Even if saving money wasn’t one of your resolutions it’s always great to get back in control of your budgets so here are my top tips to start saving money this new year.
Set A Budget
Perhaps the most obvious one but one that many people forget to factor into their money saving efforts is setting a budget. We all know the different bills we have coming in, whether they are monthly or weekly, and we all know a rough monthly income. Work out a budget from these sums and see what money you have left over. This can hopefully be saved – and if you do some unexpected overtime, hopefully this can too.
Do Some Decluttering
A great way to save some money is by making some money – and where better to make some money than by selling your old stuff! Yes, people may be being a little tighter with their pursestrings just after Christmas and New Year but there is always a market out there so get selling the stuff you no longer need and pop the money you earn into your savings account to gain that interest, no matter how little that interest may be. I have been on a major declutter over the last week and its helped towards a massive car repair bill that was due!
Consider A Challenge
Did you know that there are plenty of savings challenges out there? Even a very quick look on Pinterest will bring up plenty of them so why not give one of them a try? You will barely notice the money leaving your account or purse and you’ll have a nice little nest egg come the end of the year.
Switch, Switch, Switch
So many people can’t be bothered to put the effort in to finding better deals so end up sticking to the current plans they’re on, paying through the nose even if they’re out of contract. If you have come out of contract, see if you can switch your broadband, your energy, your mobile phone, your car insurance (there are so many things you could potentially switch) and see if you can save yourself a lot of money by doing so.
We’ve been talking about switching up above – but did you know you could also switch your bank account? Your bank account should be working for you – you should be able to see some benefits from it whether that is a decent interest rate, cashback or rewards for being a loyal customer. If you aren’t benefiting from your bank account in any way, consider switching to another one who will reward you – and most of the time you can get money for switching banks too – a little bit more money to add to the savings pot.
Take Advantage Of Deals
Don’t be silly and take advantage of deals that don’t work out financially savvy for you. I’m talking about taking advantage of the BOGOF’s on laundry liquid, washing up liquid, food you eat regularly. If it is going to be used then why not utilise the deal and save yourself some money whilst doing so?
Meal Planning
Meal planning is a massive money saver in our house. Not only does it save money by us only buying what we need but it also it saves sanity to by knowing what we are eating each day.
What do you do to save money?