With the cost of living crisis continuing, we've compiled 20 saving tips to help you manage your savings this year.
Clear out your old items. Go through every room, closet, and storage space. When in doubt...throw it out, sell it, or give to someone who could use it. Check out our post on how to financially declutter.
Update your budget to a system that works for you. Why not try a budgeting technique such as the 50/30/20 system. In addition MoneySavingExpert.com provide a free Budget Planner Tool, which analyses your finances to help you manage and control your cash.
Complete a review of your finances including direct debits, subscriptions, mobile phone contracts, internet broadband and more. You may find you qualify for a better deal or no longer need the same level of service, reducing your monthly outgoings.
Consolidate old bank accounts to keep money in just a few places. Closing any accounts you no longer regularly use will make it easier to keep tabs on just how much you have in accounts.
Collect loose change: Overtime loose change can add up to a significant amount. If you were to start now saving as little as £5 a week you will have saved £240 in a year!
Are you living within your means? In fact, experts say you should be living BELOW your means. Moneycheck.com provide a complete guide to Living Below Your Means here. Make sure you always assess your affordability to make purchases, or take out a loan.
Consider investing in energy saving gadgets such as slow cookers, air fryers, and heated clothes airers. Make sure you shop around for the best price!
Upgrade your mobile phone contract. You may be overdue upgrading your contract and find there is a cheaper deal best suited for your needs. A sim only option could be more cost effective, do you really need a new mobile phone? Check how much data allowance you use monthly, you may be able to reduce this and save money.
Consider downsizing your car or home. Perhaps the kids have moved on to university or into their own homes, or you may have switched jobs / retired and no longer need to travel as much. Now is the time to evaluate your circumstances. Source a car with zero tax/lower tax and higher fuel efficiency!
Leave your car at home when you can. If you can walk to your destination or car share, this will greatly help with fuel costs. Planning with tasks and car journeys in one day/coinciding with other travel plans could help you save on fuel also.
Expect the unexpected and keep topping up your emergency fund. Remember you can save as little as £10/month at the Harp and Crown Credit Union to keep your account open. Should you need us to help you with an unexpected cost, we offer lower interest rate loan options, members can borrow up to 5 x times their savings (subject to Ts and Cs). Already have a loan but struggling to make repayments? We may be able to restructure your loan, to help alleviate any financial stress over the winter months ahead.
Swap well known brands for cheaper alternatives. Read the small print, some supermarket own brands are the same as high end brands but packaged differently. Don't be afraid to shop the discounted/best-before food isles and avoid food waste where possible.
Batch cooking - whether you're on your own or have a large family to feed, savings can be made when you "batch cook", preparing your meals weekly or monthly. Prepare stews, casseroles and more in a slow cooker and freeze any leftovers. Cutting back on oven use will also help to save with energy costs.
Cut back on eating out or ordering that weekly takeaway. Consider a monthly treat instead.
Turn your lights and appliances off! Turn all appliances off at the socket when not in use. How about taking a TV break at least one day per week and read a book instead. Or avoid turning on lights during the daytime and make use of the natural light saving on your electricity bill in the process!
Insulate! There are many ways to insulate your home and it's less expensive than you might think. Getting into the habit of closing doors, pulling curtains (invest in thermal lining) and turning lights and appliances off (as above) will also help greatly.
Remove shopping apps or alerts from your phone such as Amazon Prime, ASOS, Just Eat, to avoid any spend temptation.
Shop around for the best deals in car, home insurance and more. Never accept the first renewal offer when you may be able to get a better deal. ALL insurance is UP in Northern Ireland so there's very little wiggle room to get costs down at present - however still shop around and get quotes online where possible. Never accept the original letter offer! Consider paying any annual fees in full (if affordable to you right now) to save on extra monthly fee costs. CHECK the insurance INTEREST rate for paying via direct debit - we MAY be able to beat the rate with our lower interest rate loan options should you need a TOP UP or new loan to cover the increased cost. Check for car and home insurance bundle deals (some discount family members also). Every little helps!
Take a spend break at least one day per week.
Plan for any 2025 PRICE HIKES NOW - such as the aforementioned insurance costs! IF you can, increase your payroll/direct debit savings contribution monthly to plan for your insurance renewals if they fall later this year.
Let us know if you have more suggestions to save and try and stay within your means! Email marketing@harpandcrown.co.uk.
We are here to help, talk to us so that we can help provide the best solution for your financial needs.
Dated: 7th November 2024
