We are nearly half way through the year so it seems like a good time of year to look back on any resolutions that we made back in January. First off, I’m beside myself that we are nearly half way through the year; time is flying and it will be time to make more resolutions again before we know it! Second of all, it can be quite bad to reflect on the goals I made.
Lost a dress size? Nope.
Increased my blogging stats and social media? A little.
Saved money? YES!
I am pretty bad at saving money. I always have been. But I decided that it was about time I sorted myself out. Back in January I found a printable for a monthly savings checklist. I printed it out and have had it up in my kitchen ever since. I have fond that having something visual really helps me. I see it in the kitchen and it reminds me to put some money aside. I just use my online banking and transfer from my current account to a savings account. I have put aside over £400 already. So if I carry on at the same rate, I am hoping to have put aside £1000 by the end of the year. I know it isn’t masses but it is a great amount to have around Christmas if we need some of it.
As someone that hasn’t had much put aside before, it gives peace of mind that there is some money put aside in case of an emergency. If there is a problem with the car, or my laptop, I know I could get it fixed. My laptop is pretty much a lifeline to me in terms of work so it is important that I am always able to use it. I know that savings can quickly go as things can crop up a lot, especially with children around! So I would consider a small loan if i needed to. Only when I know I have some money coming in, though. That is another thing with freelance life – waiting on invoices to be paid! Having a little money to tide you over until payday can be a lifesaver.
Here are some other ways that should help you to puts aside some money in month:
- Switching your bank account
- There are a lot of offers for changing who you hold your main bank account with. Sometimes you can get over £100 cash, just for joining! This is the kind of money that you should then put aside.
- Apply for the marriage tax allowance
- If you are married, then you should look into the marriage tax allowance. If one of you is a stay-at-home parent or doesn’t earn a lot, you can give some of your tax-free allowance to your spouse. Meaning that they will pay a little less tax. You will have a little more each month so you can put it aside.
- Selling online
- There are a lot of selling sites that you can sell your wares. Some sites do charge you but there are others that don’t. Look up local Facebook selling groups and then you don’t have to post anything out either. Baby items and brand labels always sell well!
What are some ways that you save money? I’d love to hear what you think.
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Some really good ideas! I would add monetise your blog to the list. Definitely something more and more people are doing x
Zoe Alicia recently posted…Mindfulness: An Introduction
Well done on saving your money this year! I have been terrible. We go on holiday this month but when I return I really need to knuckle down xx
Sarah cantwell recently posted…Cruising Itinerary
Well done on saving as much as u have so far I’m terrible at trying to save at the moment.
Joanna recently posted…Terraillon Nutritab and Actvit Band
Wow well done you for saving smooch in such a short time! I really need to get myself in order and start saving a little each month so thank you. You’ve inspired me! xx
ghostwritermummy recently posted…Testing the HP Instant Ink Service
Oh well done you that’s a great amount to have saved so far! I have had the same sort of thought recently. I spend far too much and I need to prioritise my money and start saving. We’ve just sorted out a load of old dvds and games to sell as well as put some clothes on ebay that were just hanging around never to be worn. Also there’s a charity place that buy second hand clothes, its not much but for the stuff that doesn’t sell it’s great. I’ve also started saving with what week it is, so this week it was £1, next week I will add £2, the one after £3 and so on. It’s mostly to help with Christmas but it could equallly be an emergency fund or even a nice holiday! #kcacols
Kat recently posted…What am I supposed to say?
I’m pretty good at saving but your doing amazing. £1,000 in our household is a lot, well done so far x
Victoria Marden recently posted…My breastfeeding story
These are some really useful tips. I used to find saving boring but I get quite excited about it now and am quite contentious, I have a bag of clothes I could sell online but I found it quite hard work last time – maybe I should give it a whirl again 🙂 Good luck with your target! ##KCACOLS
Oh my goodness when you said halfway through the year I almost came out in a cold sweat haha. How fast is this year going?! These are great saving tips. I’m the same as you, I like something visual and find a spreadsheet always helps. I have so much stuff to sell, I really have to get on and just do it – it’s just finding the time!
This Mama Life recently posted…Weekend Tot Style #15
I’m also in denial that it is almost half way through the year already. Christmas only seems like last month! I think I might have to look back at my resolutions I set at the beginning of the year to asses how I’m getting on too! Eeek. Well done for saving some money that’s fab! Something I need to do also. xxx
Harriet @LifeWithMrsLee recently posted…The Ordinary Moments ’16 #19 | An Evening Trip To The Beach
Well done on the saving, that’s fab news and at least Christmas should be sorted 🙂 I have loads of stuff to sell but find it so laborious putting it all on ebay/facebook groups, I wish someone else would do it for me! x
Stephanie Oakes recently posted…Inspiring Interiors // Hallways, stairs and landings
Some great little ideas there. I always mke sure i go shopping with a list so I don’t spend over my budget. xx
#KCACOLS
Rachel Bustin recently posted…Book Review: Geek Girl (head over heels) by Holly Smale
Some great tips here. Well done on saving, with children around and with what life throws at us, it’s not always an easy thing to achieve.
#KCACOLS
Great tips! I need to start budgeting and saving.
Well done on managing to save £400 that’s great! I keep meaning to put abit away but always forget. Maybe I need this print out to help me?
Thank you for linking up to #KCACOLS and I hope to see you back again on Sunday x
I like to sell my kids old clothes via facebook and ebay and save the money up towards our spending money when we go on holiday #KCACOLS
Funnily enough, I just applied for the marriage tax relief thing yesterday! That little extra money will be very useful! Well done on saving £400 already, that’s a lot to me! x #KCACOLS