Wolf Review/Wolf Bargain(Bargain Hunter, Easy Hacks and Tips to Save Oney Every Day by Kara Gammell)
Kara Gammell, the author, is also a personal finance expert. Her column in the Metro newspaper is well followed by many readers in the UK. If one has a revenue problem, it is time to tackle the cost side of things. If one can’t make more, minimally, look at the spending. This book The Bargain Hunter teaches practical and innovative hacks on saving money. Some of which I have not even thought of. The book was written for the UK audience, but some money-saving tips are universal. It is applicable anywhere. The author segregated the book into 6 main chapters where one can save money in Home & Household, Work & Finances, Family, Leisure, Personal and Travel. I will be able to give some examples in a local context.
Home & Household
1.) Water and electricity bills
Both items took away a big chunk of household expenses. The author suggested turning the heater to 60 degrees centigrade during winter. In Singapore, the optimal temperature for air conditioning is 25 degrees centigrade. I do it a step further by switching on the dry mode. The dry mode absorbs the humidity in the room, leaving one cool and dry. I did a comparison using the cooling mode vs the dry mode. I am able to save about 30% of my electricity bill, in process saving off hundreds of dollars a years on my bill. Water saving devices knock off another few quids from the water bill. Climate vouchers are applicable for some water saving taps.
2.) Streaming subscription(s)
Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+ streaming services can add up a pretty penny to monthly expenses. Keeping the subscription down to 1 can help put extra cash into your savings. Going to your neighbour’s house to enjoy the free show and beer can be another option. In process, improve the neighbourly spirit. 😁
3.) Food wastage
As a Christian, I always believe one of the biggest sin is food wasting. Not only is the person throwing away good food, it is also a waste of money which could be put to better use. Generating food waste also puts pressure on the environment. In Britain, where the author resides, on average each household throws away close to £1000(SGD $1750) of unconsumed food waste annually. Right-sizing food portion is one way to reduce food waste. Methods to reduce waste can be as simple as how we store our food. Wrapping bananas with kitchen foil helps prevent escape of ethylene from stems. This slows down the ripening process, keeping bananas fresh for longer. Repurposing BBQ leftovers into sandwiches can be a great way to cut waste and to have a delicious meal for the next day.
Work And Finance
1.) Paying yourself first
Paying yourself first at the start of the month is a time-tested strategy for those who have problems saving. Having an auto transfer from your paycheck account to another banking account, preferably without a digital banking function, can instill discipline.
2.) Shareholders’ perks
Many listed companies in the UK give special perks to their shareholders which include discounts and special buys. In Singapore, a lot of listed companies are not tapping the gold mine of shareholders spending. A couple of shareholders’ perks I can remember, Soup Holdings Ltd offer shareholders a 15% discount when you eat at the restaurant if you have a shareholders’ card. It requires a minimum of 2000 shares to apply for the card. I will put the link below. Another perk is offered by SIAS. If you are a shareholder of any sponsored companies of SIAS. You can join SIAS’s Associated Sponsored Membership for free, which opens up access to free courses and SIAS invited events. Document of provenance includes the CDP statement. The link to the free membership page is enclosed below.
Family
Toys
1.) Families with kids are likely to spend more on their little ones, especially in the “department of toys”. Reusing old Lego bricks to build new structures can be a great way to save money and to keep the kids interested.
Free activities for kids
2.) Many retail stores roll out free activities for children in the UK. One local example I can think of is the Children’s Biennale happening now in our National Gallery from May 2025 to March 2026. Children will be able to try out interactive games and specially curated art sessions. Most activities are free.
Student discount
3.) In Singapore, students are given a pass. Always bring them along. Many f&b outlets offer student meal at a discount. It is one way to get a delicious meal for the kids without sweating that wallet.
Leisure
Discounted lunch during weekdays
1.) After a “spent” weekend, some restaurants want to sustain revenue by offering discounted set lunches during the early part of the week. In Singapore, set lunches are pretty common in the CBD. One could easily get a 3 course lunch set below $40. Some restaurants also offer discounted buffets. Crystal Cafe at Orchard Grand Court is one such location offering a buffet at an affordable $22.8 per person during weekday lunch (Monday to Thursday). The food is delicious. You can read it here.
Movie tickets
2.) Discounted movie tickets. A family going for movies can be expensive anywhere, not only in the UK. In Singapore, movie theatres offer discounted tickets during the weekdays. Senior citizens above 55 years can get a movie ticket for $5 at any GV theatres. GV is running a 1 for 1 promotion for the home team. Personnel and associates to the home team get a 1-for-1 movie ticket when a ticket purchase is made using home team app.
Personal
Free fitness classes
1.)There are many organisations offering free fitness classes in UK. Locally, if you need to trim some of that belly, free aerobic and yoga classes are available in some shopping malls. Just remember to avoid that fast food after a workout. 🏋️
Seasonal items
2.)The author suggested buying out-of-season items. Right after Christmas, many retailers will be clearing their X’mas decor at rock bottom price. Bargain X’mas lightings are good for next year. The same applies for post-Chinese New Year decor.
One pound shop
3.) Poundland in the UK operates a similar concept to the Value Shop in Singapore. One way to stretch that dollar is to visit the 1-pound shop. Marked-down items due to change of packaging and food items with shorter shelf life could be purchased at a fraction of the original price.
Travel
Transportation
1.) The daily commute can add up to thousands a year. One major cost saver which I experience myself is commuting by bicycle. Cycling allows me to save on my transportation costs by an average of $40 a month. I save close to $500 a year. Within 5 years, the cost of my bicycle is fully paid for from the savings. Furthermore, cycling gives you extra time to workout.
Concessionaires
2.) In the UK, an annual family travel pass can allow up to 4 family members to travel on a discount. In Singapore, we have translink monthly adult pass that cost $128. There are other concession passes for seniors, students and NS men. I am sure there is one that allows you to save some transportation fares.
There are plenty of examples given by the author. Unfortunately, I can’t list them all. If you want to make saving as a way of life. The book offers some painless hacks to get your budget in order. The book goes onto the Lone Wolf recommendation list for its easy and hassle-free ways of saving money. God Bless.
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All investments is highly speculative in nature and involves substantial risk of loss. We encourage our reader to invest very carefully. We also encourage reader to get personal advice from your professional investment advisor and to make independent investigations before acting on information that we publish. Much of our information is derived directly from information published by companies or submitted to governmental agencies on which we believe are reliable but are without our independent verification. Therefore, we cannot assure you that the information is accurate or complete. We do not in any way whatsoever warrant or guarantee the success of any action you take in reliance on our statements. All information provided are for education only. Buyer beware,do you own due diligence.
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