Posted by Wayne in Tips

Top Ways to Save Money Revealed

It’s not always easy to save when you have 101 things on your plate. From the weekly grocery shop to kids’ parties, a new car or boiler - there always seems to be something. Alongside eating better and exercising more, spending less money always ranks high as a top New Year’s resolution. With access to online shopping, discounts and vouchers, consumer spending is spiralling and not showing any signs of slowing down.

It’s all well and good treating yourself every now and then but with insolvencies at their highest level since the financial crisis and personal debt rising to £1.6 trillion, households across the UK are still feeling the strain.

If you’re struggling to make ends meet and want to save some cash for a rainy day, you need some real, actionable steps. So, to help, we’re sharing our top tips for saving money so you can plan your spending accurately and limit the overspending that is unfortunately all too common across UK. We’ve covered everything from transport to fashion and included a whole host of useful links to discount sites, coupons and cost calculators.

Happy saving!  

Monitor your spending

First things first, before we get into the tips, if you’re going to be able to save, you’re going to have to monitor your spending. Keep track of expenses over a set period of time, we recommend monitoring your expenditure for between two and four weeks to get a clear idea on each and every transaction.

When doing this, don’t conveniently forget the cheeky coffee you had on your way to work, you have to include everything. That’s right, every coffee, magazine or petrol station snack must be accounted for to get a real handle on where your spending is going wrong. Every penny counts after all, and once the figures are in and your period of recording is over, sit down and categorise each area of expenditure and the amount spent. Your credit card or bank statements may come in handy here.

Keeping track of your spending patterns will certainly be an eye-opener, but in the same breath, it isn’t easy. As well as using your statements to double-check transactions, making use of the latest tech is a great step towards clarity. There’s an app for literally everything these days so you probably won’t be surprised to hear there’s apps for monitoring spending too. Money Dashboard, You Need a Budget, Goodbudget, Wally, and MoneySuperMarket’s OnTrees are all top rated apps, and with the right use, could in fact save you a fortune. You Need a Budget, for example, makes a (very) bold claim that app usage saves the average user more than £2,000 in a nine-month period.

Make a budget…

All these useful insights into your spending habits shouldn’t go to waste. Budgeting is pretty much the best way to save money quickly but when it comes to making a budget of your own, setting attainable goals is key. Even if you are on a low income, budgeting for better spending can save you a lot of hassle and headaches, and could even leave you with a rainy day fund to be proud of.

There are so many reasons why budgeting makes sense. As well as putting a stop to overspending, it will help you prioritise and reach the financial goals that may never have been possible before. Whether your goal is to get out of debt, save for your first home, start your own business or something a little more modest, like putting some money aside for a great family day out or holiday. Budgeting gives you the plan and means that you need to get there. It also puts you in control, and you may be surprised by just how empowering that is. Making a budget can unlock greater flexibility to cover unexpected expenses or to do something you’ve always wanted to do, like an impromptu city break, skydive or night out. More importantly, budgeting gives you the biggest and most effective, tool to change your financial future, for the better.

…and stick to it

Making a budget is relatively simple with the right information, but sticking to it is a whole other matter. Sticking to a budget, particularly if it’s for the long term (which we of course highly recommend), requires more than just determination. Changing your spending mentality will certainly help you spend less and save more as your budget intends.

Many people see budgeting as deciding what to do with the money that is left over after you’ve paid your bills and other expenses, which is only a recipe for disaster. Paying yourself first is a method suggested by many financial advisors to change this, often hardwired, mindset.

Developing your own pay yourself first system is simple and could be a game changer when it comes to managing the budget restrictions that hold many would-be savers back. The process starts with recording your saving goals. Itemise each goal being sure to include the monthly amount that you need to set aside to achieve your objective. Remember you don’t have to stick to just one goal, be realistic but ambitious. Once you receive your monthly wage, you then subtract each savings goal monthly total from this amount, moving the desired figure into a savings account. The money left is your official wage after you’ve paid yourself. The freedom that many feel with the paying yourself first method is just one of the reasons why it’s so successful. Give it a try and see how you fair!

If you want to opt for a more softly-softly approach, aim to alter your attitude towards budgeting by viewing it as a friend, instead of a foe that’s going to hold you back from month to month. Whilst restrictions will no doubt be painful to accept at first, recognising the long term benefits earlier in your budgeting journey is the key to understanding its value and putting resentful feelings to one side.

Now for the tips you can use to make a real difference to that savings account…

Transport money saving tips

We all need to get around and, unless you walk or cycle, it can cost a hefty amount of money each month. Train fares seem to rise every year and petrol prices show no sign of slowing down. So how do you curb the amount you spend each year on transport? Here’s our top transport money saving advice…

  1. If you work in a city centre and have to pay steep parking prices, check out Just Park. It has thousands of reservable parking spaces which often work out far cheaper than NCPs. The app is really simple to use, making it easy to browse, pay for and locate your reserved space.
  2. Try to arrange a car share with your colleagues. It will be mutually beneficial for everyone involved and is a great way to save money when it comes to those expensive fuel bills.
  3. If you’re planning to buy a car, work out first whether a diesel, petrol or hybrid engine will be most efficient for you. Here’s a handy fuel calculator to help.
  4. Make every effort to book your train tickets in advance. This can help you to save a substantial amount of money and you might even find a bargain in first class!
  5. Dust of your bike and start cycling to work. Not only will this benefit your fitness, it will also help your wallet too!
  6. If you commute on the train or tube, look into season tickets. It’s sometimes surprising how much you can save on a daily basis.
  7. Remember that your car’s air-con can drain emissions and boost your fuel costs so try to avoid it where possible.
  8. Use a route planner to find the most economical routes when travelling by car.
  9. Avoid weighing your car down with unnecessary objects. Engine oil? A bulky winter coat in the summer? Bags of rubbish you’ve been meaning to throw out? This extra weight will mean more fuel consumption so be sure to only carry items you need.
  10. Another great way to save money on transport costs is to keep an eye out for any local supermarkets offering petrol discounts. You can also use websites such as Petrol Prices which could help save you hundreds each year.

Household money saving tips

Maintaining and financing the average family home isn’t easy. There are various expenses that keep your household ticking over, but even if certain areas of expenditure can’t be cut, the price offered shouldn’t always be the price accepted. We may not live in an age where haggling is king, but improving the services and products your household makes use of is important. To help you keep the costs down, here’s our tips for saving money in the home…

  1. Is your driveway empty during the day? Or do you live close to a stadium or event venue where parking is limited? If so, you could make some extra money by renting it out, here’s how.
  2. Have you considered switching banks? It’s now easier than ever thanks to price comparison websites. Swapping your bank account could unlock some pretty impressive bonuses, with banks and building societies paying anything up to £200 to secure your custom.
  3. Your mortgage rates could also be worth tweaking. Look into whether your bank will allow you to fix your mortgage at a set rate. This will not only reduce monthly costs but also protect you from the unknown, making it easier to manage household expenditure as the economy adjusts.
  4. Turn off the television. Are you guilty of leaving it on for background noise or when dipping in and out of a programme? This could be hiking up your electric bill unnecessarily, so switch it off.
  5. While there aren’t many household expenses that can be scrapped completely, your TV licence may be one thing you could do without. At £145.50 per year, ditching your TV and watching Channel 4, ITV and Channel 5 catch up services could save you money. Online streaming services, i.e. Netflix and Amazon Prime, are officially changing how we watch our favourite shows and films, so why pay the price if you’re not a fan of BBC channels?
  6. There are many reasons why people sell unwanted clothes online for cash, and here at Genie we’ve seen it all. Making money from used, unwanted clothing, however, remains the primary driver behind most of our customers’ clear outs. After all, why shouldn’t you cash in on your closet? Our recycling service offers a quick and easy route to cash, and at 50p per kilogram, you could make a small fortune if you’re a self-confessed hoarder. As well as giving the best price for unwanted clothes, we make the whole process simple and seamless so you can get paid even faster. Find out more about how our recycling clothes service works or request your free Genie collection pack to get started. You’re just one business day away from cashing in on your spring clean.
  7. Get couponing! As far as money saving tips around the house go, couponing is one of the best!. Printable coupons are the most common vouchers available in the UK, and there are websites dedicated to giving you access to these. The following are the best of the bunch: MoneySavingExpert, SuperSavvyMe, CaringEveryday, Victoria.
  8. Get eco thrifty and start selling your unwanted things. With the likes of eBay and Amazon, selling online has never been easier. Take some good quality images of your items and get them listed. If you’re unsure of how best to list your things, check out similar listings and use them for inspiration. Remember that your pictures are important, so take time to get them right. We’re not talking about a full on lighting studio - just a good quality camera phone and a clear, clean background (white works best).
  9. If you don’t fancy selling online, head on down to your local car boot sale. You’ll feel better after having a clear out and make some extra cash whilst your at it.
  10. Money savers are always good at checking up on their energy bills. It’s always worth making sure you’re getting the best price on your home energy bills and there are some great online resources like the Saving Energy Trust to help. Some UK households could save in excess of £400 annually by simply switching energy suppliers.
  11. Change your bulbs to LED. They are far more energy efficient and have a longer lifespan than traditional halogens.
  12. If you’re planning to move and looking for a new mortgage, don’t just go with your own bank because they’re offering you one. Although they may tell you it’s a good deal, it’s always worth comparing what else is available on the market.
  13. Shop for home items at the right time of year. January/February is generally best for buying furniture and Christmas decorations whilst Autumn is best for barbeques. Here’s a handy calendar to help.
  14. Collect your small change. It tends to end up everywhere from under the sofa cushions to kitchen drawers. By collecting it and saving it in jars, you’ll be surprised what you get back when you come to exchange it - some extra holiday spends for the kids, maybe?
  15. Head to discount shops for household items like kitchen utensils and cleaning products - it’s surprising how much money you can save.
  16. Rethink your choice of satellite TV. With a range of options now available such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and even free videos on YouTube, consider whether you need to pay a premium for additional TV channels.
  17. Repurpose your furniture instead of buying new. It’s surprising what you can do with a touch of paint and some new fabric. Even if you’re not a creative person, you can find plenty of easy-to-follow guides online - who knows, you might even develop a flair for it!
  18. Opt for rechargeable batteries. If you’re constantly replacing them in remotes, cameras and the kids’ toys, rechargeables could save you money in the long run.
  19. Check you’re getting the best deal on your mobile data plans. Often when you come to the end of your contract, your provider will offer a cheaper rate. At this point, it’s always worth comparing what other providers are offering to save some additional cash.
  20. Start growing your own veg. Ok, so you might not be the most green-fingered but growing veg isn’t that difficult. If you have the space in your garden, why not try growing one type of vegetable first. If it goes well, you can branch out and try new things. There are plenty of people across the UK actively saving on grocery bills by growing their own.
  21. Lower the amount of time your heating is on. It’s not always necessary to have the heating on, consider throwing on a jumper instead or turning the fire on in one room. When you need to heat the house, use a timer so you don’t forget to turn it off.
  22. Recycle gift bags and wrapping paper where possible and store them for future birthdays.
  23. If you’re ever planning on having some maintenance works done to your house, always ring around different contractors for quotes.
  24. Always make sure the dishwasher is at full capacity before using it. Cutting down the number of times it’s turned on during the day will help you to cut energy costs.
  25. Get savvy with your leftovers and use them to create stews, soups or just about anything you can rustle up. A few measly peppers and onions may seem like nothing but, remember, the less you throw away, the more you’ll save.
  26. Do your own decorating instead of hiring a professional. Having your home professionally decorated can cost a lot so dust off the wallpaper pasting board and see what you can do yourself.
  27. Get crafty and start making your own presents for friends and family. Often, they’re far more heartfelt and meaningful than a generic skin care set, for example. If you’re stuck for ideas or just not that creative, head to Pinterest where you’ll find droves of inspiration.

Holiday money saving tips

Yes, we all need them from time to time but it can be hard when trying to save money. Don’t be fooled into thinking you have to go for the all-singing-all-dancing hotel because you’re being offered a ‘great’ deal. When you’re trying to save, you have to shop around and really do your research. Here’s our top holiday money saving tips….

  1. Try to stick to cabin baggage where possible. Ok, so this might not be possible on your dream two-week holiday but if you’re just nipping to Dublin for a few nights, try and fit all of your clothes into a cabin bag. Otherwise, you could be looking at an extra £20 each way to add on a hold bag…is it worth it to bring those shoes, seven dresses and hair dryer you won’t use?
  2. Use Airbnb to find more cost-effective places to stay. You’ll be surprised at what gems you might come across for a relatively cheap cost. Plus, you’ll get a more authentic experience by living like a local.
  3. Create your own holiday. Although package deals are convenient, they don’t always offer the best value for money. By booking your own flights, transport and accommodation, you’ll be able to seek out the best deals by comparing thousands of airlines and hotels.
  4. Use a comparison site like Skyscanner when booking flights. This is a great resource which compares thousands of airlines and helps you to find the best deal and often save a lot of money.
  5. Head to Booking.com or Trivago to check out the best hotel deals. To make it easier, use filters like ‘best reviews and cheapest price.’ This helps you to avoid booking a cheap hotel that’s cheap for a reason! The filter will rank the hotels in order of their rating and price meaning you can rest assured that other guests enjoyed their stay.
  6. Search for ‘city cards’ in the destination you’re planning to travel to. Amsterdam, for example, has the IAmsterdam card which, for a one-off fee, means you can enjoy unlimited transport, free museum access and a range of other offers. Cards like this are well worth the money if you’re planning to pack a lot into your itinerary whilst there.
  7. Use Tripadvisor’s ‘cheap eats’ section to seek out budget-friendly restaurants in the area.

Socialising and leisure money saving tips

Even just a few nights out each month can end up costing a surprising amount of money! We all love socialising though, so to help, here’s some of the best ways to save money when socialising…

  1. Host nights in. Instead of heading into town and running up a huge bar tab, opt for a night in instead. You can ask guests to all bring a dish or a bottle of wine and before you know it you’ll have a slap up meal without spending a fortune.
  2. Get two for one cinema tickets through Compare the Market. If you need to make a new purchase for something like holiday insurance, use this comparison site and get access to Meerkat Movies, which will save you a pretty penny at the cinema.
  3. When it comes round to going to the cinema, don’t feel like you have to splash the cash on the food concessions stand. Head to the local supermarket and stock up on treats for a fraction of the cost.
  4. If you have kids, it’s worth looking out for offers in newspapers or cereal boxes. It’s surprising just how much of a discount you can get at a range of attractions across the UK.
  5. If you’re planning a day trip with the family, head to vouchercloud first where you can find coupons, gift vouchers and offers for restaurants and various activities.
  6. Make the most of free attractions in your area. Museums, parks, art galleries, country walks amongst a range of other attractions cost nothing. So, a day out with the kids doesn’t have to cost the earth!
  7. Sign up to your local cinema’s newsletters. They often share offers and details on new releases which can help you to keep the costs down and be savvy about when you go.

Money saving tips for Students

Budgeting and managing new costs like utility bills and rent can seem super daunting as a student. It’s important that you stick to that maintenance loan and plan ahead each term to make sure you have enough to see you through. Although it may seem tricky, there are some fantastic deals, offers and discounts available to students which can really help. Yes, we’re talking 50% off Spotify and plenty of freebies! Here’s a round-up of some of the best ways to save money as a student…

  1. Check your council tax if living out of halls and make sure you are on the right rate. If you are a full-time student and live with other students, you don’t have to pay it at all.
  2. Shop around for your student bank account and don’t just go with the one offering the best freebie! As tempting as it is, make sure you work out the value of said freebie and ensure it is worth the overdraft you’re being offered. Make sure you read the fine print and never go over your overdraft limit. It’s easy to forget that you will be credit scored if you take out any form of debt product (including an overdraft), so failure to make repayments at the right time could leave a black mark against your name.
  3. Pace yourself with your student loan. When the big payout arrives in your bank account, it’s easy to go a bit wild. Just remember that that cash has to last you an entire term so spend wisely.
  4. Get haggling. Ok, so this won’t necessarily work everywhere but if a shop or restaurant doesn’t advertise that they offer a student discount, ask them for one - you might just get lucky!
  5. Head to Unidays for a great range of student discounts from the likes of Superdrug, Pure Gym, Spotify and ASOS.
  6. Buy an NUS Extra Card to unlock a whole host of exclusive discounts at a range of places like Co-Op Supermarkets, Odeon Cinemas and National Express.
  7. Steer clear of buying new books if you can avoid it. Hit up the library first, then borrow from friends or buy second hand from the likes of Amazon.
  8. Make the most of Apple’s 10% student discount which spans a range of their products.
  9. Be sure to take advantage of Microsoft’s freebies. If you have an academic email address, you can get their full suite of programs for free!
  10. Check out Money Saving Expert’s Local eBay Deals Mapper for when you’re kitting out your accommodation if it’s unfurnished.
  11. Make the most of freebies! Yes, there are lots to be had from free Krispy Kreme doughnuts to Spanish lessons, knock yourself out!

Fitness money saving tips

You fancy yourself as a gym bunny but aren’t so keen on those monthly membership fees, right? Don’t worry - there’s plenty of alternatives, here’s some of the best ways to save money fast on fitness…

  1. It’s tempting to sign up for the all singing all dancing gym with the pool - but is it really necessary? If you’re trying to cut costs, think about how much you’re going to use that pricey membership and remember, there’s plenty of alternatives.
  2. Opt for a budget, no frills gym. Yes, you’ll have to sacrifice the pool, jacuzzi and sauna, but by going for a cheaper membership, you can save a large chunk every month. Most budget gyms work on a rolling contract basis and start from around £15 per month. Here’s a guide on some of the UK’s budget-friendly gyms.
  3. Head to YouTube to find free workouts. With fitness gurus like Joe Wicks (the body coach) offering great, free workouts that can deliver real results, do you really need to go to the gym? If you can be dedicated and find just 15 minutes three times a week, you’ll start to notice the results without paying a penny.
  4. Download an app. If you like to be guided through your workouts, head to the app store and have a browse in the fitness section. There’s plenty to try and most offer great free options.
  5. Dig out your trainers and go for a run. Yes, the thought might be daunting but after a few times, you’ll notice a boost in your fitness levels and it’s completely free.
  6. When dieting, don’t feel the need to sign up to a pricey weight loss scheme. Find yourself a health food blogger and use their tips and recipes guides.   

Fashion money saving tips

When you’re trying your best to save, fashion can be one of the first things you have to sacrifice. Let’s face it, when you’re planning to buy a house and saving every penny, it doesn’t make sense to fork out on a designer bag. However, if you can get savvy there’s plenty of ways to save money on fashion so you don’t have to neglect it completely, here’s how…

  1. Try the 30-day rule. This is a discipline method for those haphazard shoppers who can’t control buying habits. If you see a new dress or watch you just have to have, give it 30 days before making a purchase. This will provide you with the restraint you need to stop making thoughtless purchases and, if you still want the item after 30 days, (i.e. you haven’t forgotten about it) then you’ve justified buying it.
  2. Before going shopping, write a list and stick to it. Without one, it’s so easy to just go off on one and buy things you think you need. A shopping list is a proven way to save money and ensure you don’t make unnecessary purchases.
  3. Instead of throwing your clothes away, why not try repairing them? If you’re a sewing novice then head to YouTube where you’ll find plenty of tutorials.
  4. Get thrifty and head down to your local charity shop. It’s surprising what you can find from unwanted designer handbags to classic coats which never go out of style. Remember the saying - one’s trash is another’s treasure…
  5. Try your hand at making your own clothes. Following a pattern isn’t as hard as it may look, particularly for simple summer shift dresses.
  6. Hold a swishing party and invite your friends to bring along an item(s) of clothing they no longer want. Then swap your clothes around and everyone will go home with something new!
  7. Remember that it’s ok to splurge occasionally, as long as it’s on an item that will last. For example, a classic leather coat that you can pair with your entire wardrobe or high-quality jeans which will last far longer than those £8 bargain ones.
  8. Make a lust list of items that you want. Then, have this, and only this, in mind when shopping. That way you’ll get what you need without overspending on other items you don’t need.
  9. Make a beeline for the sale racks. You’ll find that most high street stores have clearance racks even out of sale season so don’t think that you have to wait around for the January sales.
  10. Head to budget-friendly shops like Primark for stable basics such as vests, pyjamas, leggings and tees.
  11. Steer clear of flash sales! Are you one of those eager shoppers that camps out from 5am in the hope of finding irresistible bargains? You could be seriously damaging your clothes budget if you do! Yes, jeans reduced from £80 to £30 sound great, as does the £10 baby grow for your cousin’s second cousin’s baby - but not if you didn’t need them in the first place! Flash sale shopping leads to a frenzy of unnecessary purchases - which, to be frank, when you’re on a budget you could do without!
  12. Try to shop out of season as much as you can. If you know you’re planning a holiday somewhere warm next year, shop for summer clothes during autumn when everything is on sale.
  13. Be careful with trends. Just because cute denim dresses are in now, doesn’t mean they’ll be so hot next year so don’t go mad! Buy one if you really like the trend - no need to fill your wardrobe.
  14. Accessorise to mix up your outfits. Do you have a staple black dress that you feel like you wear everywhere? If so, buy some new accessories like statement belts, scarves and necklaces for a new look every time you wear it.
  15. Hit up eBay for designer, investment pieces. Instead of going full price in shops, see what you can find for sale online, you might be pleasantly surprised…

Grocery money saving tips

Food shopping can be one of the largest weekly bills a family has - especially when the kids come along to ‘help.’ Ok, so food isn’t something you can give up - it’s a necessity but there are ways to reduce your monthly shopping bill. Here’s how to save money on food…

  1. Opt for frozen veg over fresh if you’re constantly throwing out mouldy peppers and carrots. We tend to bulk buy fresh veg which becomes a waste problem when having to throw it out after a week. There are some great frozen options nowadays and you can control what you throw away much more.
  2. Never shop when you’re hungry! Yes, that rumbling sound in your stomach will take over and you’ll end up with a trolley brimming with unnecessary food because of those unruly cravings!
  3. Make the most of the price match promise that a lot of large supermarkets now offer.
  4. Shop at budget supermarkets and stay away from branded products. Often the cheaper options taste just as good!
  5. Make your lunch instead of buying daily as before you know it you’ll be spending £5 a day minimum during the week which racks up to £100 over a month. So, pre-make and pack your lunch each night to save money.
  6. Do you use alcohol in your cooking? A white wine sauce will be just as good with the cheaper option so don’t think you have to throw in your pricey Chardonnay…(that’s for drinking!).
  7. Don’t always go for the offers! Temptation is at the end of every supermarket aisle with ‘buy one get one free’ discounts for buying in bulk. They’re hard to refrain from but when you do go for three bags of pasta for £2.50 when you were only buying one for £1, you’ve overspent and got extra food that you don’t really need…
  8. Try online shopping. It’s a great way to compare prices and, without temptation at every corner, it’s easier to stick to your list. Plus, you cut out the time and petrol you’d use getting to and from the supermarket.
  9. Plan, plan, plan. Instead of buying ad hoc items and choosing what you fancy in the supermarket, make a meal plan for the week. That way you’ll know exactly what ingredients you need without having to think or overspend.
  10. Pick up free supermarket magazines, they’re often filled with great offers and deals. Plus a few free recipes that are always handy!
  11. Get signing up for customer rewards programs to really maximise your spending. Here’s some great tips on how to go about it. Signing up to loyalty cards will also give you access to coupons, most of which are delivered through your door every month. Tesco Clubcard, Sainsbury’s Nectar and Boots Advantage card holders seem to get the best coupon perks.
  12. If you love reviewing products, you could earn yourself a few coupons and freebies for your valued opinion. Either submit your feedback directly, post your own review on social media, or sign up and send over your thoughts via review websites like BzzAgent and Tesco Home Panels.
  13. Try to always do your food shop with cash. This way you’ll have to stick to your budget and won’t be tempted by things you don’t actually need.
  14. Although you should be wary of buying in bulk (when you don’t need to) it’s worth stocking up on some food items when they’re in the sale. Things like bread, meat and fish can all be frozen and used at a later date. Just be wary of stocking up on fresh foods and dairy as you’ll probably end up wasting them.
  15. Make a point of buying the Sunday paper as there’s often a whole host of coupons and vouchers that you can use towards your weekly shop.
  16. Try to shop just once a week. Yes, it’s tempting to swing by the local convenience store and pick up a dessert on your way home from work but before you know it you’ll have spent an unnecessary £20 on wine, cat food and other things that could probably wait. If you stick to a weekly shop, you will save money in the long run.
  17. Buy fewer convenience foods such as prepared salads and crushed garlic as these products have quite a high markup. Instead, chop your own garlic and shred your lettuce - you’ll end up saving around 50%.
  18. If you like to stock up, always be wary of expiry dates.

Family money saving tips

It can be difficult to balance the books as a family when there are always so many unexpected costs. School trips, uniforms, new shoes, kids’ parties, you name it! However, savvy parents are already saving thousands through a range of savvy tips and tricks, here’s how…

  1. Check your tax credits are right as you could be entitled to more than you’re currently getting. Here’s a useful guide.
  2. For a fun, free day out, you could take the family to watch a TV show being recorded. It’s completely free to be an audience member and offers a great way for the kids to see their favourite TV stars live. Applause Store offers tickets to a range of popular household shows, check them out here.
  3. Head to Facebook or eBay and buy second-hand clothes.
  4. Check if you are eligible for tax-free childcare, this can save many parents a hefty amount each year.
  5. It might be tempting to take the kids out of school for holidays during term time but the repercussions may not be worth it. Here’s everything you need to know about school holiday fines.
  6. Make the most of free sports schemes for kids during the holidays. Instead of taking unpaid annual leave or using all of your holidays up, check out the free coaching schemes in your area.
  7. Don’t buy theme park tickets on the gate, head online first and do a quick check to see if you can find any offers. There are plenty of sites offering great deals for this type of thing which could help you to save up to 50%.
  8. Make big savings with a family railcard. For £30 a year, adults can save a third and kids can save up to 60%!
  9. Search for family deals when signing up to subscriptions. Amazon, Spotify and Netflix are just a few subscription services which offer family discounts.
  10. Make some extra cash online by selling the kids’ old toys. Websites like Zapper offer cash for a range of products such as LEGO, books and computer games.

So, we’ve covered a whole host of tips and tricks on ways you can save money, but we’d love to hear about the money saving hacks you rely on. Tell us more about how you save money by tweeting, Facebooking or Instagramming us today.

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