Top five tips for saving money...

So last month I wasn't having the luckiest of times with my bank account. My account was hacked, I had a transaction go wrong and encountered a backwards cash machine which gobbled up my card and took my money too!  As a result I had to cancel my card three times, leaving me with no bank card for an  entire month.

What I had viewed as an extremely annoying inconvenience has turned out to be a blessing in disguise.  Not having instant access to my money helped me to pace my spending and ensured that I only took out only the money I needed. If  I had to purchase something I hadn't planned for during the week,  I would need to go to the bank to withdraw the money and I soon realised it wasn't always worth the trip. 

By the time my card arrived I had saved a considerable amount of money and was keen to find more money saving ideas to help improve family finances ...

Here are my top five tips for saving money…….

1)    Ditch the plastic

Paying in cash instead of on your cards makes spending seem more real. Maybe it has something to do with actually handing over the money that keeps us in check or because more than one trip to the cash machine each day might raise alarm bells.

2)    Write a List

Whether you’re shopping for shoes, food or toys, write a shopping list and stick to it. All shops want us to make those extra impulse purchases, and with so many little pocket sized treats placed conveniently by the tills it’s hard to resist. But remember if it’s not on the list desist!

3)    Shop Around

The biggest shops don’t always have the biggest bargains and you can usually save a bit of money by shopping around. Have a look online at the same products in a few different sores to see who has the best price before you part with your cash. There are even helpful price comparison sites like this which make it easier for you to save money.

4)    Pack a Lunch

A day out with the family shouldn't have to cost the earth. Pack a lunch and fill up a flask before you leave to avoid the overpriced café sandwiches and coffees. Nearly all family attractions have a picnic area too, so you won’t have to sneak into the canteen with your lunchbox.

5)    Buy ‘nearly' new

By shopping on sites like eBay and gumtree you can find good quality used products for a fraction of the store prices. Not many of the things we buy (especially DVDs)  need to be new and these sites are great for generating a bit of extra cash by selling your unwanted goods.  Remember one mum's rubbish is another mum's treasure!


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