1. Plan your meals

For most people, food and recreation are their big budget killers. Making a food plan can halve the cost of your meals. Instead of cooking something different every day, consider a meal plan. It’s cheaper and easier to do one big pot of stew or curry than catering to individual tastes. Fussy eaters may have to be weaned onto the meal plan, but it is possible!

2. Sales, sales, sales

Always watch out for sales—even if it isn’t sales season. Shopping widely can really help the pennies add up too.

3. Pay in cash, not credit

Credit cards are a life-saver for little and not-so-little emergencies, but they also come along with serious interest rates. The easiest way to save money is only to spend what you have—which means ditching the plastic and those horrifying interest rates.

4. Plan your spending so you know how much money you need to carry with you

For most people, any extra money we have burns a hole in our pockets and we end up buying things we probably don’t even need. Impulse shopping is a killer, especially if you’ve had a bad day, so planning your spending and curtailing the amount of cash you carry with you is a great way to save money.

5. Reward cards

Signing up for reward cards is another easy way to save money. Keep the clubcards in your purse or wallet and clock up the points while you spend. Sure, you’re not going to save a fortune but you might as well make sure the money you’re spending goes as far as possible!

6. Do an energy audit

Energy is far and away the biggest bill every month so:

  • Take shorter showers
  • Choose energy-efficient appliances
  • Turn off all lights/devices when you leave a room
  • Don’t leave anything on stand-by or charging when the battery is full
  • Invest in better insulation if you’re home turns into a freezer this winter.

7. Always write a list when you go shopping—and follow it!

It worked for your parents. It’ll work for you!

8. Do an inventory check—and sell anything you don’t need

We’ve all got mountains of clutter: old clothes, unused electronics, and general stuff. Decluttering will help you save money: gather up all your old stuff and sell anything that’s still in pretty good condition.

9. Takeaway the take-away to save money!

Bin the take-away and ready-meals and focus on cooking healthy meals instead.

10. Utilise deal sites like GroupOn or GrabOne

GroupOn and GrabOne and other money-saving sites are perfect for snapping up a deal on everything from hair-care to meals out and toiletries.

11. Get a library card

Use it! It’s free entertainment.

12. Grow your own garden

This is probably the most active of our tips, but it really is a fun way to save money. It’s also a great way to get the kids involved and make them more interested in eating their greens. Grow your own vegetable garden and bask in your new healthy glow and the extra few bob in your bank account.

13. Walk or bike when you can

You might have to cycle a mammoth hill to work, but think how fit you’ll be and how much money you’ll save!

14. Remove your credit/debit cards from ‘one-click’ shopping accounts

Using ‘one-click’ doesn’t even feel like spending money—which is where the danger lies!

15. Scrimp on brand names

Unbranded food is almost always just as good as their branded equivalent.

6. Do a good root around local charity shops

There are plenty of bargains to be had on everything from books to toys and clothes in your local charity shop.

17. Cut your own hair

Cutting your own hair is for the brave of heart and the steady of hand, but if it’s something you can manage then it’s a great way to save money. Just be sure it’s something you can actually do, because some wonky fringes can’t be saved.

18. Consider downsizing

One of the easiest ways to save money is to downsize. If you’re running an expensive car or subscribed to plans or subscriptions you don’t need, consider downsizing them.

19. Cycle or walk instead of taking public transport

It costs nothing and it’s good for your health!

20. Keep it constant

Once you’ve decided to start saving, you need to keep it constant. Maintain a steady rate of savings and resist the temptation of any last-minute splurging. Saving money is tough, especially if you’re feeling the pinch or you’re in debt. Once you come up with a plan to save money, stick to it. Being good one week and then splurging the next will undo all your good work!

 

If you’d like to consider creating a financial plan with the help of one of financial experts, get in touch!

Plan for your financial future with our complimentary expert advice. Make your appointment today by calling us on (01) 420 0991.

 

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