Tips On Saving Money

Let me tell you a little story about myself. I was foolish enough to get a credit card. Correction, 2 credit cards! They were both interest free and I was spending away like it was free money. Long story short I am now in £2000 debt.
Not only am I in debt I also have holidays to save spending money on. I am going to be broke this whole year by the looks of things! So I now have to budget my money. I thought I would share with you my tips on how I am getting by while having to save and pay off debts.

Create a savings account
Seems obvious right? But make sure you create one that you can't dip into easily. You can get accounts where you have to go to your bank to withdraw money. Also, getting a piggy bank where you have to smash open is helpful.


Cut back on pampering
Everyone loves a pamper but when you're getting your nails done every 2 weeks and your eyelashes every month it does start to add up. Give your body a rest and paint your nails for a few months. The drugstore also have some great mascaras out. Maybelline Lash Sensational gives me the best fake eyelash look!

Don't spend for the sake of spending
Do you really need another highlighter? Are you sure you cannot live without that red lipstick? Use up the products that you already own. I realised I owned 6 different body washes. Why did I feel the need to keep buying more when them 6 would last me a good few months?!

3 for 2
If you have run out of your favourite products or you know this will be happening soon buy them when there is a 3 for 2 deal going on. However, don't get trapped into buying more because you think you're saving money. I have been tricked into buying stuff I didn't need just to get the deal.

Hunt for those discount vouchers
Every time I shop online I try to find a discount code before buying. Or, if I'm going out for a meal see if there is anything online I can use. Groupon do great deals for just about everything. Me and my boyfriend use it all the time for weekends away or a night out if we're running low on money at the end of the month.

It's ok to wear the same thing twice
I am guilty of buying a dress, wearing it once and then never wearing it again. There has been times where I have clothes with the tags still on but because I didn't buy them around the time I have plans I feel like I need to buy a whole new outfit. Such a waste of money. Just wearing different shoes or accessories can completely change the way an outfit looks. Or I just borrow my mates clothes if I really want to wear something 'new'.

Pack a lunch
I used to spend an average of £6 a day on lunch at work. £30 a week, £120 a month and that's not including the snacks inbetween! I've actually enjoyed bringing in a lunch from home. I was never much a cook but this gives me a reason to learn more than beans on toast and to become more creative with ideas.

Be realistic 
Finally be realistic. Don't put yourself into debt (or more debt in my case) trying to budget your money. I keep a bit of money aside to enjoy myself that month and if I don't spend it all I put it towards getting rid of my debts.

What tips do you know when it comes to saving money?