver off of your next purchase – who can say fairer than that?

 Veggie dishes are tasty

Vegetarian dishes are not only good for you; they are also so much more cost effective. This week Mark made us a Sweet Potato, Lentil and Spinach Dahl, which really filled us both up and importantly, it didn’t break the bank either.

Sweet potato, spinach & lentil dahl

Ingredients:

• 100g red lentils
• 450ml vegetable stock
• 2 onions
• 2 tomatoes
• 1 large sweet potato , cut into small pieces
• 200g spinach

1. Put all the ingredients except the sweet potato, spinach and naans in a pan, bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.

2. Add the sweet potato and cook until tender, another 10-12 minutes.

3. Stir in the spinach and cook for a minute until wilted.

Freebies are a bonus

This week I heard about a great deal currently going on weekly at The Flying Duck on 142 Renfield Street in Glasgow. The nice people at the Flying Duck are currently showing two films for free every Wednesday from 7pm onwards. All you need to do is head down and buy a drink to enjoy the show. Cheaper than Cineworld any day!

So there you have it, a few ways in which I’ll be preserving the pennies in 2012, I hope you’ve found them useful too!

Ellis Cameron