5 ways to cut spending
Friday 2 February 2007
Christmas and the sales can max out your spends and leave your wallet feeling washed out.
Why not use the New Year to change your spending habits and look closely at where you can make the cuts that'll help you cash flow.
Hold the line
If you're a phone addict, making calls can be a real drain on your wallet. If you're on a contract shop around for a cheaper deal or switch to pay-as-you-go. Consider keeping your phone for incoming calls only; some mobile operators offer a service which allows you to text but not make calls, except 999. You'd be surprised at how much you'd save.
Draw up a budget
One key to saving is actually keeping a record of your income and outgoings. Once you know where your cash is going, you can make the cuts more easily.
Keep a note of what you spend and what you earn as well as receipts to make sure the results tally.
Sign up to mailing lists for free stuff
The internet is a mine of free stuff with all kinds of things like MP3 players, games consoles and concert tickets up for grabs. Sometimes you have to enter competitions, but usually being a member of a mailing list can bag you some goodies.
When signing up for a mailing list, make sure you read the terms and conditions and if you're not sure about it, don't do it.
Home cooking
Whether you're at school, college or work, that little midday meal called lunch can put you out of pocket. It might sound obvious, but taking your lunch from home can save you loads and can also be the healthier option.
When making your own lunch rather than buying pre-packed sandwiches, you know exactly what's going into them and there's also a chance they could be fresher than the dog-eared bread you pick up in the newsagent.
Free time
If your leisure time is taken up with doing things that costs money, why not change to activities that won't cost the earth?
Find out if there are any after-school clubs you can join, ask your local authority about any schemes they run for young people which can give you something to do in the evening or consider doing volunteering.
