January is renowned for being the month of no money. Pockets are empty after splurging over the festive period and pay day seems like a million miles away. If you’re feeling down about your finances, worry not as we have some handy hints to ensure you stay afloat this month.
Become a smart shopper. The weekly food shop can be expensive if you aren’t careful. Work out how much you can spend and stick to it. Opt for the cheaper supermarkets and products and you’re sure to see a difference in your bill.
Also, resist the sales. They might seem like the perfect opportunity to grab a bargain but you’ll probably end up spending a lot more than anticipated. Search the depths of your wardrobe to see if there are any gems you’ve forgotten about instead. Repair any damaged clothes or visit charity shops. When it comes to hair and beauty products, go for the cheaper brands. Do you really need that £30 salon shampoo when you can buy some for £3 in Boots?
If you’ve got a bad case of the January blues and want to let off some steam, organise a cheap night out. The likelihood is your friends are pretty broke too, so put your heads together and get looking for any special offers or free events. Loads of restaurants and bars offer 2-4-1 deals and happy hours you can take advantage of. To make sure you don’t have a few too many then spend spend spend, leave your bank card at home. Take some cash out instead and budget. Without the plastic in your back pocket, there is no temptation to take a tipsy trip to the cash point!
You most likely have some unwanted Christmas presents lying around or clothes you never wear, so why not sell some stuff to make a few extra pounds? Have a clear out and make a pile of all the things you don’t need or use. CDs, books and DVDs are all great items to sell quickly, so get on eBay or Amazon and get selling.
Buying lunch at work might not seem too extravagant, but the cost adds up. To save £££, make a DIY lunch - forget the usual café grub or £4 meal deal. Buying lunch is an expensive habit and one you can do without. Get out the old bread and butter at home and make your own sarnies. You’ll save heaps of cash and eat healthier too.
January doesn’t have to be a struggle. Be frugal and budget!
Using public transport, quitting smoking, car sharing, raiding the freezer for food instead of buying more and avoiding takeaway treats are also other small ways to save big. You never know, you could adopt money-saving habits that last for the whole year.
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