5 moneysaving tips to get you sorted for 2019

4 January 2019, 17:45

Christmas can be a rather expensive period, so there's no better time to start taking care of your cash than January.

We've put together five simple but effective tips to save some much-needed money throughout the year. Before you know it, you'll find your bank account looking somewhat more attractive.

1. Separate your cards from your cash

You wouldn't think this would make that much of a difference, but trust us. How often do you just use your contactless card willy-nilly? It's so easy and with little faff, the spending can easily go up.

At the start of each week, take out a certain amount of cash - perhaps half of what you usually spend in a week. By handling your week with just cash, you'll be amazed at how little you need to spend.

Also, keep your cash and your necessary cards (ID, work pass etc) in one wallet/purse, and the rest of your bank cards elsewhere on your person. It'll be less tempting to just reach for your card and spend far too much money on a thing you really don't need.

2. Try out some 'no spend days'

This one might sound impossible, but you should try it every once in a while.

Basically, try and have a day where you don't spend any money at all. Pack lunch in advance, make dinner out of food you already have, avoid public transport (if possible) - that kind of stuff. It's surprisingly satisfying if you get through the whole day, and start adding them up.

3. Sell your stuff on eBay

Some of you may already do this, but if you're an eBay newbie, then you should seriously give this one a go.

We bet if you look through your cupboards and wardrobes, you'll find loads of old DVDs, CDs, clothes and more that you really don't need. Clothes usually sell surprisingly well on eBay, especially if they're in good condition and they're no longer available in the original stores.

As for CDs and DVDs, you could try a service like Music Magpie which allows you to shift off a whole box full at once, rather than having to sell each one individually for a couple of quid each time.

4. Buy 'yellow sticker' items

Head to the discount aisle whenever you go to the supermarket. Often, you'll find some real gems and proper bargains.

Plus, a lot of time you'll find food that can easily be frozen and re-used whenever you like. Don't fear the yellow sticker!

5. Buy Christmas stuff all year round

The absolute best time of year to buy presents and decorations for Christmas is as soon as it ends.

Many shops will hold 75% off sales, and you can find plenty of gift sets, perfumes, toys and more at bargain prices that will shoot right up later in the year.