Personal finance expert Sara Benwell: Why pay full price?

Personal finance expert Sara Benwell returns with her list of five things you should never pay full price for. 

Bargain hunters know the value of a great deal. But what about when the sales aren’t on? There are times when paying the ticket price is unavoidable. However, there are some things you can always save on. 

Groceries 

The main trick is to never be loyal to one supermarket. Mysupermarket.com estimates that you can slash 30% off your weekly shop by switching. 

When in the shops look for deals but also check for short shelf lives. You’ll be wasting money if you have to throw things away. 

Eating out 

Register as a fan with your favourite restaurants and you’ll often get access to great offers such as free food or a bottle of prosecco on your birthday. You can do that via a dedicated email address so you don’t get inundated with spam. Also, check myvouchercodes.co.uk for extra savings. 

Cinema tickets 

If you’re paying full price, you’re doing it wrong. Odeon offers supersaver tickets Mondays to Thursdays before 5pm, Cineworld does Bargain Tuesdays and all the cinemas have deals for young kids (or grandkids). 

Holidays 

Groupon has great deals on city breaks. Monitor your favourite airlines and hotels for seasonal discounts too. Got loyalty cards? You can often swap points for Avios or money off flights with a range of airlines. 

Furniture 

With discounts available year-round, it’s pretty easy to find somewhere you can get a reduction on full price as long as you look.
 
Plus 

Check cashback websites too; with quidco.com or topcashback.co.uk you can get as much as 8% back on anything you buy.