Are you trying to find ways to make your money last to the end of the month? It’s no secret that everything’s gone up in price lately, making budgeting even more of a priority.
Small changes in how you spend and manage your everyday expenses can potentially help ease the squeeze. To help you focus on your finances, here are some tips to try.
Cut hidden costs
Start by analysing your bank statement. Look for subscriptions you’ve forgotten about or no longer use. It can be easy to miss music streaming trials, fitness apps or add-ons buried in mobile contracts. You might be surprised at how many small charges go unnoticed. Cancel what you don’t need and consider downgrading plans where possible.
Also, if you haven’t reviewed your direct debits recently, now’s the time. Make sure you’re not still paying for insurance or services you’ve replaced or stopped using.
Then rethink your food shop. Some ideas include:
- Going in with a list: Without one, it can lead to buying things you don’t need – especially if there are tempting offers. Plan meals for the week and build your shopping list around what’s already in your cupboard or fridge.
- Shopping on a full stomach: Hunger leads to impulse buys.
- Swapping out branded items: Go for own-label versions and stick to a fixed budget in-store.
- Try using apps: Too Good To Go or Olio are ideal for finding discounted or free food near you.
Save money on the road
Running a car is one of the biggest expenses we have, but you don’t have to give it up to cut costs. Start by planning your journeys using apps like Waze or Google Maps to avoid traffic and reduce time spent idling, which wastes fuel.
If you’re making similar journeys with neighbours or colleagues, car-sharing could be a good option too. This can halve fuel and parking costs straight away.
You can also save by switching to something like multi-car insurance. If your household has more than one vehicle, this type of cover often comes with discounts on each car and can mean cheaper premiums.
Make your home more efficient
Energy bills have been high for a while, but you can bring them down gradually. There are a few small updates you can make:
- Switch off appliances at the wall: Leaving devices on standby still uses electricity.
- Use a smart meter: These monitor how much you’re using and when. Once you spot patterns, you can make smarter choices.
- Check for discounts: Free or discounted insulation or boiler upgrades under government schemes can make a real difference.
- Draught-proofing: Assess gaps around doors and windows to keep warmth in and cold out.
Look at the big picture
As well as making cuts and updates, there are long-term goals to consider, such as creating an emergency fund or saving for a deposit on a house.
Set aside 30 minutes each month to review your spending and use free budgeting tools to track your progress. Look at what’s working, what still feels tight, and what could change. You don’t need to be perfect; just stay consistent.
By giving your money a purpose and checking in regularly, you can turn small wins into lasting habits.
