Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis has urged everyone to put a bowl of water in the freezer to save money on their bills in 2023.
This may sound like a wild suggestion, but according to Martin, it could help people cut down on their credit card bills, reports the Daily Record. The money expert has also suggested that it can be handy if you have a debit card and want to reduce the amount that you're using it.
However, you should always make sure that you're still able to pay for the things you absolutely need. In an episode of The Martin Lewis Money Show on ITV, the guru told the public more about this tip which involves a fridge freezer, a bowl of water and your credit card.
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By actually physically freezing your card, it will buy you some valuable thinking time before using it and make you consider whether it's actually worth it. Martin said the advice is designed to prevent those with debts using a zero per cent card which he says should focus on clearing debts.
Martin told his viewers: "Clear your debts in highest interest order first, which for many will be the overdraft.
"You only pay the minimum on the others. Then when the top one goes, you focus on clearing the next highest and so on. It's called snowballing and it gets rid of your debts more quickly.
"If you have any savings use them to clear the debts. If you have an emergency you can always put it back on the card afterwards, you haven't lost anything.
"If you're struggling, tell people you're in debt, tell people you can't afford to buy a round.
"And everyone else, let's not put pressure on people to spend when they don't have the cash."
Then, when it comes to clearing the debt, the expert suggested setting up a direct debit to at least cover the minimum amount - and make sure to never miss these payments.
He added: "Next, make sure you clear the card before the 0% ends or you will pay back the 20-22% rate.
"If you can't do that, you need to balance transfer it again.
"Do not spend on these cards. Do not withdraw cash on these cards, because that is usually not at a cheap rate.
"These cards are only for shifting debt to. And if you really don't trust yourself, get the card, get a bowl of water.
"Card in the water, bowl in the fridge [freezer], then you'll need a hammer to spend on the card and it might give you a moment of thinking time."
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