13 Ways to Save

Make 2024 the year that you save a bob or two with our top 13 Money Saving Tips!

1. Sale Shop

In need of some new clothes? Well the chances are you’ll be able to pick up exactly what you’re looking for in the sale and there's always a sale just around the corner. The same applies for birthday and Christmas presents too. If you buy in bulk during the sales, not only can you save money, but you’ll enjoy stress less pre Birthdays and Christmases.

2. Use your ISA Allowances

Lots of people aren’t aware that you can save up to £3,000 a year in a tax-free savings account called an Isa. It basically means you don't pay any tax on the interest accrued so, if you have some spare cash in your current account, this is the difference between earning next to no interest and up to £150 a year. The annual ISA allowance is £5640 for cash, plus the same for Stocks and Shares.

3. Cut the Cost of your Fuel Bills

Prices are rising but that doesn't mean you should get ripped off. The market for fuel suppliers is a highly competitive one and changing supplier can be as easy as clicking a mouse. Suppliers usually offer incentives for you to switch with them and you don’t have to worry about the formalities as your new supplier will take care of all of the finer details, you’ll just pay less every month!

4. Buy Own-Brand Goods

There’s plenty of brand snobbery associated with buying store branded goods, but in the current climate can you really afford to be so picky? Many of the essentials can be bought for a fraction of the price and the only major difference is the packaging, and a lot of the time the goods taste exactly the same.

5. Use eBay

You can sell almost anything for a small commission fee. So, have a rummage around your house for any old belongings that might be worth a bob or two. After all, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

6. The art of Saying 'No'

It can be pretty easy to give into the demands of a screaming 5 year old on a busy Saturday afternoon in Toys’R’Us. But don't do it. Saying 'no' a few times a month will do wonders for your bank account.

7. Keeping up Appearances

Trying to keep up appearances can be very costly, especially if you're trying to impress friends or neighbours. However, we've got a list of some of the BEST beauty salons and hairdressers in Bath that offer a 5 star service for an affordable price, just click here to check them out. Plus, so many of these gorgeous places do sensational deals so always keep your eyes peeled.

8. Walk or Cycle to Work

It's great for your health and most importantly FREE! Check out our Cycling in Bath guide HERE to find out some very good tips and tricks.

9. Quit Smoking

Smoking can't just cause health problems, it can cause financial ones too! Your 20 a day habit is expensive and could be costing you anywhere between £2,000 and £2500 a year.

10. Do you Really Need all Those TV Channels?

900 channels and still nothing to watch, which begs the question, is it really worth paying through the nose for expensive digital and satellite like Sky and Virgin when options like Freeview are free. Choose wisely.

11. Take out Premium Bonds

Instead of wasting money weekly on the Lotto, why not invest in Premium Bonds instead? NS&I Premium Bonds give you the chance every month to win £1 million. Instead of paying interest, they hold monthly prize draws with a £1 million jackpot and over a million other cash prizes.

12. Clear Credit Card Debt

Although credit cards are a convenient way to pay for goods, it's far too easy to stick it on the plastic and forget about it until the end of the month. If you can't clear your credit card balance every month, a low-cost loan could prove a cheaper option for you.

13. Plan Ahead for What you Want... or for the Unexpected

Put away a bit each month in a savings account. You can start building your holiday fund or safety net to cover yourself for unexpected bills. Set up a Direct Debit from £20 a month or more and watch your money grow.