Hard times indeed!

This is just a general blog about the one thing we can't physically live without, money! I've always appreciated money, I'm not materialistic and not too comfortable financially, but I seem to be able to make my money stretch. I have a task for you, I'm going to share little tips on my day to day life and see if you can follow them, let me know how much you've saved!

1. Get a savings tin. It sounds simple, but having a tin, jar or tub for saving pennies makes all the difference. It's important that you refrain from dipping into it, savings are savings for a reason. You can buy tins these days which don't have lids, you simply use a tin opener when they're full, the more effort it is to open your tin, the more you'll save. I personally own a gallon whiskey bottle which got me £55 half full of coppers, mad right!? If you're not keen on counting out money into bags and trekking to your bank 4 bags at a time, use a Coinstar machine usually available in most supermarkets (Asda, Tesco) these charge you a percentage to use, but when you have £50 pounds worth of pennies, you hardly want to sort them yourself. You simply empty all your money, the machine counts it and gives you a receipt which you exchange for notes.
2. Do you really need that dress? If you walk away from an item without regret, chances are you can live without it. If you keep going back to it, buy it. It's important to only buy things you need or really want. If you buy things for the novelty, you'll most likely use it once at most. Buying things second hand is a great way to save money if it's something like a game or DVD, even phones are available in mint condition.
3. Owing money, we all do it! It's all about mind set, is that really your money? We may state how much money we have, but is it really our money? Money is just borrowed and exchanged. If you owe someone money and you have some coming in, don't get attached to it or label it as your own. If you owe £20 and get paid £50, tell yourself you only have £30. This way, you won't feel remorse when giving it away, if it was never yours to begin with. Getting into this frame of mine is hard, but if you budget everything like me, you'll make a mental note of how much money you actually have.
4. Recycle. Do you use that PSP? When's the last time you wore that top? Did those new shoes rub you? You'll never really fit back in those jeans, will you? Sell your pre-loved items on eBay. Selling is a great way to get back some money for new items. Make sure you read all of the terms though as eBay do charge selling and sometimes listing fees. It is also recommended you thoroughly describe each item and its condition to avoid unhappy customers.
5. Spending too much on food and drink? Everyone loves to treat themself to a Starbucks or Nandos, but are you wasting your money on 30 minutes of happiness? If you're strapped for cash but craving a Starbucks, go somewhere else. Chose a cheaper option, go find your nearest Asda Cafe or McDonalds, save the treats for a treat rather than to keep up your reputation. Most companies charge more just so you feel you fit a certain crowd or status, ask yourself if you really enjoy the product.
6. Discount cards. How often do you keep those discount vouchers on the back of bus tickets? Keeping vouchers in your wallet/purse is such a great way to save money. In some cities you even get people handing out vouchers by the shop/restaurant, don't turn them down. Always check where they're valid and how long for to save embarrassment. Do you even use your Orange Wednesday? Being an orange customer entitles you to a buy one get one free when you pay 35p for a text ticket. Perfect if the cinema is your favourite pass time. If you're a student, carry around your ID whilst shopping, even 10% is better than nothing. Watch out for student days in some stores too. Some stores however only accept NUS cards to pass for student discount.
7. SALES! It's the first word I see in a shop. Clothing sales happen more frequently these days as less people are spending money. Main sales are after Christmas and in June/July but there are always end of season sales, when clothes become too 'out of season', websites are the best place to look. Most supermarkets have reduced stock, always check before you buy, you never know if they have something you need! BEWARE, always check the price of sales, some stores trick you with sale stickers so you think you're getting it cheap. Evaluate how much the item is worth, even with the sale, is it still overpriced?
8. Girls gotta eat! Food shopping can be a pain sometimes. Supermarkets are competing these days to get the lowest prices, check online to see which store is cheapest if you have no preference. I find it easier to buy whats been reduced that week and plan your meals around that, but buying your essentials is important; it's better to get them before you run out as it saves you going to your nearest shop where they could charge double.
9. Free did you say? Reading the newspaper is a great way to find out about anything local with the potential of free stuff. Some cities have stalls open in shopping centers that give away samples of new products for publicity. Find out about these events, who doesn't like free stuff?! More free stuff? Enter as many competitions as you can, local papers, magazines, even Facebook. You've gotta be in it to win it!
10. My last tip is presents. Presents are the one thing we can't compromise on. It's hard to get someone a thoughtful, high quality gift without breaking the bank. My advise? Buy in advance. If you see something perfect for someone, get it while you have the chance, mostly we end up rushing to get someone something last minute for the sake of a present. Making gifts is perfect only if you have the confidence and know the person will appreciate it. It's the thought and effort that counts but if the recipient would never use/eat the gift, you've wasted your time. Using eBay is great for bulk buying Christmas presents. For example, you could purchase miniature bottles of designer/brand name shower gels/washes/perfumes and put them into bags or boxes. Line the bag/box with tissue paper and decorate with ribbons for a special touch. Make sure these products are new and if buying for Christmas, make sure to order about a month before, or even two if the item has to come from abroad.

Right, I hope that these tips will help you save money, its such a rewarding feeling knowing you can stop yourself from spending. Just follow my tips and let me know how you've done! Have fun!

Mwah x