Top tips & ideas on how to save money

I pride myself on my discount codes, unidays discounts and vouchers! I do love a bargain! I now realise how much I am becoming like my mum with being a total bargain hunter which allows me to use my left over money on funner things! (Win win situation)

So here are some savvy tips & ideas that may help you to save money on whatever your goal is, be it a new handbag, days out, a holiday, whatever it is you love and are working towards (I am personally saving for a house & holidays!)

Get organised and try these savvy tips;

Planning: ✔️ 

When it comes to food shopping try planning out meals for your week so you know what you need to buy. Including breakfast and snacks, try writing out a list before going so you never buy something twice and you are less likely to buy what you don’t need. 

Voucher codes/discount codes: ✔️

When it comes to shopping in store be it food or clothes shopping using voucher codes can be a life saver. 

I have got an nus card (which can be used at the co op), unidays account (which can be used on places such as prettylittlething, misguided, asos and tones of food restaurants too!) and I also use voucher cloud and lookout for codes online! If you don’t have these discounts there may be someone who does so ask a friend for their discount or sign up for an nus card. They cost about £12 for a year and are easy to get your hands on even if you aren’t a student! 

Premium swap: ✔️ 

If you tend to go for branded products or premier, try downshifting where you switch down a brand level to see the difference. You’d be surprised what tastes pretty much the same. (Some things this just doesn’t work for though and I completely agree, you can’t beat Heinz ketchup it’s just not the same!) 

Value: ✔️

Try mysupermarket.co.uk where you can type in key items or even your shopping list and find where is the best to buy these items. Shop around, all shops have their perks & it’s knowing where is best for what you need. 

Budget: ✔️

Being mindful of your budget & what you want to spend will help you to be more strict with yourself. Writing down your out goings and knowing what you have left us a good way to say you will only spend ££ on each shop.

Leftovers: ✔️

Chucking food out is not only wasteful but it's harsh on your wallet, most food can be used as leftovers if you make too much or something is near going off, you can try making a smoothie, fruit salads, stir fries or maybe even your own creation! It doesn't sound like much but it saves in the long run, you could also bulk cook and freeze what you don't use so you have it ready for another day.

Manage your finances: ✔️

Knowing what you have coming out of your account each month is so important as you know what you are really left with. Writing a list of outgoings & direct debits is really helpful to manage your finances, knowing how much you spend on petrol, bills, shopping and things you love will help you to be able to do the things you love if you are more mindful of your budget. It's also helpful to account for lifestyle choices too like a coffee from costa or a takeaway you have on the weekend. Knowing your finances will help you to live the life you would like to live but help you to budget so you can achieve that.

Remember your goal! 

Always remember what you are saving for and how important it is to you. When you weigh things up you realise what you do need and what you just really want. I am finally getting some will power with this and it has helped me so much!

I hope you enjoyed reading my blog and are one step closer to saving some pennies and using them for something you love!

Love Natalie x

#Lifehacks #Lifestyle #Affordable