New year, new you? Along with home improvements and healthy diets, the New Year is a great time to assess your finances and put together plans to improve your financial situation and get off to a fresh new start. Whilst we all love to save money, we tend to put off the administrative tasks that go hand-in-hand with reducing monthly bills and outgoings. If you’re serious about saving money this year, check out these top 10 handy tips to get you going…
Ditch Your Bank
Did you know you could make up to £250 just by switching bank accounts? You may have to check you fulfil the criteria, but it’s worth shopping around for deals that could earn you a nice sum of money, just by filling out a few forms!
Switch Your Energy Supplier
Households can save up to £221 a year by switching energy suppliers, yet most of us don’t even think to check out other deals or compare quotes. Yes, it is a small amount of hassle but think what that money can buy you, all for just a little admin.
Sell Your Belongings
Ok, we aren’t suggesting you sell everything you own, but instead have a little clear-out and put aside any clothing, toys or homeware that might be worth a few pounds. Revive your eBay account or look into other selling apps such as Depop to earn some cash for your savings pot.
Use Discount Websites and Apps
You could be saving a pretty penny on days out, restaurants and shopping just by downloading a few voucher codes apps! You can enjoy regular 2for1 offers on dining out as well as exclusive money off vouchers for your favourite brands. As an example, check out this Macy’s discounts and vouchers page.
Use a Money Comparison Website
Websites such as Know Your Money do all of the hard work and research for you. You can compare quotes for car insurance, home insurance, loans and mortgages to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible. It’s a no brainer.
Download a Savings App
There are tonnes of amazing free apps out there that will help you to keep a track of your outgoings, budget for the future and help you to ultimately save more money! By keeping an eye on your finances, you will be much more effective at reducing your spend on unnecessary purchases.
Get Cashback for Online Shopping
Cashback sites enable you to receive a small sum of money back when you shop online at selected retailers. It costs you nothing and it’s a great little bonus to receive when the money comes through!
Look Out for Coupons
If you haven’t already watched clips from Extreme Couponing, it’s well-worth a quick visit to YouTube. This is next-level couponing which sees families receive their trolley of shopping for a reduced cost, or in some cases, totally free! Take inspiration from the couponers and search online for money-off vouchers.
Enjoy FREE Items
Looking for a new dining room table? Perhaps a new sofa? Community groups such as Freecycle offer up unwanted goods, all you have to do is show up and collect them. Next time you’re in need of something, see if you can get it for free first.
Share Travel Arrangements
In this new ‘sharing’ culture we’ve adopted, why not see if you can share travel costs? Use various online lift sharing websites and see if you can buddy up with anyone on one-off trips or even for your daily commute.
