Showcase Magazine Autumn 2025 - Flipbook - Page 29
MONEY SKILLS
Kath’s Corner! Join our IQA Kath as she
shares her top money saving tips.
Smart Ways to Stretch
Your Money
With the cost of living continuing to
rise, it's more important than ever to
find practical ways to save money or
maximise the value of our everyday
spending. Whether it's through
cashback schemes, switching banks,
or shopping smarter, small changes
can add up to meaningful savings.
Here are some effective strategies to
help make your money go further.
Earn While You Spend: Cashback Opportunities
Make the Most of Bank Switching Incentives
Cashback is a great way to recoup money from purchases you were Many banks offer financial incentives (sometimes up to £180) to
already planning to make. Many services offer cashback on both in- new customers who use the Account Switch Service. This
store and online purchases.
service guarantees a smooth transition, with all your payments
TopCashback App: This platform works by directing you to the
retailer’s site via their app. Simply shop as normal, and your
transaction will be tracked. You'll then receive a percentage of your
purchase amount back.
Airtime Rewards App: Link your debit or credit card to the app, and
whenever you spend with participating retailers (in-store or online),
cashback is automatically earned and can be used towards your
mobile phone bill.
Bank Cashback Schemes: Some banks offer exclusive cashback to
account holders. For instance, Lloyds Bank's Everyday Offers
allows customers to activate deals for specific retailers and earn
cashback on qualifying purchases. Monzo also runs similar
schemes for selected merchants.
See Which? guide to best bank accounts for cashback
Save and Earn on Buying & Selling Platforms
Buying and selling platforms such as eBay, Vinted, and
Facebook Marketplace offer significant savings, especially if
you’re looking for specific items. With a bit of research, you can
often find products new or in excellent condition at a fraction
of retail price.
These platforms are also a great way to earn extra money by
selling items you no longer need:
Vinted has zero selling fees, making it an appealing option
for sellers.
eBay has recently removed fees on many categories,
further increasing seller profits.
Just be cautious - returns may not be available when
purchasing through these platforms, especially from private
sellers.
and balance transferred to your new account, while the old
one is automatically closed.
Before switching, be sure to:
Read the terms and conditions carefully to ensure you
meet eligibility requirements.
Understand that a credit check may be performed when
opening a new account.
Shop Smart: Tips for Smarter Spending
Whether shopping online or in-store, a few simple habits can
lead to substantial savings:
Compare prices: Research online before buying in-store.
Promotions and discounts vary significantly.
Look for discount codes: A quick Google search or visit to
the retailer’s social media may uncover promo codes.
Unsubscribe from marketing emails: Reduce the
temptation to buy unnecessary items driven by
promotional emails.
Review your contracts: Keep track of when contracts for
services like broadband, mobile, or TV end. Companies
often don’t notify you, and you could be missing out on
better deals once your contract expires.
Student discounts: Cards like TOTUM and UNiDAYS offer
discounts across fashion, tech, and food.
Online Safety Tips:
Always download apps from official app stores.
When shopping online, look for secure websites
(indicated by a padlock icon or
