More ways to save money

There are many reasons to save money. I'll mention the main ones then give you some ideas on how to save thousands a year!

If you are in your twenties you can save money for a rent deposit on a house you want to move into, a deposit you want to put down on a house, driving lessons or a car, holidays (pension dare i say it), investments etc If you are older you may have different wants and needs such as debt issues or the possibility of buying a holiday home. The most important reason, in my book, for saving some extra cash on the side is for a rainy day. Not a bad weather day, just a bad day when something unforeseen happens and you need some extra cash. You will be thankful that you saved money, believe me!

Ways to save money

A good way to start saving money and to start saving small is to start saving a little bit of your monthly wage packet and set it aside in an ISA. An ISA is an individual Savings Account. The beauty of an ISA is that it allows one to save up to 3k a year, you get interest on it ( normally a good rate) and the interest is TAX FREE. 10 years on- 30K saved up and you are getting 1.5k a year for free and more importantly TAX FREE!

Ways to save- analyse your lifestyle

GYMS- If you are a member of a gym read this. If not, skip it and go onto the next section.
If you have a monthly membership and do not use it think about getting rid of it. Even if you do use it consider the options. Some Gym memberships are £50 per month. That money can be spent on good home gym equipment enabling the individual concerned to work out at home. If they didnt want this then they would have lots of spare cash to go to the local swimming baths, park ( walk, run, play football/basketball, tennis etc). Dancing is also cheap- you can do it at a club, at home or at a class. Either way dancing is still cheaper than the £600 a year that some gym memberships cost!

BOOZE- If you drink start thinking about the amount you drink, when and how much it dents your pocket. If its only a bottle of wine or a few cans in the evening you are doing well. However if you are drinking at posh bars or are a regular at a pub then it could seriously damage your bank balance. Consider buying drinks from the off licence or from the local supermarket- there are many savings to be had and if you invite your mates over it can be more sociable than screaming over music in an overpriced, overcrowded club! Better yet, give up drinking or just drink occasionally- you'll save a packet!

CIGARETTES- Smoking will kill you and murder your finances. I still can't get over the price of them- a large chuck of which goes to the government. Think about cutting down or stopping if you are serious about saving money/getting rich.

CARS- In most circumstances it is cheaper not to have one. In some you may have to have one to get to work. If you do, research where it is possible to get the cheapest cars- dont buy new ones if you dont need it- and do your research on insurance- look at my earlier entries on this one!

FOOD- most people wont believe how much they actually spend on food- whether that be at the supermarket or more likely a cheeky sandwich/macdonalds or quick option for lunch. If you are spending 3 pounds a day on food- take out food that is- then you are spending £84 a month. That can be radically reduced by making food at home the night before and taking it with you to work. Better yet, starve. Joke! If you dont like cooking real food- start- you'll save lots of money cutting the shit out of your diet- pasta,lentils, rice, cereals and most fruit and veg can be picked it quite cheaply if you shop at markets and supermarkets- ignore the snazzily designed shit- its normally overpriced and full of chemicals.

HOUSING- live in a cheap city. If you have to have a house in London or another expensive city consider house-sharing. You'll cut your rent down significantly. Better yet move to a cheaper place and commute or live with your parents. Ignore the last comment if you cant stand your parents.

Sorry if its been patronising- all the above ways will save you lots of money