Save Money and Live Healthily
Most people think that saving money is hard, and cutting down on their spending will have a negative impact on their lifestyle. In reality some simple changes to the way you live can save you pounds and give you a better standard of health and wellness too. As you change the way you spend, you'll change the way you think.
Firstly, cutting out your bad habits can lead to a major saving. Cigarettes and alcohol are two of the most heavily-taxed products and many people spend a huge amount on them every year without realising. Twenty or thirty pounds every Saturday night really does add up, and cutting back will lead to immediate savings; you'll be amazed at the money in your wallet! It's not only good for your pocket; we all know that smoking is bad for you, and wine is only good in moderation.
The second culprit of over-spending is the impulse buy. Spend a day in town and you can come home without any money and nothing to show for it. Next time you find yourself gazing lovingly at a new pair of shoes, stop and ask yourself if you really need them. A good strategy is to give yourself a cooling-off period of a couple of weeks. If you still want them after that time then buy them. Most buying impulses will fade however, and your money can be put towards something else.
As for books and dvds, that's what libraries and rental shops are for. If you can't find the title you want, ask for it to be ordered. Most people only read a book once, and you can borrow them for free.
The weekly food shop is another dangerous time when money can escape. Do you do a big shop, but get to midweek and wonder what's for dinner? If so, you're probably not that organised. Always make a list and take it with you; plan each meal and make sure the food is dated long enough to last until you're ready to eat it. If you plan well and only buy what you need you'll save both time and money.
Don't always buy branded goods either; own-brand foods can be just as nice and are a lot cheaper. Staples like cereals and tinned foods really don't vary that much and you can buy large amounts for pennies. Most (if not all) supermarkets send out money-off vouchers from time to time; take advantage of the special offers on things you can use gradually like cleaning products. Don't buy 3 for 2's when you only need 1!
Finally, be sure to shop around for the best deals on things like car and home insurance. Every year these take a big chunk out of your earnings and you might find that prices vary hugely from company to company. Always ask for a few different quotes and don't be lured in by special offers when you have to sign up for a long or expensive contract. Don't rely on comparison websites; talking directly to the company can give you the latest prices for your personal situation.
When you do find yourself with cash to spare, the most important thing is to put it away. If it's out of your hands you can't spend it, and a savings account with money growing can be used on something fun like a holiday. There's no better incentive to save than to save for something special!
Sylvia Kittens lives in Harrogate, England
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