Cutcostsby budgeting likeaninja
Saving cash isn’t easy but with a little bit of savvy and some self-disclipline you’ll find funds add up so you can treat yourself
SAVERS have been advised to make their cash go further by adopting 10 new habits and becoming budgeting ninjas.
A team of penny-pinching gurus at PromotionalCodes.org.uk have come up with top tips to help people control their spending.
Planning and preparation is key to achieving ninja status, with other advice including being superorganised to bag the best deals.
The experts believe that by adopting ninja savings habits, even savers on modest incomes can accumulate a considerable nest egg.
Darren Williams, from PromotionalCodes.org.uk, said: “Saving money and sticking to a strict budget can be tough, particularly for those on low incomes. But while it can be daunting to take spending in hand and get serious about managing one’s money, it is absolutely essential if savers are going to accumulate a nest egg worthy of achieving a big life goal.
“Tackling this head-on with a firm and determined approach can reap serious rewards – on your bank balance and mental wellbeing.
“Our research has uncovered some tips and tricks tried and tested by fellow savers who were tired of missing opportunities because the bank balance said no.”
Here are the top 10 tips to become a budgeting ninja:
LET EXCEL DO THE WORK
Building a budget-planning document in Microsoft Excel takes minimal effort and is a great way of detailing, item by item, what goes in and out of your account. Check our simple, downloadable free template.
THE BACK-UP PLAN
Add a contingency fund to your budget of, say, £50 to £100. Sometimes bills throw up unexpected charges and those 50p card charges at shops do add up. If you don’t need to use the fund, that’s fine, you’re saving money.
DAYS OUT FOR LESS
Fancy a day out at a theme park but worried about the entrance fee? Discount sites such as Promotional Codes.org.uk are handy for finding cheap days out. Most companies have two-for-one deals, advanced booking discounts and/or group offers. It’s well worth taking the time to seek out a voucher or code.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK
If you’re the driver of your group, your mates may often try to catch a free ride. If you’re going on a day out then make it clear that people should chip in with fuel money.
MAKE IT LAST
How often do you purchase food then forget about it? If the answer is often, then here you can make a massive saving. Write out a list of what needs to be used and then simply organise your food and fridge.
BILL BUSTER
Mobile phone contracts, TV and internet packages, Netflix … the list goes on for the number of direct debits mounting up. Ask yourself: “Do I really need this?” Check how much data you are using in your mobile phone contract and alter your plan accordingly. Something which is costing £30 per month could very easily be turned into £22 a month or maybe less.
SET A GOAL
Is there a gig or show coming up soon you want tickets for? Doing research on how much it’s likely to cost can help you visualise a target to aim for. Once you’ve got your target in sight, you can start saving by adding it to your budget.