It’s that time again. Today, we’re going to be exploring some more quick and easy tips to save money. We’ve already shared tips 1-5 and 6-10 and today we’re looking at tips 11-15.
If you, like many of us, are tightening your purse strings in response to the cost of living crisis we’re experiencing, read on.
Here are some quick and easy tips to save money.
Go incognito
If you’ve ever talked yourself out of buying an item online and then felt endlessly frustrated that links to said item follow you wherever you browse, this tip is for you.
By switching your browser to incognito mode, your browser history will be automatically deleted whenever you close a tab. This stops companies from tracking what you’re looking at and increasing the prices. It also stops the non-stop temptation to buy.
Steer clear of BOGOF
Buy One Get One Free deals may be tempting, but did you know that they cause the average person in the UK to spend £1,300 more a year on items they don’t need?
The truth is that most of the time you don’t need the extra this or that. Unless it’s something you buy all the time, steer clear of BOGOF deals. And if you do succumb, be careful not to consume the free item just for the sake of it. Save it and savour it.
Set yourself goals
Setting yourself weekly or monthly savings goals is a great way to reduce the temptation to spend. Have a think about what you’d like to save up for and come up with a realistic savings plan from there.
Your saving plan can be for something as small as a weekend away or a new rug for your living room. Or they could be for something as big as a house renovation or your child’s university fees. If you have an end goal in mind, you’re much more likely to save.
Check your bank account
If your funds are running low, it can be tempting to switch off and bury your head in the sand. But actually, facing your bank balance head-on is the best way to get on top of your finances.
Make sure to regularly check in to online banking so that you always know where you’re at. You’ll also be able to spot if there are any transactions that don’t look right so you can query them in time with your bank.
Pay off your debt
Come payday, it might be tempting to spend or save your disposable income. But if you have outstanding debt on a loan or credit card and you’re paying interest, it’s best to pay this off first.
By doing so, you’ll reduce your balance and your monthly interest and you’ll be closer to having your loan paid off. It’s also worth bearing in mind that the interest you pay on most loans is way higher than the interest you’ll earn on a savings account. Bottom line: Clear your personal debt first and then start saving.
Of course, we do realise that these tips won’t solve issues like the cost of living crisis overnight. These are testing times for a lot of households and we’ll do all we can to help.
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And tune in next week as we’ll be publishing Part 4 of our 20 quick and easy tips to save money series.
