I did something really simple today to stop me being tempted to spend money and I thought I’d talk about it here in case others are in the same boat. I’m no money saving expert but I am managing to pay off debts quicker than I thought and I am hoping next year we will be able to afford an all inclusive family holiday. One of the best ways to save money is not to spend it! Have you heard of a no spend month? It’s where you spend only on the essentials: food, fuel, bills etc. Start a month in advance by writing down all that you spend, including your direct debits. You might be surprised at where your money is going.
These days there is so much temptation around. We may be able to fast forward the ads on TV or skip them by watching on demand, but go on social media or anywhere online and you’re bombarded with ads – not just any old ads but ones tailored to you and things you like. Bargains, savings, treats, arrrggh! It makes you think you need something when you don’t, gives you FOMO (fear of missing out) and more. Here are some simple steps to ban the temptations and get you into no spend mode:
- Hide the ads on Facebook – that ad that keeps tempting you so much you buy it just so you don’t keep seeing it? Hide it. Click the 3 dots in the top right hand corner and hide it. You get an option to choose why, I always tell them so they stop doing it
- Clean up your emails – go through even just your daily emails and unsubscribe from all those offers to tempt you. I went through today and got rid of loads and felt so much better. I get the fear of missing out on a deal, but really if I wanted to buy something or go somewhere, I could search for a deal just as easy using online discount sites like Sello and it saves you from impulse buying.
- Try meal planning for a month. Take a list with you and stick to it. You’ll be surprised how much you can save.
- Don’t take the whole family shopping. If I take even one child we end up with ‘extras’ on the list and in the trolley.
- If you’re tempted to buy something, add it to the basket either online or in person, imagine buying it and getting it home. Do you really need it? Then think about the money you’ll be spending and imagine you’ve just got it back. Imagine if you’d been given that amount back to save/spend on your ultimate goal (new car, redecorating, holiday, debt repayment) and put it in the pot. It will help you not to spend in the first place and replaces the thrill of buying with the thrill of saving. It’s basically short term gratification versus delayed gratification.
If you are into money saving and money making, take a look at my other popular posts:
Save money when changing your mobile phone contract
7 proven ways to make money on maternity leave
How to save money the smart way as a family for Christmas
This is a good one from Rachel Bustin, Style tips for women on a budget
*collaborative post
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