Increase the moneypot - cut back, cut back, cut back...
Dream, save, save, save, plan your magical roadtrip adventure - get on the road! We all put some money aside and save for our holidays, some may find this harder than others and it's easier said than done. I've compiled a few tips lists which may help you towards saving for that dream trip you've always wanted to take, plus a spending saving tip for whilst you're away.
A little sacrifice here and there will make it all worthwhile. You'll see, once you've succeeded you'll look back from a secluded beach or from the top of a mountain and scream - we did it!...
A little sacrifice here and there will make it all worthwhile. You'll see, once you've succeeded you'll look back from a secluded beach or from the top of a mountain and scream - we did it!...
Saving tip for when you're travelling: Pre-paid Travel Cards
A new way of saving a few pounds whilst you're abroad is to sign up to a pre-paid card before you travel. There are two types of cards - Pay monthly (charged monthly fee) or Pay-as-you-go. For a European holiday we recommend the Euro (foreign currency) Pay-as-you-go card. Use it like a debit card, pay for purchases/cash withdrawals online or shops, etc. Your total balance in Euros will depend on the exchange rate, the day you transfer money onto your pre-paid card.
Advantages:
1. It's a cost-effective way of taking money on holiday without all the extra charges - this will depend on your pre-paid card selection. By choosing the right pre-paid card, you can avoid the normal handling fees/commission rates when exchanging money either in the UK, abroad or online as well as foreign transactions and ATM cash withdrawals fees on debit/credit cards.
2. No credit checks are required - you just make a transfer to top it up before you go.
3. It's easier to control your spend as you can never spend more than the amount you loaded onto the card.
4. No need to carry loads of cash.
5. Many providers will send you an emergency card or cash replacement as a matter of urgency if you lose your card.
Disadvantages:
1. Although pre-paid cards are the ideal replacement for bank/credit cards, they do not protect you as a credit card would on damaged goods/faulty purchases.
2. Many pre-paid cards are unable to make pre-approved payments such as pay-at-the-pump petrol stations/car hire charges, etc.
3. Some pre-paid card providers do not compensate you for lost pre-loaded credit on lost cards. Fully check the details when selecting your card provider.
Many cards charge hidden fees (set up fees/top up fees, inactivity and cancellation charges) and some have better benefits than others so do look out for the following deals:
1. Free card fees.
2. Free foreign transactions.
3. Free overseas ATM withdrawals.
4. Free load charges (bank transfer/debit card/online/sms or Post Office).
A new way of saving a few pounds whilst you're abroad is to sign up to a pre-paid card before you travel. There are two types of cards - Pay monthly (charged monthly fee) or Pay-as-you-go. For a European holiday we recommend the Euro (foreign currency) Pay-as-you-go card. Use it like a debit card, pay for purchases/cash withdrawals online or shops, etc. Your total balance in Euros will depend on the exchange rate, the day you transfer money onto your pre-paid card.
Advantages:
1. It's a cost-effective way of taking money on holiday without all the extra charges - this will depend on your pre-paid card selection. By choosing the right pre-paid card, you can avoid the normal handling fees/commission rates when exchanging money either in the UK, abroad or online as well as foreign transactions and ATM cash withdrawals fees on debit/credit cards.
2. No credit checks are required - you just make a transfer to top it up before you go.
3. It's easier to control your spend as you can never spend more than the amount you loaded onto the card.
4. No need to carry loads of cash.
5. Many providers will send you an emergency card or cash replacement as a matter of urgency if you lose your card.
Disadvantages:
1. Although pre-paid cards are the ideal replacement for bank/credit cards, they do not protect you as a credit card would on damaged goods/faulty purchases.
2. Many pre-paid cards are unable to make pre-approved payments such as pay-at-the-pump petrol stations/car hire charges, etc.
3. Some pre-paid card providers do not compensate you for lost pre-loaded credit on lost cards. Fully check the details when selecting your card provider.
Many cards charge hidden fees (set up fees/top up fees, inactivity and cancellation charges) and some have better benefits than others so do look out for the following deals:
1. Free card fees.
2. Free foreign transactions.
3. Free overseas ATM withdrawals.
4. Free load charges (bank transfer/debit card/online/sms or Post Office).
Our Top 20 Saving Tips:
1. Only buy what you need and just pay for the necessities - rent/mortgage, bills, food/petrol. Keep a track on your outgoings. Learn to budget and stick to it!
2. Set a savings goal and a time-frame - when you need it by and the amount you need to accumulate.
3. Find cheaper accommodation/rent - refinance your mortgage/sell up or move back home if you have to.
4. Whilst working - make your own pack lunches instead of paying for lunches. It all adds up!
5. Drink tap water rather than buying bottled - it's 100% safe. Apparently an estimated 30% of supermarket bottled water is tap water - how awful is that?
6. If you can, cycle to work and at the same time get fit. It beats commuting and paying the expensive fares.
7. Ditch the car - walk/cycle instead of driving and save on petrol.
8. Eat in rather than out and stay in more often. If you want to save money - stop going out and spending money on drinks, food, tickets - you can live without them for a while - learn to sacrifice!
9. No more takeaways - make your own meals, it's much cheaper.
10. Write a shopping list before you shop and stick to it - avoid the little extras you tend to add to your basket whilst shopping. Try your local market rather than a supermarket for food supplies - the prices are much cheaper. Also, you can try own-brand rather than branded products as these are usually much cheaper too.
1. Only buy what you need and just pay for the necessities - rent/mortgage, bills, food/petrol. Keep a track on your outgoings. Learn to budget and stick to it!
2. Set a savings goal and a time-frame - when you need it by and the amount you need to accumulate.
3. Find cheaper accommodation/rent - refinance your mortgage/sell up or move back home if you have to.
4. Whilst working - make your own pack lunches instead of paying for lunches. It all adds up!
5. Drink tap water rather than buying bottled - it's 100% safe. Apparently an estimated 30% of supermarket bottled water is tap water - how awful is that?
6. If you can, cycle to work and at the same time get fit. It beats commuting and paying the expensive fares.
7. Ditch the car - walk/cycle instead of driving and save on petrol.
8. Eat in rather than out and stay in more often. If you want to save money - stop going out and spending money on drinks, food, tickets - you can live without them for a while - learn to sacrifice!
9. No more takeaways - make your own meals, it's much cheaper.
10. Write a shopping list before you shop and stick to it - avoid the little extras you tend to add to your basket whilst shopping. Try your local market rather than a supermarket for food supplies - the prices are much cheaper. Also, you can try own-brand rather than branded products as these are usually much cheaper too.
11. As well as learning to budget, learn to use up all the food you buy so you avoid all food waste. It's easy - just don't over-buy and buy only what you need for the next few days.
12. Change your diet. Cut down on all the unhealthy food such as crisps, chocolates, fizzy drinks, etc. - plus sugars, cereals, margarine, bread, ready meals, pasta, rice, chips, pizzas, burgers, bacon, sausages, hot dogs, juices, alcohol, etc. the list is endless - basically everything we love and are addicted to. Start a healthy food diet - you'll not only see the difference in your wallet but you'll also see your weight drop off and/or your health improve. Our healthy diet now consists of: Vogel's bread, fish, meats, chicken, salads, vegetables (sweet potatoes/broccoli/avocados/spinach - plus others), fruit (blueberries/plums/blackcurrants/cranberries - plus others), eggs, low fat yoghurt, honey, dark chocolate, peanut butter (in moderation), nuts (walnuts/almonds - plus others), beans, olive oil, garlic, green tea, lemon in hot water and tap water. Of course, we do treat ourselves to the bad and naughty every now and then.
13. Find the willpower! My partner gave up cigarettes 9 years ago without needing to use any alternative chemicals. He also gave up Diet Coke which is so addictive and unhealthy. He incredibly lost 5 stones since changing his diet to a healthy one, along with doing lots of exercise of course! It really is all in the mind, if you want it badly enough, it's achievable - you just need to be strong-willed with bundles of self control. You too can do it!
14. Join a cheaper and no-contract gym. We joined Kiss Gyms for only £16.99 per month. It holds free classes as well as having all the equipment you'll need for the perfect workout - great value!
15. Appreciate the things you get for free in life!.... Attend free local/social events. Or search for deals to obtain savings, eg. visit your local cinema on special discount nights. Collect vouchers/points on loyalty cards. Use discount websites for deals - Groupon/KGB/Wowcher/Vouchercodes.
16. Sell, sell, sell - Get some extra money by using Ebay to get rid of any unwanted items or better still use Gumtree as you won't have to pay any fees. Or alternatively, you may be able to source items you need from Freecycle for free instead of buying.
17. Review all insurance policies and compare prices/details - shop around for the best value for money using comparison sites. Don't renew them automatically.
18. Get rid of credit cards/store cards - you don't need them! We would however recommend keeping one (as you need it for certain deposits/purchases eg. car hire) but pay it off monthly in full, to avoid paying any interest.
19. Clear all your debt - try to pay off your debt as quickly as possible. Get rid of the overdraft, look into consolidating all your debts and do not live beyond your means! We've done it, so can you.
20. And finally, claim back your PPI (Payment Protection Insurance) - now is the time to check if you were misled or were unaware of having paid any PPI when you initially applied for loans, credit/store cards, mortgages, etc. Even if you are unsure if you are entitled to anything, it doesn't cost you a penny to check and make a claim. You'll be surprised at how much will be refunded if you were mis-sold PPI which didn't even protect you - claims will be investigated and lenders are forced to repay you, with an added 8% interest in compensation. We highly recommend using Stake Your Claim who only charge 12% + VAT on every successful claim - they take away the stress of having to deal with lenders direct and will help you with your claim every step of the way. If you prefer, you can make a claim yourself but we're not sure if lenders pay out the same amount when dealing with you direct, although they should. If you have any problems when dealing direct with the lenders, you can then make a complaint to the Financial Ombudsman who will investigate on your behalf. Claims can take several months, but can be well worth the wait in the long run, you've got nothing to lose!
12. Change your diet. Cut down on all the unhealthy food such as crisps, chocolates, fizzy drinks, etc. - plus sugars, cereals, margarine, bread, ready meals, pasta, rice, chips, pizzas, burgers, bacon, sausages, hot dogs, juices, alcohol, etc. the list is endless - basically everything we love and are addicted to. Start a healthy food diet - you'll not only see the difference in your wallet but you'll also see your weight drop off and/or your health improve. Our healthy diet now consists of: Vogel's bread, fish, meats, chicken, salads, vegetables (sweet potatoes/broccoli/avocados/spinach - plus others), fruit (blueberries/plums/blackcurrants/cranberries - plus others), eggs, low fat yoghurt, honey, dark chocolate, peanut butter (in moderation), nuts (walnuts/almonds - plus others), beans, olive oil, garlic, green tea, lemon in hot water and tap water. Of course, we do treat ourselves to the bad and naughty every now and then.
13. Find the willpower! My partner gave up cigarettes 9 years ago without needing to use any alternative chemicals. He also gave up Diet Coke which is so addictive and unhealthy. He incredibly lost 5 stones since changing his diet to a healthy one, along with doing lots of exercise of course! It really is all in the mind, if you want it badly enough, it's achievable - you just need to be strong-willed with bundles of self control. You too can do it!
14. Join a cheaper and no-contract gym. We joined Kiss Gyms for only £16.99 per month. It holds free classes as well as having all the equipment you'll need for the perfect workout - great value!
15. Appreciate the things you get for free in life!.... Attend free local/social events. Or search for deals to obtain savings, eg. visit your local cinema on special discount nights. Collect vouchers/points on loyalty cards. Use discount websites for deals - Groupon/KGB/Wowcher/Vouchercodes.
16. Sell, sell, sell - Get some extra money by using Ebay to get rid of any unwanted items or better still use Gumtree as you won't have to pay any fees. Or alternatively, you may be able to source items you need from Freecycle for free instead of buying.
17. Review all insurance policies and compare prices/details - shop around for the best value for money using comparison sites. Don't renew them automatically.
18. Get rid of credit cards/store cards - you don't need them! We would however recommend keeping one (as you need it for certain deposits/purchases eg. car hire) but pay it off monthly in full, to avoid paying any interest.
19. Clear all your debt - try to pay off your debt as quickly as possible. Get rid of the overdraft, look into consolidating all your debts and do not live beyond your means! We've done it, so can you.
20. And finally, claim back your PPI (Payment Protection Insurance) - now is the time to check if you were misled or were unaware of having paid any PPI when you initially applied for loans, credit/store cards, mortgages, etc. Even if you are unsure if you are entitled to anything, it doesn't cost you a penny to check and make a claim. You'll be surprised at how much will be refunded if you were mis-sold PPI which didn't even protect you - claims will be investigated and lenders are forced to repay you, with an added 8% interest in compensation. We highly recommend using Stake Your Claim who only charge 12% + VAT on every successful claim - they take away the stress of having to deal with lenders direct and will help you with your claim every step of the way. If you prefer, you can make a claim yourself but we're not sure if lenders pay out the same amount when dealing with you direct, although they should. If you have any problems when dealing direct with the lenders, you can then make a complaint to the Financial Ombudsman who will investigate on your behalf. Claims can take several months, but can be well worth the wait in the long run, you've got nothing to lose!
Purchasing/Subscription Saving Tips:
1. Cut down on going to coffee shops/cafes - stop treating yourself to coffees/cakes.
2. Cut down or remove these altogether if you can - luxury items and anything to do with pampering yourself/beauty (going to the hairdressers, buying clothes/shoes/make-up, etc.). These aren't always necessary.
3. Ditch the TV Packages - view your TV digital channels instead (you'll find loads available for free).
4. If you can lose your telephone landline, do so. Everyone has a personal mobile phone nowadays - so this maybe a good saving idea.
5. Lose the internet connection if you can. You may be able to use your mobile hotspot instead (check if it's included your monthly tariff and if it's unlimited usage). However, you'll need to double-check and check again to see if it's completely unlimited. We have been misled twice already, the 'unlimited' was actually capped - so don't be fooled by mobile phone providers.
6. If you hardly use your mobile phone, it may be an idea to not take out another contract at the end of your term and use a pay-as-you-go mobile instead. Look into this in detail and choose the best offer to suit your needs.
7. Don't buy presents if you can't afford them. Use your imagination, learn to make them instead or buy cheaper products. When we can't afford it, we don't buy pressies for anyone. We spoil ourselves and others when we can - ultimately it's how we are respected and treated as well as the thought that counts!
8. Start buying second hand products instead of new - especially cars. They lose so much value as soon as you drive out of the courtyard. Trade-in your expensive car and run a cheaper one for the time being. Plus do service your car regularly as this will avoid higher repair bills.
9. Don't be embarrassed to shop at Charity and Pound shops - you may find some really good bargains.
10. Join a local library - why buy when you can borrow! Plus, you'll have loads and loads to choose from.
1. Cut down on going to coffee shops/cafes - stop treating yourself to coffees/cakes.
2. Cut down or remove these altogether if you can - luxury items and anything to do with pampering yourself/beauty (going to the hairdressers, buying clothes/shoes/make-up, etc.). These aren't always necessary.
3. Ditch the TV Packages - view your TV digital channels instead (you'll find loads available for free).
4. If you can lose your telephone landline, do so. Everyone has a personal mobile phone nowadays - so this maybe a good saving idea.
5. Lose the internet connection if you can. You may be able to use your mobile hotspot instead (check if it's included your monthly tariff and if it's unlimited usage). However, you'll need to double-check and check again to see if it's completely unlimited. We have been misled twice already, the 'unlimited' was actually capped - so don't be fooled by mobile phone providers.
6. If you hardly use your mobile phone, it may be an idea to not take out another contract at the end of your term and use a pay-as-you-go mobile instead. Look into this in detail and choose the best offer to suit your needs.
7. Don't buy presents if you can't afford them. Use your imagination, learn to make them instead or buy cheaper products. When we can't afford it, we don't buy pressies for anyone. We spoil ourselves and others when we can - ultimately it's how we are respected and treated as well as the thought that counts!
8. Start buying second hand products instead of new - especially cars. They lose so much value as soon as you drive out of the courtyard. Trade-in your expensive car and run a cheaper one for the time being. Plus do service your car regularly as this will avoid higher repair bills.
9. Don't be embarrassed to shop at Charity and Pound shops - you may find some really good bargains.
10. Join a local library - why buy when you can borrow! Plus, you'll have loads and loads to choose from.
Energy Saving Tips:
1. Switch energy suppliers - take advantage of the savings.
2. You can save both time and money if you don't overfill a kettle with water and only boil what you need.
3. Have quick showers instead of long baths.
4. Do not let taps run for long periods. When washing up, fill the sink instead.
5. Unplug all unused appliances. Take the plugs out of all the sockets - it saves on electricity.
6. Do not use a dryer - hang your clothes/linen instead.
7. Switch off all lights when you're not using the room.
8. You can also save on electricity if you swap your normal light bulbs to energy saving bulbs - they can last over ten times longer.
9. When it's cold, switch off heating/any Air Conditioning units - use little electric fan heaters instead, they save on electricity/gas. Plus cover any draughts you may have with excluders.
10. When it's hot, do not use Air Conditioning units, use an electric fan instead.
1. Switch energy suppliers - take advantage of the savings.
2. You can save both time and money if you don't overfill a kettle with water and only boil what you need.
3. Have quick showers instead of long baths.
4. Do not let taps run for long periods. When washing up, fill the sink instead.
5. Unplug all unused appliances. Take the plugs out of all the sockets - it saves on electricity.
6. Do not use a dryer - hang your clothes/linen instead.
7. Switch off all lights when you're not using the room.
8. You can also save on electricity if you swap your normal light bulbs to energy saving bulbs - they can last over ten times longer.
9. When it's cold, switch off heating/any Air Conditioning units - use little electric fan heaters instead, they save on electricity/gas. Plus cover any draughts you may have with excluders.
10. When it's hot, do not use Air Conditioning units, use an electric fan instead.
Check out more tips below
Photography: beepbeepeurope
© Copyright. All rights reserved.
© Copyright. All rights reserved.