Super Easy Money Saving Tips

So about a year ago I wrote a post similar to this and thought that now would be a good time to write an updated version. With Christmas fast approaching and the New Year resolutions round the corner, I have been thinking more about how I can save a few extra pennies so that I can achieve everything I want to do in the next year. So today, I thought I would share with you some of my favourite super easy money saving tips. #triedandtested

Setting a budget

This is something that I have have been doing for as long as I can remember, even before I moved out of my parents home when I was 18. Recently I have been working on making it more detailed #adulting101. If you have never done one of these I would definitely say it’s the best place to start. It’s super easy and can save you loads! All you need to do is write down what money you have coming in and then what things you have to pay out for. Once it’s all on paper it’s really easy to see how much money you have to spend and where you can make cut backs. *Note to self – reduce trips to Starbucks.

Cut backs

Now this may not be for everyone, however I chose to make some cut backs on things that I didn’t really need. My first cut back was on little things like magazines. These can add up so quickly and before you know it you have spent a fortune. Instead of magazines I have been reading lots of blog posts or spent my time looking on Pinterest/Instagram.

My next cut back was on a gym membership, now this was something that I debated over for quite a while; but I decided to take the plunge.  I have since found there are so many things that I can do at home that cos absolutely nothing, whether its a quick HIIT workout or even just walking little Mollie-Moo twice a day.

Eating out was one of things that I got a little bit excessive at doing. Now don’t get me wrong, going out to eat is one of my favourite things to do, however I have chosen to pick and choose when to go out and to go somewhere that I really like and enjoy or eating somewhere new I would like to try rather than eating out all the time.

Getting discount

Helloooo student life! I almost cried when my degree was over at the thought of not being able to use my student card. Now that I am back at uni doing my masters (post all about that here) I am the proud owner of a student card again. That babe comes with me everywhere! I am always amazed at how many places actually offer student discount. Don’t be shy the worst they can say is ‘sorry no we don’t’.

Don’t worry if you are not a student there are still lots of other places you can find discount codes. I have used an app called Voucher Cloud that shows you what offers there are in your local area for restaurants, shops and things to do. Another good website is Voucher Codes which has great offers on chain restaurants and clothes shops. Some places may only give 10% however it is better than nothing.Also if you work for the NHS I know a lot of places offer discount too

Shopping

I now have a new rule when I’m out shopping which has saved me from purchasing needless junk so many times!  If I see something I like, I stop and ask myself if I actually really like it or if I am just buying it because it’s on offer or just because it looks nice at the time. The easiest way to tell is to walk away and carry on shopping then at the end before going back to the car, I think about whether I can be bothered to walk back to the shop to get what I thought I wanted to buy. Nine times out of ten, I’m too lazy to walk back which just tells me I wasn’t really fussed on having it.

I also try to shop with a purpose. If you read my wardrobe detox post then you will know how I work out what I need so that while I am out I can buy what I need to maximise my wardrobe.

The spending ban

Ok so this has been my biggest saver, again it may not be for everyone, but it has definitely worked for me. I basically ban all spending apart from necessities. It is amazing how much you can save by only buying essentials. I like to do this for a month at a time; however you can do it for whatever length of time suits you.

Selling unwanted things

I recently had a massive clear out and blew my wardrobe apart. I was really ruthless and took out all the things that I no longer wanted/needed. Some of it went straight in the bin (why I had such rubbish I don’t know), other bits my younger sisters took and then finally I had a massive pile of things to sell. I have listed most of my items on ebay or Depop and I have made quite a bit of money so far selling things that I wouldn’t have used. Don’t forget that these sites/apps do take a small fee and you will need to account for that. Gumtree is also a great place to sell unwanted bits and pieces. All of them are super easy to use and are normally free to list.

Have a goal

My last tip would be to always have a goal in mind. It can be hard sometimes to save when you are making cut backs or don’t get to do as much as normal, so I have found reminding myself of what I would like to buy always helps.