Simple Ways to Save Money Today

The last few years have been expensive with one thing or another and whilst I’m usually good with money, recently I’ve been feeling like I just can't catch up. From birthday's, to hen parties, wedding's, christening's and Christmases there is no stopping the spending. Sometimes my bank account just feels like a conveyor belt, money comes in, money goes out and I end up crying! Really thinking about it, the last time I had a good amount of savings was when I was living at home with my dad. I've got some pretty big goals for the next year and I don't plan on living back with my parents anytime soon, so I finally had a serious conversation with myself and realised I needed to change my spending habits ASAP.

To save the big chunks of money that I needed I had to really get into my spending habits, right down to the nitty gritty. I implemented some money saving tactics which although not revolutionary, have helped revolutionise my savings. 

1. I set myself up with a Premium Bond Account

My problem, I can see the money! Whilst premium bonds also set you up with a chance of winning some extra money, for me the draw was that I couldn't see it anymore. Not having it sitting in my savings account, right underneath my current account, with a handy button that says 'transfer now' was a great incentive not to spend. Now if I want to touch that money I need to log into a separate website and then transfer the money. It doesn't sound like much but its really worked for me.

2. I always, always, always take lunch

I work somewhere where its super easy to pop into town and pick up a sandwich. I know, it takes practice and the strength to get tough with yourself but making your lunch, even in the morning, takes about 10 minutes and will save you loads of money throughout the week. If I find myself slipping by picking up a snack every day, I let myself buy a multi-pack on the weekly shop and take it to work with me instead. If I’m going to end up buying it anyway I might as well get it cheaper at the supermarket.

3. I simplified my beauty routine

I know it seems like you need 50,000 face products just to make it through the day and another 50,000 to make it through the night but let me tell you, you don't. I love beauty products, but I now only wash my face with warm water, I use moisturiser sparingly, wear makeup less often and I’m even coming around to the idea of not using conditioner. As for dry shampoo and hairspray, those are long gone. The bonus is, my skin looks better for it.

4. I set a date

Like I said, I got tough with myself. I made commitments to my goals. I named them, set dates, booked and paid for things relating to them. Now when I consider spending £30, I think would I rather spend it on something meaningless or put it towards my goal. 

5. I made 'no' my default

By saying no more often I was able to spend money on the things I actually wanted to do whilst still saving money by not doing the things I didn't really want to do. Whilst there are times when you will need to say yes to things you don't really want to do, making no your default means you won't be doing it all the time and you will save money as a result.

6. I look after myself and my things

Nothing costs more than replacing or fixing your things or for that matter yourself. Toothpaste is cheaper than paying out for a cavity, by the same token getting a cavity filled will cost less than a root canal. Look after your things and your body and hopefully it will cost you less in the long run.

7. I avoid advertising

Advertising is there for a reason, to make you spend, spend, spend. Money makes the world go around after all. I try to avoid watching or reading things that have advertisements and I only follow Instagram accounts that align with my values - simple living and minimalism.

8. I give less gifts and spend less on them

This is one of the things that I've found the hardest. I like to spoil my friends and family and I don't want them to think I don't care. But you shouldn't have to prove your love for someone through the price of the present that you buy them. I've lowered the bar on how much I should be spending on presents and cut a few people from my list. Last year I took it one step further and told my family and friends I would no longer be buyng Christmas presents and didn't expect one in return. I make the effort to see people more at Christmas time instead. It may seem excessive but I save so much money and it really takes the stress out of Christmas!