SimplyFinance offers its members free financial advice, from its network of money experts. It's the ideal place to turn to when in need of financial advice. One of the most common money problems that people have is not having enough cash left at the end of the month to put any savings away. If that sounds like you, then it could be time to think about exactly what you spend your money on and where you could cut back.
Cigarettes are a big expense. If you quit, you'll not only save money, but you could save your health. The same can be said for alcohol - if you want to improve your health and save thousands of pounds a year, try giving up smoking and replacing boozy nights out with cheap nights in. Taxis home after a night out can also cost a fortune, so take it in turns to be the designated driver.
Many of us like to look good; with a large number of us spending around 40 a month on a gym membership that we never use, as well as approximately 100 a month on preening. It's worth considering replacing the expensive gym for the free outdoors. If you head straight to the treadmill at the gym, try running outside. If you go to use the weights, then look into buying second hand equipment, which you can use at home. Tanning, manicures and waxing can also cost a small fortune, so see how many treatments you can do yourself. For cheaper haircuts, mobile hairdressers tend to charge much less than fancy salons.
If coffee seems like the only thing that keeps you going all day, then think about buying a flask and making your own every morning. A 3 coffee every work day will add up to over 700 a year, so even cutting back and treating yourself twice a week will create big savings. For those who have a similar habit at lunchtime, you could save a small fortune by swapping your bought sandwich, crisps and drink for a homemade packed lunch. 5 on lunch every day will add up to 1,000 per year - just for a sandwich! The other way to save money on food is to stop wandering down to the expensive local shop every evening for something for dinner and start doing a big shop once a week, or even once a month.
Another habit to give up is all the stuff you just don't need! For two weeks, ask yourself 'do I need this?' every time you spend money. You will be more aware of how you are spending and half of the time you will probably find that you don't need it. Be sure to set yourself a goal to work towards: if you have always wanted a designer handbag or a new set of golf clubs, open up an account and put in the money you save from giving up your habits. You could even be really sensible and put the money towards a pension or life insurance - things you know you ought to have but never seem to want to part with your cash for. For any further advice, ask the SimplyFinance experts.
Cigarettes are a big expense. If you quit, you'll not only save money, but you could save your health. The same can be said for alcohol - if you want to improve your health and save thousands of pounds a year, try giving up smoking and replacing boozy nights out with cheap nights in. Taxis home after a night out can also cost a fortune, so take it in turns to be the designated driver.
Many of us like to look good; with a large number of us spending around 40 a month on a gym membership that we never use, as well as approximately 100 a month on preening. It's worth considering replacing the expensive gym for the free outdoors. If you head straight to the treadmill at the gym, try running outside. If you go to use the weights, then look into buying second hand equipment, which you can use at home. Tanning, manicures and waxing can also cost a small fortune, so see how many treatments you can do yourself. For cheaper haircuts, mobile hairdressers tend to charge much less than fancy salons.
If coffee seems like the only thing that keeps you going all day, then think about buying a flask and making your own every morning. A 3 coffee every work day will add up to over 700 a year, so even cutting back and treating yourself twice a week will create big savings. For those who have a similar habit at lunchtime, you could save a small fortune by swapping your bought sandwich, crisps and drink for a homemade packed lunch. 5 on lunch every day will add up to 1,000 per year - just for a sandwich! The other way to save money on food is to stop wandering down to the expensive local shop every evening for something for dinner and start doing a big shop once a week, or even once a month.
Another habit to give up is all the stuff you just don't need! For two weeks, ask yourself 'do I need this?' every time you spend money. You will be more aware of how you are spending and half of the time you will probably find that you don't need it. Be sure to set yourself a goal to work towards: if you have always wanted a designer handbag or a new set of golf clubs, open up an account and put in the money you save from giving up your habits. You could even be really sensible and put the money towards a pension or life insurance - things you know you ought to have but never seem to want to part with your cash for. For any further advice, ask the SimplyFinance experts.