Tips for saving money

Hi everyone,

When I first got my job, back when I was 15 years old, I was useless with saving. Over the last 5 years I have learnt that saving your money is an important thing. Especially if you want things in life. For example if I hadn't saved my money over these past 5 years, I now wouldn't own my dream car. Or even would of had the money to pay for all my lessons and tests. I am extremely grateful to my mum who encouraged me that I should save my money. I mean a few years back I was a serial shopper. I didn't care how much I bought or how much it actually cost. This august I am going to be turning 20 and I have so many things I would like to be saving for. I would love a new laptop and camera, so I can produce amazing blog photos and YouTube videos for you. But my main one is I want to save to move out. I am not planning on moving out just yet but I do know my aim is to buy my first house instead of renting. I know its a massive thing, its really hard to buy for the younger generation now, but it makes me want to work harder towards my aim. So I thought why not write a blog post on my tips for saving money. As we are not getting any younger now and if you want nice things in life I truly believe you should work hard and save for them. 

1. Money jars:

    

You can use anything for this, money boxes, money tins or jars. I personally like to use these masons jars as I just think they look really cute. As you can see I keep two. The one on the left keeps all the tips I get from work and loose change in. The right one I put all my pound and two pound coins in. I also then put £5.00 out of my wages in there every week. As I am paid cash weekly. I love saving change in jars because its such an easy way of making a change. Like I said I have one jar for my tips and this works so well for me. I have saved my tips in a jar since I first started working. So that's 5 years and I just save them in a jar and then pay them into my ISA when the jar is full. I then don't touch that money. So even if you are looking for something small to do to save, use jars and don't open them till they are full.

2. Use up old products:

We all have them products we opened and never finished. I know I do. I have this basket of skincare products on my dressing table and then I keep a ton of opened shampoos and conditioners in the bathroom cupboard. So I made an aim with myself that I have to use up all my old products before I open any new ones. This is such a good idea as I know what I am like. For example I have 5 different shampoos and 5 different conditioners all open. Don't ask why, as quite frankly I don't really know why. So stop going out and spending money on new products and have a scout through your cupboards and see what you have got, you might be surprised. I know I was. I am not saying never buy new products again, just use up any old ones first. Its a great way to save money.

3. Open an ISA:

Picture: http://theworkingparent.com/money-articles/barclays-3-year-flexible-isa

Now I have had my ISA for a few years now and I love it. I will admit I have spent some money out of it. But that was to buy my car. An Isa is amazing because you can pay money into it and still get money out if need be. But if you don't get money out you make interest on the money that's in there. I have found my ISA brilliant as I tend to dip into my accounts if I need money. But I have been very strict with myself not to touch it unless its an emergency. I was so surprised at how much I managed to save in the short space of time I was paying into it.  

4. Don't buy stuff you don't need when shopping:

Picture: http://sheknows.com/shopping/articles/848063/black-friday-by-the-numbers

This is me when I am shopping. I am the person walking round the shop going "ohh I will just get that, oh and that". Saving money? You don't need to do that. Before you go shopping write yourself a shopping list. I have got into the habit of doing this. Then only buy what's on that list. I know its hard but you have to try, this is the best way of doing it. I even do this with online shopping I write myself a list of things I need from each shop and then only buy them things. Remember there is a difference between needing something and wanting it. It took me long enough to realise this. The stuff you pick up when shopping just for the pure fact that they were there, tend to be the things that when you get home you wonder why you got them.

5. Look for and use bargains:

Picture: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2042102/Tesco-Sainsburys-shoppers-face-convictions-abusing-money-vouchers.html

Money off vouchers and sales should become your new best friend. I will admit if I buy something offline 9 out of 10 times I look for a money off code. Not because I am a cheap skate, but because if I can save money, why not? When I go shopping in Tesco, I always try and look for cheaper alternatives or offers. If uncle bens rice is so many packets for so much and I only want one packet. I will do it to the offer and then I will have extras in the cupboard for another day. I know this looks like you are spending more money but in a few weeks time when you want that rice, you already have it. That's one less thing to buy, in turn saving you money. Also like I said if you shop online look for discount codes. If you can save a little bit, its something. It all makes a difference in the long run of things.   

So they are my five tips for saving some money. What are yours? Let me know in the comments. Like I said its nice to splash the cash sometimes, but do you always have something to show for it? I really do believe that everyone should work hard and save for the things they want in life. Its makes them even better when you do get it then. I know not everyone will agree with me but I have been bought up to work for things that I want. Whether that be a job, my studies or even just a new laptop. Not everything can be given to you on a silver plate. I hope that you enjoyed this post. If you want me to do any more tips posts, let me know in the comments.

Love

Zoe x