AFTER Valentine’s, today marks Singles Awareness Day.
But life can often be pricier without a significant other.
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Here are some ideas on how to trim the cost of living when you are not in a relationship.
DOUBLE DOWN: You can buddy up to make travel cheaper when you are single.
If you get the train often, consider a £30 railcard.
Save one third on rail fares for a year when you travel with a friend with a Two Together railcard. The more trips you make the more you save.
COMBAT COSTS: Single people spend an average of £860 extra a month compared with their coupled-up counterparts, says financial services company Hargreaves Lansdown.
Most of that cost comes from not being able to share the bills.
If you have a spare room, a housemate can ease the strain.
The Government’s Rent A Room scheme allows you to receive up to £7,500 a year tax-free from letting out accommodation in your home.
You can also rent out a parking space if you have one free.
In some parts of the country, you can earn £3,000 a year, according to YourParkingSpace.co.uk.
GOOD TO TALK: Money can be a taboo subject among many friends but talking through financial decisions with a trusty pal could make a big difference.
Couples who make financial decisions together have better financial resilience than people who make them alone, says Sarah Coles, senior personal finance analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown.
“The fact that couples have a live-in sounding board to discuss difficult financial issues gives them a head start in dealing with them.”
If you do not have a friend you feel comfortable talking to, the government-backed MoneyHelper offers free guidance on a range of financial issues over the phone or through online chat.
Contact 0800 138 777 or go to moneyhelper.org.uk.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Deal of day
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Leah’s little helper
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