If you want to cut down on what you’re spending each month, there are plenty of ways you can save money. Check out these top tips and see how much you could save!
- Shop around for everything. The more you shop around – the more you’ll save! Make sure you’re getting the best deal on everything you buy…presents, holidays, insurance, supplies, shopping, bills, mobile phones, etc.
- Keep a spending diary. Record every time you spend money so you always know you’re keeping track of what’s coming in and what’s going out. Make sure you regularly take time to review your budget and make sure you’re not overspending, and also to see whether there are any areas where you could cut down your spending.
- Look for deals, special offers and discount vouchers. Go online and sign up to receive email newsletters from discount websites which feature deals in your local area. You could get things you normally pay for at a fraction of their normal price!
- Use public transport, walk more and car share. Think how much you’d save if you left the car at home and took the bus, shared a lift with someone or walked more often. As an added bonus, walking is a great stress buster and the more you do it, the more fit and healthy you’ll become.
- Plan your meals. When you plan ahead and make sure you have the right food in the house, this reduces the temptation to get convenience foods and takeaways in – which always cost more.
- Use larger supermarkets rather than convenience shops, where things are always more expensive. If you don’t have a car, find out whether any local supermarkets offer free buses or if they will deliver your shopping for free when you spend over a certain amount.
- Always make a list when you go shopping, and do your best to stick to it so you don’t spend more than you need to.
- When you’re after some bargain clothes or basic household items, why not check out your local charity shop? You might find some real gems.
- Contact your local technical college to see whether they offer cheap meals, haircuts and anything else which gives their students the chance to practise the skills they’re learning.
- Ask for free samples when you’re shopping. Many larger stores offer these.
- Selling unwanted things online and at car boot sales can be a great way of generating some extra cash, and clearing space in your home by getting things you don’t want and need any more.
- Check that you are making the most of any benefits offered to you by your employer. You might be entitled to free eye tests, health or dental care, lift sharing initiatives, pension schemes and savings schemes. If your employer doesn’t offer anything like this, could you suggest it to them?
- Reduce the energy you use at home. Turning appliances off at the mains and off of standby and turning your heating down by a few degrees can make a significant difference to the overall cost of running your home.
- Get an electricity and gas monitor so you can keep tabs on how much energy you’re using and how much it will cost you. Ask your energy provider if this is something they offer their customers.
- Installing a water meter can help to reduce your water bill too (depending on how much your household uses), so that’s also worth considering.
- Give your energy suppliers regular meter readings to ensure your bills are accurate, and to avoid being overcharged when the suppliers produce estimated bills.
- Keeping your heating on constantly at a lower temperature will also save you money, as it’s cheaper to heat your home this way rather than putting the heating on in high temperature bursts throughout the day. Try it – you’ll be surprised at the results!
About the Author: Tim Tavender is a writer with years of experience having written for newspapers, magazines and online blogs. The information in this blog post was brought to you by Early Pay Day. You can check out their site by clicking here
