Actually save some money

I seem to find that everyday items keep going up and up in price. So to help me save better I decided to read Susan Calhoun's book on Investing with Small Amounts a bargain at only £1.92 for an e edition. The how to put aside extra cash points are great and even though I did most of these already it was nice to know I wasn't alone in scraping and saving as much as I can.  I'm now on the hunt for a similar free e book based on the UK finance system. 

As I’m very good at budgeting and saving money below are a few tips that always seem to help me and I do hope they will help you too.

• My number 1 saving tip is always to ask myself if I really need it, just because it is on sale doesn't mean I need it.
• If you can make it yourself and save money give it a go, check out my recipe page for these yummy biscuits.

 

• Every month I put aside money for Christmas and Birthday presents then when the sales start, I'm ready to get all my Christmas shopping and Birthday shopping done at a fraction of the price but still get the great gifts for my friends and family that I wanted. 
• Instead of having speciality coffee every day I treat myself to one on a Saturday morning when I'm out shopping or going for a walk and it might be all in the head but I swear that Saturday skinny latte tastes better on a Saturday.
• I have started doing my shopping once every four or five weeks depending on when the pay cheque comes in.  I get to take advantage of all the 2 for 1 offers for which the freezer is great for.  I make sure I buy enough to cover lunch for the next month (yes I pre-pack lunch every day and save a fortune) and buy enough snacks to last me too, though my biggest weakness is rationing the snacks to one a day but out of sight, out of mind.  The only thing I need to buy on the week-end is milk, fresh fruit and salad for my lunch.  My new shopping routine has saved me quite a bit of cash as I'm not running to the shops during lunch to buy a snack and on a week-end I don't have to worry about a grocery shop, time saved too.  Plus I earn more store points when doing one big shop when I take advantage of the double points.  So all in all my piggy bank is very happy.
• I write out a budget every month and ensure whatever I put on my credit card I have the cash in my bank account to pay for it. 
• There is nothing wrong with budget shops, I  buy Timotei Shampoo from Wilkinson for £1.99 and I am constantly asked how I get my hair so shiny
• For DIY and interior around the house, get yourself to the market, there are lots of great locally made items that are of a high quality that won't cost you the fortune that a high end retailer will.  Though I have to admit that the one lesson I have learnt is that good quality lasts longer though might cost a bit more now it will save you pennies in the long run. 
• Instead of bulking up your wardrobe with item after item that you might not wear, accessorise, accessorise, a great collar goes along way.  Check out this great sewing blog A Common Thread on how to make your own.  I also love SewCanShe Sewing blog for great ideas on things you might never though of doing.

So start saving and think about what to invest that extra cash on.