Follow these few simple tips and watch the numbers grow.
1. Have a written budget
Budgeting is (really) hard. Writing everything down is a good way to start and it gives you something physical to stick to. You can go old fashioned and use a notebook or go digital with an Excel spreadsheet or even a simple app. Set a budget, stick to it and record everything that goes in or out.
2. Use only cash
We are quickly becoming a cashless society, with every transaction now available with a tap or a swipe. The problem is, you don’t actually see the money going out when you use a card, so you can quickly forget how much you’re spending – and it’s a shock to see your account balance. Take out a set amount of cash and then spend it. Once it’s gone, you can withdraw more, but you will have a much better idea of where you are at.
3. Pre prepare your meals
Shopping as you go or buying lots of take away can be very expensive. For big savings, do one large shop and then pre prepare some meals ahead for the week. You can make big batches of soup, stews or pasta sauce, freeze them and then they are ready to go during the week. That way, you won’t be tempted to order pizza because there’s nothing in the fridge.
4. Find some free fun things
The movies, happy hour or concerts can all add up quickly. Look for new entertainment options that don’t cost money. This could be going for a walk in the park, doing puzzles at home, inviting friends out for a trivia night or binging on a new TV series. Even if you replace one activity a week with something free, the savings will quickly add up.
5. Compare your insurance
Home, health, car, life, travel – all your different insurance policies can quickly add up. And while these are necessities, you can make some simple changes and save lots of cash. Put all your policies with the one company, find credit cards that offer free insurance or consolidate your family policies to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
6. Be smart with your bills
Gas, electricity and water bills are a fact of life, but there are a few ways you can reduce your payments. Follow basic energy and water saving principles to lower your bills as a whole. Then, make sure you pay them on time or early to avoid any excess fees. It could also be worth moving all your utilities to the one provider to get a multi discount.
Do you think you’ll take any of these tips onboard?