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 Christmas is only
three weeks away, which
usually means most of us will be looking to splash out on nice gifts for
our friends and family.
Yet whilst we’d all love to go out and splash the cash with abandon, for
many of us, especially students, money can often be tight, not only at
Christmas time but all year round.
So if you’re looking to save enough to buy your mum that new Shane Ward
CD or get that pretty looking necklace for your girlfriend this
Christmas, or even if you’re just looking for some advice on how to stop
frittering away those hard earned pennies, here are our top ten tips to
saving cash.
Draw up a budget
Sounds obvious doesn’t it, but there really is no better way to sort out
your dosh than by drawing up a detailed list of how much money you have
coming in and how much your spending each month.
Write down everything you spend money on, that way, you’ll be able to
see where you can cut back, spend less and save more.
Shop Online
Shopping online for things like books and CDs can often save you a
fortune. Sites like Amazon, CDwow and Play.com offer some great
discounts, or you could always find an incredible bargain on Ebay.
Even with delivery charges you’ll usually find things cost much less
than on the high street, and plus, you won’t have to cough up any money
for a trip into town!
Flog it
Online shops aren’t just a great way to buy cheap stuff, there also an
ideal way to make a bit of extra cash. Why not get on Ebay and flog
those old Steps CDs or that Sega Genesis you never play any more?
On yer bike
Usually catch the bus to town, school, college or work? Save yourself
some bus fares and ride your bike, or even, better, walk. Not only are
you saving money, you’re getting fit and healthy at the same time –
Bonus!
Ignore celebrity trends
OK, so well all want to be like our idols, but did you know that a lot
of celebrities are actually given their designer gear for free? Lots of
top designers give away their product to famous folk in the hope that
they’ll wear it and thus inspire you to part with a hundred quid for a
new T-shirt or handbag. Forget trends, ignore what the celebs are
wearing and buy non-designer gear for much less.
Just say ‘no’
We know people usually tell you this when it comes to drink and drugs
and all kinds of sinful things, but there’s no reason it can’t apply to
money too. Don’t feel pressured into spending your hard earned money on
something just because all your friends have it, or on going somewhere
you’d really rather not Just say ‘no’ and save your dough.
Take up a cheap, or even free hobby
If you normally spend all your spare time shopping, drinking (for those
of you old enough!), or blowing your money on other things, why not take
up a hobby that won’t cost you a fortune? Spending your free time doing
something creative or physically active opens you up to a whole new
world, and you’ll probably save a tonne. Not sure what you can do? We’ve
over 200 clubs and activities for you to consider on our
‘Things To Do’
page.
Use yer loaf
If you usually spend two or three quid a day on your lunch at school,
college, work or wherever, stop! Your probably chucking away £20-£30
every week! Instead, get yourself down the Supermarket, get yourself a
loaf for about 50p and some sandwich filling for about a quid and you’ll
have tasty butties that didn’t cost a fortune.
Pack it in
If you smoke, pack it in! Not only does it make you stink, make you as
attractive to the opposite sex as a gargoyle with no personality and
force you to go and stand outside in the wet and rain if you want a fag,
but just think of all the money your wasting on your habit! To get help
kicking the habit, visit
www.gosmokefree.co.uk
Be a hermit
You’ll be bored, lonely, socially isolated and you’ll probably have to
grow a beard (even if you’re a girl) but just think, if you never leave
the house ever again, you can’t spend any money. Sorted!
By the way, we’re only joking about that last one… sort of.
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