Things that are good value

66Mustang

We all like to moan that things are expensive these days but, prompted by a comment about the TV licence on another thread where someone pointed out that you get a lot for the money, I decided to make a topic where we can discuss/share things that we think are particularly good value!

They can be things you have purchased that have served you well or just things you think are generally good value.

Ross_Scope

Running water is probably the best value thing there is  

When I think about how much we use, and how much it costs compared to other utilities, it's amazing.

vikingqueen

Water, it's the only bill I don't mind paying. Clean fresh drinkable water, as much as I need whenever I want. It's something we all take for granted.

66Mustang

A few that spring to mind...

Books: hours of knowledge or entertainment available for under a pound if you buy used i.e. from a charity shop

Video games: if you choose the right ones they can provide hundreds of hours of entertainment which works out at a few pence per hour

Vegetables: or really any healthy food. I hear people moan that it costs a lot to eat healthily but if you look properly you can get loads of vegetables and other healthy foods like pastas for well under a pound, sometimes even 25p or so. It is actually cheaper to eat healthily than to eat unhealthy food like a ready meal or takeaway

Plane flights: I find it amazing that you can go to another country for just tens of pounds (well we could up until recently anyway)

66Mustang

Yes water is a good one @Ross_Scope and @vikingqueen I agree we take it for granted but it’s invaluable, thanks for posting

woodbine

I use HOTUKDEALS when I'm upto it, last night I got 48 bedding plants should have been £32 delivered paid £19, if you haven't tried HDUK it's worth a look, people post bargains they have seen in store many of them are national some local.

66Mustang

@woodbine that is a great site indeed, I’ve come across a few great deals via them

Hope you enjoy the plants...wow to be honest even £32 sounds pretty good for 48 plants!

janer1967

The cea card £6 per year and gives free access to cinema for 1 carer as many times as you like 
.as you couldn't use it for a year they are giving you 18 months this year when you renew 

Ross_Scope

janer1967 said:

The cea card £6 per year and gives free access to cinema for 1 carer as many times as you like 
.as you couldn't use it for a year they are giving you 18 months this year when you renew 

That's very generous of them  

rfk1974

The Motability Scheme - I couldn’t afford a car like mine and adapted too for my disability. I know it’s not ‘free’ as you give up your mobility part of PIP/DLA for it but it’s definitely worth it in my opinion! 

leeCal

Felt pads for the bottom of chair legs to prevent ruining your laminate flooring around the dining table, only a pound a strip. Self adhesive too ?

mikehughescq

Value is relative really. I don’t believe in value for money so much as you get what you pay for. Spent £1,000 on a Miele washing machine 20 years ago. It’s still totally silent and I’m waiting for a day when it goes wrong. Not happened yet. Looks fantastic value to me.

I’ve also spent significant amounts on hi-fi. Many would be horrified. However, I have two sources. TV and a streamer. It is in use one way or another every single day and that’s been the case since 1990. Divide the total by the 30 years age 365 days and it looks like a bargain. 

At the other end of the scale a Disabled Person’s Railcard or a CEA card both, if used regularly, pay for themselves very quickly.

fluffycat

Pets - give company. spontaneous antics, love in their own way, stop talking to self

Good pair of shoes (£50 to £60 outlet price) to get good wear out of (and not fall to bits too soon)

Theme Park Pass (pre-covid) - can go to various places and just cost fare, (booking fee for some) Packed Lunch or dine there.

Cinema - (budget screen) some films need the big screen for immersive experience

Mobile Phone - Window to world and music player (budget to mid price)

Cordless Headphones - Tangle free listening experience. Spring in step on long walk. 

Lego - satisfying builds, something creative

Tori_Scope

My 16-25 railcard paid for itself very quickly (pre-covid times of course!).

A bit of a random one, but my milk frother was another good investment. I got it for sale online, so it wasn't very much, and it means that I can make tasty frothy coffees at home. This prevents me from buying coffees out as often.

Dragonslayer

My disabled badge was great value for £10, So is the free disabled parking bay outside my house. 
I no longer have to worry about parking while shopping, or someone parking in my space when I'm out.
You've got me thinking here.
My mobile is also good value at £6 per month, does all I want, phone, internet, great camera, great deal.
Don't like paying the TV licence though, never have. Even though thinking on it, we seem to watch BBC more than any other Terrestrial channel.
 

fluffycat

Radar Key (toilets)

very useful for some locations the only option and others, the coin loos have long queues!
Also some Normal Loos  are miles downstairs!!

not perfect though as some Radar are often out of order or close early. 

Sandy_123

I love a good bargain me, online vouchers, reduced sections in shops, sales.
Its rare i pay full price for any thing I need, unless I have to.

mikehughescq

fluffycat said:

Radar Key (toilets)

very useful for some locations the only option and others, the coin loos have long queues!
Also some Normal Loos  are miles downstairs!!

not perfect though as some Radar are often out of order or close early. 

Yes, Radar key is a good one. Only if you buy the full price ones though. There are so many dodgy cheap imitations which purport to work and then snap in locks on first use etc.