A SUPER savvy mum has wiped £40,000 of credit card debt through yellow sticker shopping.
Maddy Alexander-Grout, from Southampton, Hants, became swamped in debt after taking out dozens of credit cards and loans while at university in the early 2000s.
Eventually, she reached the point where the shame and fear were far too great and “something snapped” so she had to take drastic action.
The mum of two, Harriet, three, and Ben, six, ended up shopping at the supermarkets up to six times a week in order to buy yellow sticker produce and keep costs down – and she's now debt-free.
Maddy said: "I go to the shops up around five or six times a week looking around the reduced to clear section or live off tin tomatoes on toast.
“I also used to pick up a lot of meat which I’d be able to freeze and use when I liked. I once remember getting a massive pack of sausages for 16p.
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“Likewise, I’d also make sure to buy a lot of fish produce too. Prawns are generally on offer in these sections, but sometimes there would be really good quality cod fillets too.
“Despite clearing my debts, I still yellow sticker shop now. On jubilee weekend I got pizza, chicken, mini cheese cakes and more – all reduced!
“It’s really important when yellow sticker shopping to think about how and what you can make with these meals. Sometimes there are salads in the reduce section which are great to have with meals. Sometimes you can also get fruit which I used for smoothies.
“It’s essential to think about your cupboard staples too like rice, pasta, spices. If you’re going to shop this way you need to make sure you have stuff to go with.
“Sometimes you have to bite the bullet and bulk buy with the staples. I bought a spice kit that cost me £4 and I’ve used this for nearly a year now.
“I have honestly saved thousands shopping this way, I literally couldn’t work out how much money. But saving this way cleared my debts!”
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The now mum of two to Harriet, 3 and Ben, 6 has used her wealth of experience in how to manage money by launching a discount scheme for parents called My VIP Rewards.
This site offers discounts on supermarket shopping & high street shopping, UK theme parks, hot spots, beauty salons, cafes, soft play areas, days out, holidays, pet care, weddings, nail salons and at home kits too.
My VIP Rewards was created in 2017 after Maddy was debt free and started using the money she'd pay debts off with invested in local businesses. The app also offers employee benefits.
Maddy said "During lockdown the app was difficult because most of the things we offer discounts for were closed. However, I'm so pleased we did it now. Families need discounts like these more than ever now."
My VIP Rewards will be launching a new product which is called a happiness box, a new way of saying thank you to those you love.
The app has released a summer offer – £1 a month for your first 3 months using code SUMMERSAVER
You can check out Maddy's yellow sticker hauls, tips and tricks on saving all on her TikTok page @maddyaboutmoney.
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If you are worried about debt, speak to your lenders as soon as possible – they may be able to help you come up with a more affordable repayment plan.
Debt advice charities such as StepChange, Citizens Advice or National Debtline may be able to offer you guidance.
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