If you are in a position, where you need to save money then here are some easy tips to implement. We’ve got some nice and easy quick wins for you to try, to reduce your spending. Making it fun is a key driver, to help you stick to the change and start to save money.
1. Track your spending
Keep a record of everything you spend, whether it is on paper, on a spreadsheet or an app. This may take time, but it is beneficial to see where your money goes every month. It can help you to spot excess or unnecessary spending.
To help you analyse your spending, separate it into your main spending categories e.g. food shopping, bills, clothes, transport, entertainment, fun money, etc.
You may be able to identify spending habits and triggers for spending that could be avoided. Set yourself a challenge to spend less the following month.
2. Look for better deals
For each of your bills, it is worth seeing if you can ask for a loyalty discount when it’s time to renew or use a comparison website to see if there are any better deals available.
Comparison websites will help you search a wide number of products, including mobile phone providers, car insurance, house insurance, broadband, etc.
It can also be a good idea to set a reminder for yourself for when any contracts are due to finish, so you can check whether there are any better deals elsewhere.
3. Spend a little time finding low-cost alternative activities
You still need to make sure you are having fun in your downtime and you are still getting out and about. With a little research, you can find lots of low-cost options for many activities.
If you like to go to the cinema, for example, you could sign up to Meerkat Movies to get a 2 for 1 ticket on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Simply use the weekly code when you book and enjoy cheaper tickets.
It is also a good idea to utilise the great outdoors, think countryside, river or beach walks.
Perhaps plan activities in your own home with a bit of a twist, such as your own cinema night with popcorn and treats.
Keep a list of activity ideas, so when you have time and you want to meet up with friends, you have plenty of ideas to choose from.
4. Use less of the things which cost you money
Instead of not using something altogether, use it less to make it go further and save money.
You might try walking more and driving the car less to make your tank of fuel last longer and reduce the general wear and tear on your car from driving.
Perhaps try eating more vegetable-based meals than meat or turning off appliances at the plug when you are not using them.
Have a capsule wardrobe that can give you several different outfit options so you don’t need lots of additional clothes.
If you are on a water meter time your showers and see if you can shorten how long it takes you or turn the water off while you shampoo your hair and you could help to reduce your water bill.
Try reducing your energy bills by reducing the amount of gas and electricity that you use in your home. Turn off lights when you leave the room or use a lamp instead of your ceiling light. When purchasing new electronics or lightbulbs try and ensure they are energy efficient.
5. Reconsider your TV provider
With competitive prices from different TV companies, it is worth checking for current deals and comparing what you get and what you want from them. You may find Netflix or Amazon Prime Video gives your everything you need at a cheaper price.
Or if you do not watch live TV or BBC iPlayer you could think about whether you need your TV licence. This could save you a chunk of money every year.
6. Start a meal plan
Meal planning is a great way to make sure you are only buying the food you need. You save money and you reduce your food waste too.
You can choose a different mixture of your favourite meals each week and generate a shopping list for those meals.
This strategy keeps you focused on buying only the things that you need and helps you to avoid impulse purchases or lots of ingredients that don’t add up to many meals.
7. Save your loose change
We may use cash less and less these days, but those loose coins that we do get can be saved in our piggy banks for a rainy day. As it is usually just a small amount at a time, we should find that we don’t feel the pinch too much by saving those coins.
8. Consider second-hand purchases
These days there is a wealth of second-hand items that can be easily found and purchased online through places such as Facebook Marketplace, eBay or Vinted. Not to mention the many charity shops we have on our high streets.
If you have certain items in mind, with a little patience and searching, they can often be found second hand at a lower price. Toys, clothes and furniture are popular second-hand categories but so many things can be found with a little searching.
The quality of many second-hand items can be good to nearly new and buying second hand can save money and be good for the environment too.
9. Make your own lunch
The cost of going out to pick up some lunch every day can quickly add up. Instead of this consider making your lunch at home and taking it to work.
Taking your lunch, even just two days a week would help you save money.
Lunch could be made the night before and could be made up of anything from leftover dinner to soup.
10. Make the most of deal websites
Websites such as Groupon, Wowcher or Latest Deals continuously have money-saving deals. If there is something specific that you want to be it could be worth checking these websites to see if they have any good offers.
Take care not to be tempted into buying something you don’t need simply because it is a good price.
11. Shop the yellow sticker items at the supermarket
Yellow sticker items are usually food that is near its best before or use-by date. Quite often it will be reduced and placed on the reduced shelves.
You can get some good bargains if it is something you have on your shopping list anyway or if it is something you can freeze and use another time. Be aware not to buy something just because it is a good price. Always consider if the purchase is something you will use.
12. Make your own coffee or tea at home
Taking your own hot drink instead of buying another coffee could save you some cash.
There are lots of reusable cups available relatively cheaply that can be used for your own drink. Some coffee shops even offer a discount if you take your own reusable cup.
13. Take part in a savings challenge
On social media, there is quite often money-saving influencers and bloggers who run their own savings challenges. Each challenge has the aim of saving you money.
For example, rounding up your purchases to the nearest pound and saving the money.
Or it could focus on avoiding waste and using all the food in the fridge before your next food shop.
Have a look and see which savings challenges would work for you and have a go. If you keep it fun and enjoyable you’re more likely to stick to it.
14. Set up automated savings
Work out your budget and what you can realistically save every month. Then set up a standing order to take out this amount straight after payday. Your money will be safe in your savings account and won’t accidentally get spent on other things.
If the money isn’t in your current account you can’t spend it so easily. If you wait and see what’s left at the end of the month, it’s likely there won’t be a lot left.
15. Make a fakeaway instead of a takeaway
If you want to cut down on your takeaways to save money, why not try cooking your own version? There are many recipes available online to recreate takeaway dishes at a fraction of the price.
By doing a fakeaway meal once in a while you will reduce your spending. That is extra money you can add to your savings.
Saving money might seem overwhelming but the most important thing you can do is make a start. Build the habit of saving money slowly over time and the habit will stick. You will find saving money becomes more natural and you will keep looking for more ways to save money.