Count the pennies… and the pounds will look after themselves!

We all know the saying… but in reality it is never that easy. Saving money takes some serious determination and doesn’t always come naturally.

We’ve all been there… about to make that impulse buy that we know we can’t afford… ‘Ohh it will be fine!’… *a week later* you’re hunting down your spare change to be able to buy… well anything!

We know it is difficult to save when you’re not earning a huge salary – but it is still possible! By making a few small changes you can learn to save effectively.
 

Here are some quick tips to get started…
 

Set yourself a realistic saving goal

At the beginning of the month (before you start spending!) set the amount you want to save per month. Set aside enough to cover rent, bills and any other essential expenses, and then work out how much you have left to save. There might not be loads, but as Tesco say ‘every little helps!’
 

Make it automatic

Set up a direct debit from your current account to transfer a specified amount to your savings each month – if you do a manual transfer, there is more chance you won’t save it.

Or, if you are super organised… get your salary paid into your savings account and set up a weekly payment to go into your current account as your budget. This way you can’t spend more than you’ve allocated yourself for the week.
 

Save with purpose

Ask yourself why?… It will be much more satisfying to be saving towards something you know you want – whether that be a holiday, a car, or just for a rainy day.
 

Plan and prepare meals

You can easily save money by being organised and planning your weekly shop ahead and making meals in advance. Read our blog on ‘How to… Eat healthily and spend less’ here
 

Shop smart

We all need to treat ourselves from time to time, but try to avoid impulse buying. If there is something you want that you wouldn’t usually buy, allow for that by cutting spending elsewhere that month. Also, try to shop around to get the best price.
 

Cycle or walk to work

Cycling to work is cheaper than public transport. It is also great for your health and for the environment 🙂

If you can’t afford a bike, find out if your company is part of the government ‘cycle to work scheme’ (see more info here) … otherwise if it’s not too far, put on your trainers and walk!
 
For more information on how to budget click here
 
 

GOOD LUCK! 🙂