The following blog was written by our Intern from Liverpool John Moores University, Cerys Evans.
1. Track your spending
Whether you are saving for that summer holiday or if you just want some pocket money each month, the best way to get your finances in check is by making sure you're putting some money aside to save. We've rounded up the best 10 tips to use to become a savvy saver.
1. Track your spending
Keeping track of your spending will help you stay within your budget. Set a budget for how much you can spend and then track it. Whether you want to keep track of your spending in a notebook or on your phone, make sure that you’re consistent and stick to your budget. There are now a lot of apps that will help you track your spends with the most popular being Monzo!
2. Find things to do for free
There are plenty of activities that you can do for free! Look at tourist centered sites to find out about museums, exhibitions, events and festivals happening in your local area. One of our favourites is Visit Liverpool and Day out With The Kids where they’ll gather all the information in one place, simple!
3. Leave debit/credit cards at home
This may seem a little strange… but leaving your debit/credit card at home and only taking the money you absolutely need is a simple way of making sure you don’t overspend! Tempted as you will be to purchase an item, you will have no choice but to walk away
4. Avoid temptation - don’t go shopping if you don't need to
If you don’t go to the shops, you can’t be lured by nice things.
5. Decrease the amount of eating and drinking out
5. Decrease the amount of eating and drinking out
Try to leave eating out for a special occasion and start making your own food at home. It can save you a lot of money, but it can also be a chance to learn a new skill! Not convinced? Here’s some quick math for you…
£2.50 (one coffee a day in the week) x 5 coffees a week = £12.50
£12.50 x 4 weeks = £50
£50 x 12 months = £600 a year.
Making a coffee at home is a fraction of the price of that!!
£2.50 (one coffee a day in the week) x 5 coffees a week = £12.50
£12.50 x 4 weeks = £50
£50 x 12 months = £600 a year.
Making a coffee at home is a fraction of the price of that!!
6. Look on discount sites
If you do decide that you will go out for food or drinks, then you can take advantage of discount sites such as Groupon that will offer some great deals on food prices. There is always a discount code for stores when you buy anything online and a lot of the time you will be able to at least find 10% off which will make a big difference long term!
7. Cheaper supermarkets
Make sure to always go for the supermarkets that offer you the best value for your money. It can be easy to opt for the supermarket that is closer and more convenient but by making sensible swap and choosing none-branded items you could save a good amount of money. A great way of finding out where best to shop is by using a supermarket price comparison tool, we've found a great one you can use here
You know what they say: never go food shopping on an empty
stomach. Work out prior to the supermarket trip what you need to buy and try to
stick to just buying those items, but if there’s something that you use weekly
you could stock up when prices are reduced.
9. Switch energy suppliers
It's said by switching energy supplier each household could save up to £400 a year! It's an easy way to save money and it takes a couple of minutes to do.
10. Sell your unused items online
Just because you're not using it anymore doesn't mean that somebody else won't! a great way to earn some extra money to put away is by selling your unused clothes, CD's, Books etc online! There is truly money to be made by items you probably haven't thought about in years. Some of the most popular sites to sell on include eBay, Music Magpie and Depop!
Better Off Finance is offering residents of the Liverpool City Region who are currently unemployed (although don't have to be claiming benefits), a bespoke programme of support.
This support will be provided at a local community venue or at home if a participant prefers.
Each participant will be linked up with their own key worker who will support them to:
Improve their financial capability through 1-2-1 support and group work
Access employability sessions within the programme
Access a Level 2 Accredited ‘Money Mentor’ opportunity
Progress into training and education opportunities
Prepare and progress into sustainable employment.
Please contact us via our Facebook or Twitter pages to make a referral or for further information.
Better Off Finance is a program jointly funded by The Big Lottery Fund and European Social Fund as part of the Building Better Opportunities Initiative
