13 Things You're Probably Overpaying For

Hey, big spender! It's about time you got your money's worth...

1. Train Tickets

Antony Griffiths (CC BY 2.0) / Via Flickr: antonygriffiths

Splitting a train journey and paying for tickets in parts can be A LOT cheaper than buying a ticket for the entire trip.

This useful tool calculates how much you can save by splitting your trip. It’s totally legit and is one of the best ways to save money on costly train journeys.

2. Tuition Fees

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Millions of pounds worth of scholarships and bursaries for UK students go unclaimed every year.

This website lists information about the available scholarships all over the UK. So if you’re about to apply – or know someone who is – be sure to check if you’re eligible for funding.

3. Car Insurance

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Adding an experienced second or third driver to your car insurance can save you thousands. Exactly how much you can claw back depends on a variety of factors, as explained here.

4. Mobile Phones

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As if being stuck with the same phone for 24 months wasn't bad enough, the chances are you're overpaying for your mobile phone.

According to this study, 7 in 10 of us could be saving £159 a year by switching to a contract more fitted to our needs.

5. Vegetables

J. Triepke (CC BY 2.0) / Via Flickr: piro007

The next time you reach for those prepacked bananas, think again.

It might seem easier buying your fruit and veg in nicely wrapped bundles, but you could be paying up to 50% extra for what is essentially pointless packaging.

6. Parking Tickets

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A surprising 60% of parking ticket appeals are successful. Crazy, right?

And it's now easier than ever to contest an unfair parking ticket. This website can help you appeal in less than 30 seconds and claim back money that is rightfully yours.

7. Hotels

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Don't get drawn into price comparison sites thinking you will always get a better deal. Online agents can charge hotels between 15% and 30% on commission for bookings – money you could be saving by going direct to the source.

Recent changes to regulations signal good news for travellers as more hotel companies are now able to guarantee guests the best prices available when they book through their loyalty scheme. You’ll also get perks like free Wi-Fi and the ability to earn points for every stay.

8. Birthdays

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Treating yourself on your birthday doesn't have to cost you tons of money. In fact, there are plenty of companies willing to shower you with free and discounted goodies on your special day.

Check out this list to find out what you can claim.

9. Designer Dresses You Will Only Wear Once

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We get it: Some occasions are just so special you have to buy a new dress exclusively for the event. But why own a dress you will only wear once, when you can rent one instead?

This website offers a range of designer dresses to rent for as little as £40.

10. Energy

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Granted you’ve probably heard it several times before: "Blah, blah, blah, switch providers to save money on your bills."

But seriously: You might be paying £659 more a year than you need to be – simply because you haven’t switched energy providers. That's a lot of money!

And switching is a lot easier than you might think.

11. Books

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There’s something oddly satisfying about hoarding books you’ve already read dozens of times. But reading can be an expensive pastime.

This website lets you swap titles from your collection with fellow bookworms. It'll cost you roughly £2 to send each book, but you’ll have access to a far greater selection of titles compared to charity shops and secondhand stores.

12. Family Attractions

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The next time your kid writes a witty poem or draws a heartfelt family portrait, carefully fold it up and send it to Blue Peter so you can claim a badge.

Along with being the coolest kid in the playground, your badge-wearing child will now have free access to over 200 attractions in the UK – making family trips a lot more affordable.

13. Everything

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It’s time you finally started earning money for spending money! OK, so cashback incentives are nothing new, but this handy app makes it easier than ever before. Simply scan your receipts and exchange your points for cash.

It’s as simple as that.

Why overpay if you don’t have to? Book your next hotel stay directly through IHG Rewards Club to take advantage of its Lowest Price Promise – a guarantee that you will get the lowest rates by booking directly.

For the best deals on hotels including Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, and Crowne Plaza, visit ihg.com/lowestprice.