Hayley's Money Saving Tips

Change Your Attitude To Spending

Completely skint? In huge amounts of debt? Maxed out on your overdraft? Sounding familiarly?

Well it does to me. When I got back from a winter of working, skiing and partying hard in the French Alps I discovered that I had finally wasted all of my funds and was in financial hardship. With rent, mobile phone bills, car insurance, credit cards and an endless list of outings to pay for I needed to act fast.

In the past, I would never check my bank statements just on the off chance that the debt would disappear. I would waste money on expensive clothes, cosmetics, nights on the town and dining out. I was never organized with my direct directs and just hoped that there were sufficient funds to pay them. I spent money faster than I earned it.

I had to change my attitude to spending quickly and truth be hold I found the task quite satisfying.

Here’s just a few ways I changed my spending habits?

1. Opened an online-banking account so I could check my account regularly. By checking my account daily I keep track of all transactions and am aware of my balance activity.

2. Decided to reduce my direct debit payments I cancelled my mobile phone contract and opted for a pay-as-you-go. On contract I was spending £40 a month. Now I budget myself to £20 a month, and take more advantage of face book and email to stay in contact.

3. Stopped going to the high streets. I am a self confessed impulse buyer and just being in Topshop makes me want to buy. Although I don’t have a new top or dress for every occasion I now mix and match my accessories to get a different look that way.

4. Searched on the internet for free stuff. There lots of free things you can sign up for. I have received free CDs, free miniature cosmetics, free dog biscuits and the best thing yet a free hair cut.

5. Stopped dining out. This was the hardest because I love food and all kinds. Now I make sure I eat at regular times and take snacks from home so that if hunger kicks in I’m not temped to grab a bite in an over priced stylish café.

6. Sold on eBay. From my impulse buying days I have an attic full of coats, old camping gear, bags, skiing wear and lots more. My first sell was a pair of ski’s and sold for £75. I was shocked by how easy the process was and haven’t stopped since.

Although I am still in financial hardship and my debts haven’t disappeared, my attitude to money is changing. I am no longer scared to admit to myself how much money I do or don’t have and try every way to spend less.