Suffering from a post Christmas break money hangover? Want to start the New year on the right foot?
It’s not always easy to save money, but with a bit of thought and a change to your daily habits you could be on the road to more healthy finances in 2018.
Here’s 7-money saving tips to get you through January and the year ahead:
1. Save on hotel accommodation
Visiting family or friends and want a cheap getaway? Plan ahead and the best rates can be found the further in advance you book. You can also get lower prices if you are willing to be flexible on dates and locations. Book outside school holidays or avoid dates of major events. If you can go midweek or can take a Monday off there are great bargains to be had on Sunday nights. Prepared to travel a bit more? Hotels on the outskirts of major cities will always be cheaper than more central locations.
2. Take your lunch to work every day
Make food in bulk and have the leftovers for work or plan what you are going to eat in advance. It’s all too tempting to opt for that Greggs sausage roll or that toasted panini, but it soon adds up.
3.Try a no spend day per week
It’s actually difficult to consciously not spend each day, so try at least one day a week where you don’t touch your card or purse.
4.Buy a water bottle and fill up
Buy a water bottle and fill it up before you head out. Not only are you saving money, you are also helping the environment by reducing plastic usage.
5.Get discounts on days out
If you fancy a meal out or want to treat the family to visiting an attraction, take advantage of money saving websites like Vouchercloud that offer vouchers on many chain restaurants and attractions so you don’t pay over the odds. There are also some great cashback sites such as TopCashback that will allow you to earn cashback as you spend.
6.Flog your stuff for cash
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Dedicate some time regularly to go through that massive pile of “stuff” to see there is anything that could perhaps go to a better home or be sold on. A great way of decluttering and even helping someone else in the process. Websites like Freecycle and Freegle are great sites for helping you de-clutter hassle-free.
7.Buy second hand
Nothing beats the feeling of finding a bargain, and charity shops and car boot sales are usually full of them. You can find items that are in perfectly good condition and often for a much better price than buying brand new. Why not get crafty and try upcycling some of your furniture or accessories. The website Upcycle That is great for ideas of ways to inject your old things with new life which is great for you and for the environment too.
