Budgeting & money-saving tips

Looking for easy ways to save money in your day-to-day life? From around the house budgeting tips and food shop suggestions to advice on making your money go further in your social life, here are our 8 top tips for saving money.  

One of the easiest tips to save money (if you've got the space) is to dry your washing on drying rack in a warm indoor spot - or outside when the weather gets better - rather than use a tumble dryer.

When it comes to catch-ups with friends, it's easy for monetary plans to get out of hand. Dinners, drinks and weekend catch-ups all add up.  And while it's important to enjoy and savour these moments, there are easy alternatives for those of you looking to reduce your social spend.  

Why not trade in lunches and dinners out for a relaxing knees up and meal at either your or your mate's home? Or perhaps, meet for a coffee instead or a walk or activity that won't cost too much.

Now that the days are longer and warmer, why not think about trading in your monthly gym membership for workouts in your garden or local park?

You could explore great running routes near you, buy a skipping rope for a fast and effective cardio workout or look online at the many available (often free) exercise and bodyweight programmes.  

I'm walking on sunshine, and time to feel good!

It might not be true for all of your groceries but by eating seasonally you are more likely to save money. How come? Well, take strawberries for example. If you want to eat fresh strawberries in winter, you will likely be paying more money for the time and effort used to grow the punnet - either in controlled conditions or for shipping it from overseas.

However, in summertime supermarkets will be filled with punnets grown on farms across the UK. As there is an abundance of berries and less cost in the shipping or maintenance needed to control the environment, the demand will be lower which will reduce the price.

When it comes to money-saving ideas, transport may not seem like a big one, but it really does all add up!

Rather than driving or taking the train or tube to work, why not take the bus or, better yet, cycle or walk to your destination? It might take slightly longer to get there but your budget will last for longer and it'll also be good for your health - double win.

This one sounds simple, but it's easier said than done. Whether it's through transport, a quick dip into a grocery or a coffee or two, you'll find that it's hard to go a day without spending any money.

You could even make it into a fun challenge of finding zero-cost things to do - whether it's a walk, a visit to a museum or something like that. While you might not be able to or want to complete it, it will help you be more mindful about when you spend money and to do it with more purpose. 

Growing your own fruit and vegetables is a no-brainer when it comes to ideas for saving money.

Even if you have no outdoor space it's amazing what you can do in your home. Try growing windowsill herbs or some indoor mushrooms and you'll find both satisfaction and a tasty treat from the holistic green-fingered activity. 

(We can't promise your vegetables will look as good as these)

Declutter your wardrobe and make some money from your spring clean.

There are plenty of apps such as eBay, Vinted and Depop which are easy and effective platforms that will let you sell your unwanted pieces; giving them a new loving home and you some spending money.