Saving Money

I know that one question that taunts through everyone's head at one point or another is how do I save money?

How I did it:

1. Budget

To do this, each month, I'd write 2 lists; one for income and the other for debit. I work out how much I have spare, how much to spend on bills and basics; meals, then I can see how much can be spent and how much can be saved, I went into a little more detail in number 8 on what I can find for much less of the original prices in bigger stores.

2. Meal Plan

Exactly how it sounds, in my house we pick one day a week where we have a take away and cook fresh food throughout the week. Planning your meals and writing a shopping list of all laundry products, toiletries and baby stuff, making sure you don't spend over your limit.

3. A Way to Get Your Money Back!

Sell unwanted items on places like eBay, anything from old clothes to old computers or phones.

4. My 30 Day Rule

I've seen a few ideas on this but my take controls my impulse spending. As a mother I see cute little socks but then I realise he has loads of socks, does he really need these ones? My 30 day rule allows me to think it over for 30 days, if I don't think it can be used for my home, bedroom, or something I can put into my everyday routine then back on the shelf it goes.

5. Buy in bulk.

Instead of buying the same things, for example washing powder each week, I'll buy in bulk to save money, or a bulk of nappies and juice and not have to worry about running out and then I can use those extra few pennies on something else in my savings and use it on something else.

6. Vision it.

Pretty simple. But it works! I write lists to allow me to see what I'm putting my money away for, if my bathroom needs something done or bedroom needs reprinting then I'll plan it out, go through different stores and online websites like Amazon and eBay, and compare prices, see which is cheaper.

7. Charity Shops

This is something that turns people's noses but it really helps save those extra pennies! When I go bargain hunting, I can find something in a charity shop that's £5 instead of £100! It's a massive difference.

My next big tip. This is the one I use more than anything.

8. Do it on a budget.

Wouldn't believe it but Poundland/ Dollar Tree. These save so much money;

• Pregnancy tests which are very accurate and save a lot.
• Phone chargers—I spend way too much money on apple chargers and with kids they break so easily.
• Art Supplies—Things like paints, colouring pencils, colouring books, glue, sticky tape.
• Stationery—Batteries, pens, pencils, notebooks, calendars, and diaries.
• Toiletries—Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, razors, and shaving foam, toothpaste and toothbrushes.
• Candles & Lighters
• First Aid - Bandages and plasters.
• Party Things—Plates, cups, banners, and balloons.
• Holidays—They have all year round holiday things; from Christmas to valentines cards.
• Summer—Sunglasses, suncream, and after sun.
• Cleaning—Sponges, dish brushes.
• Gifts—Cards, gift bags, badges and candles.
• Beauty—From my experience I've seen foot, face, and hair masques much cheaper compared to bigger stores.
• Makeup—Some stores have branded products brought into store, products like Rimmel and L'Oreal for £1! Like nail polishes and lipsticks.
• Organisation—Storage bins and magazine racks which are good quality.

9. Do a wish list.

Online websites like Amazon have a wish list and registry, I use the wish list to add things I would eventually want to buy.

10. Coupons and Money Off Vouchers

For example, many stores have bonus cards, like Superdrug, for every pound you spend, there's a point added onto your account which you can use, so when something happens like a birthday or Christmas you can use those instead of spending money.