God. Easter weekend. Four glorious days off work, and I'm already mentally preparing my liver for what's coming. My sister texted me yesterday: "Bringing the kids round Sunday, please have something stronger than tea ready." Challenge accepted.
I've spent the last two days hunting down the cheapest alcohol deals because, let's be honest, nobody wants to drop a fortune on drinks when we're all still recovering from Christmas spending. My partner laughed when I made a spreadsheet to compare prices. Whatever. I saved us £27 on our Easter supplies, so who's laughing now?
The Wine Situation (It's Better Than You Think)
The big supermarkets are practically begging us to buy wine in bulk right now. Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and Asda all have that 25% off when you buy six or more bottles deal running. I did this last Christmas and walked out feeling like I'd robbed the place.
Just remember you need a Clubcard for Tesco or a Nectar card for Sainsbury's. I forgot mine last time and teh cashier looked at me like I'd committed a crime when I asked if they could look up my details.
Quick math: spend £40 on six bottles, pay £30 instead. That's a tenner saved that you can spend on cheese or whatever.
Majestic has similar deals online if you're too lazy to leave the house. No judgment.
But here's my actual tip - Aldi is selling wine and Prosecco bottles for £2.99 each. I'm not kidding. I bought two bottles of their Prosecco yesterday and while it's not exactly Dom Perignon, it's perfectly fine for mimosas or that aunt who can't tell the difference anyway.
Beer & Cider Deals That Won't Break You
Back in 2019, I spent nearly £80 on craft beers for a family gathering. Never again. This year I'm being smarter.
If you've got a Clubcard (seriously, get one if you don't), Tesco will let you grab three large bottles of beer or cider for £6. I picked up three bottles of that Welsh cider with the dragon name I can never pronounce properly... Gwynt Y something? Saved £2.10 and it's actually decent stuff.
Sainsbury's has a 4 for £7 deal including Fuller's London Pride. My dad's favorite, though he insists it "doesn't taste the same as it used to." Nothing does, Dad.
Asda's got some solid multipacks on Rollback too. Spent £9.97 on a 10-pack of San Miguel yesterday (down from £13) and my partner's already hidden it from me "until the actual holiday."
Spirits: Where to Find the Hard Stuff
Listen. We all have that one friend who only drinks spirits and mixers. (I'm that friend.)
After checking literally everywhere, B&M has the cheapest Smirnoff at £15.50 for 70cl. You have to physically drag yourself to a store though.
Bacardi white rum? Asda's your best bet at £15.97. And weirdly, posh Waitrose has slashed Jack Daniel's from £28 to £20.
But honestly... just go for the supermarket own brands. I did a blind taste test with friends last summer, adn nobody could tell the difference once it was mixed with Coke or lemonade.
Sainsbury's vodka is £12.49 compared to £15.50 for Smirnoff. Aldi's white rum is £11.99 instead of nearly £16 for Bacardi.
What I'm Actually Buying This Weekend
After all this research (spent way too long on this instead of finishing that work project due Tuesday), I'm heading to Aldi for the £2.99 Prosecco, grabbing some own-brand gin from Sainsbury's, and getting a crate of San Miguel from Asda.
My total budget? £40 for enough booze to last the entire weekend. My brother bet me £25 I couldn't do it. Poor guy doesn't realize I've become something of an expert at this.
Just remember to drink some water between glasses. Nobody wants to waste half their Bank Holiday with a hangover. I learned that lesson the hard way in 2018... still can't look at tequila the same way.
The Hangover Kit (You'll Thank Me Later)
While you're out shopping for all this cheap booze, do yourself a favor and grab some Dioralyte, paracetamol, and those little cartons of coconut water. Future you will be grateful.
I'm off to finish my shopping list and hide the good stuff from my freeloading cousin who always "forgets" to bring anything but somehow drinks more than everyone combined.
Cheers to a four-day weekend!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the definition of money?
Money is a medium of exchange that facilitates transactions for goods and services. It serves as a unit of account, a store of value, and a standard of deferred payment, allowing individuals to compare the value of diverse products and services.
What is a budget deficit?
A budget deficit occurs when a government's expenditures exceed its revenues over a specific period, usually a fiscal year. This can lead to increased borrowing and national debt if not addressed through spending cuts or revenue increases.
How can I budget my money effectively?
To budget effectively, start by tracking your income and expenses to understand your spending habits. Set realistic financial goals, categorize your expenses, and allocate funds accordingly. Regularly review and adjust your budget to ensure it reflects your current financial situation and objectives.
What is the importance of financial literacy?
Financial literacy is essential for making informed decisions about budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. It empowers individuals to understand financial concepts, evaluate risks, and navigate complex financial products, leading to better financial stability and long-term wealth building.
How can I improve my credit score?
To improve your credit score, make timely payments on all debts, reduce credit card balances, avoid opening unnecessary credit accounts, and regularly check your credit report for errors, disputing any inaccuracies. Maintaining a mix of credit types and keeping old accounts open can also be beneficial.
What is the role of central banks in the economy?
Central banks manage a nation's currency, money supply, and interest rates. They implement monetary policy to control inflation, stabilize the currency, and foster economic growth. They also serve as lenders of last resort to the banking system during financial crises.
How can I start saving for retirement?
To start saving for retirement, begin by establishing clear retirement goals and determining how much you need to save. Contribute to employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as a 401(k), and consider opening an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Regular contributions and taking advantage of compounding interest can significantly boost your retirement savings over time.
Statistics
- According to a Gallup poll, 56% of Americans report that their financial situation is better than it was a year ago.
- According to a survey by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), about 66% of Americans could not correctly answer four basic financial literacy questions.
- The average return on investment for the S&P 500 over the past 90 years is about 10% per annum.
- A study by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that 60% of Americans do not have a budget.
- The average cost of raising a child in the U.S. is estimated to be around $233,610, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- As of 2021, the median household income in the U.S. was approximately $67,521, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
- As of 2021, the average American household had approximately $8,400 in credit card debt, according to Experian.
- In 2020, the average retirement savings for Americans aged 60 to 69 was approximately $195,000, according to Fidelity.
External Links
How To
How To Start Investing for Beginners
Starting to invest can be daunting, but it is a crucial step towards building wealth. Begin by setting clear financial goals, such as saving for retirement or a major purchase. Educate yourself on different investment options, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs. Consider starting with a brokerage account that offers user-friendly platforms and educational resources. Diversify your investments to reduce risk, and consider low-cost index funds or robo-advisors if you prefer a hands-off approach. Make regular contributions, and resist the temptation to react to market fluctuations. Over time, compound interest will help your investments grow significantly.
PoliticsRoyaltySoap OperaGamingMoneyPrivacy PolicyTerms And Conditions
