Money For Nothing & Kicks For Free

No, this isn’t a post about the Dire Straits song, it’s a post about getting money for nothing (or very little) and using it for whatever you like, perhaps a treat, perhaps to pay off a bill?

Lot’s of people talk about cashback, but how many actively visit a cashback site and regulalry make savings and earn extra? I do!

Quidco is my site of choice, mainly because it so easy to use but also because it is packed with features. I’ve done pretty well out of them so far too. Basically, before buying anything online I check to see if the business is featured on Quidco, if so (and I don’t find a similar business listed that might have what I want cheaper!) I click through to the site via Quidco, shop as usual and voila…. after a period of time pennies start appearing in my account!

I contacted Quidco prior to writing this, to see what was new on the site, and their reply was:

Quidco now has 1.2 million members and works with over 2,900 retailers.  Originally set up as a cashback company, Quidco’s services have grown extensively.  Last year we introduced voucher codes (which can be used alongside cashback offers to allow you to save twice), printable vouchers and In-store cashback (which allows you to earn cashback on purchases in certain stores with any of your debit or credit cards).  This year, we launched Quidco Compare (our car insurance comparison tool which works out the best deal for you (inclusive of cashback)).  Furthermore, we now offer cashback on Group buy sites such as Groupon and Crowdity.

We also launched a Save 1K page which allows you to record your voucher savings as well as cashback earnings, and Smart Shopper which is an online blog which pulls together all of our best deals and promotions.

The average member saves about £450 a year with us and it’s so easy because you can make savings on everything from household bills to travel and everyday shopping.

Put like it’s well worth a look!

I’m posting this today because I like to save money, I like to make money and I like to help others do the same too. This is not a sponsored post etc, the only contact I’ve had with Quidco was asking their press team to supply me with up to date info re new features, so you can be sure I am telling you this because of a positive personal experience with the site! So, take a minute and pop along, you’ll be surprised by the number or retailers on there (not just shops but car insurance and more), special offers and other ways to save or make money. There is even a nifty toolbar you download which reminds you to shop via Quidco (which I must download actually lol) so you don’t forget and miss out (Firefox only at the moment but available soon for Chrome, Internet Explorer etc).

Go and have a browse and let me know what you think!

 

 

Fat Club – A Lull and a Masterplan!

If you have read any of my FatClub posts you’ll know I started in January and did fantastically well (even if I do say so myself!). I got down 12st 8.5lb (from 14st) which was a whopping 19.5lb off. Then I stuck, then I put on, then I lost a bit that I put on, then I stayed the same, and again… you see the pattern. I’ve hit THE LULL. That place I just can’t seem to get past (which is worrying as I have 2st+ to lose!) and I’m losing motivation. And picking. And only sticking the plan 5 days (4.5 days) out of 7.

Enough!

My monthly pass (you pay a month at a time, saving £1 a week but most importantly, committing yourself to keeping going) expired a few weeks ago (my payment card expired and I never bothered to put the new one on), but I’ve now redone this.

I’ve bought the new magazine and am currently reading through to get some inspiration for next week and will do a meal plan & have have the shopping delivered tomorrow (saving on those naughty things that jump in my basket when I’m not looking if instore). It’s all in the planning for me!

And I’ve set myself a challenge! The leader as giving out last week these lovely slips of paper with a flower on (with a big smiley face in the middle hmm). There were 8 petals and we were asked to write on what we wanted to achieve in 8 weeks. Well seeing as I’m on week 20 and have lost 19lb now, I figure a pound a week is a good target so 8lb in 8weeks it is. I will break this lull!

I have to say a quick thanks to everyone who has “Yayy’d” me or given me the obligatory kick up the arse, it’s working folks – one petal down, I lost 1lb this week. I will keep going so here’s hoping I can get another off next week!

If you have any Weight loss/ WeighWatchers recipes or hints and tips, please comment or link up with them if you’ve posted them. Weight loss can be a solitary struggle but it doesn’t need be.

Thanks all!