35 Super Easy Ways To Save Money In 2021
Now that lockdown measures are being eased, we are all enjoying those freedoms and spending our money as we go out, so here are 35 easy ways to save money to pay for meals with family and drinks with friends or boost your savings!
For years the piggy bank has represented savings. Ever since the 15th-century, people have stored their money in pots made of affordable clay called ‘pygg’. Potters began to shape the clay pots as pigs when they saw the humour in moulding the clay after its name. We hope we can give you ideas on how to fill your own piggy bank.
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Easy ways to save money at home:
#1 Live in a Van
A quirky but drastic measure to saving money on rent and utility bills! We have written a post on living in a van and how it will save you money!
#2 Use Less Electricity
Using less electricity requires a little mindfulness; however, you will be doing it subconsciously once it becomes a habit. Our suggestions on how to use less electricity at home include:
- Turn off appliances at the plug socket.
- Install a smart thermostat. The thermostat will heat your house more efficiently and only heat the rooms you need warm.
- Upgrade your boiler and appliances to ones with higher efficiency ratings.
- Wash clothes at a cooler temperature, and dishes on the eco setting.
- Replace lightbulbs with LED bulbs.
#3 Cancel your Landline
When looking for how to save money at home, cancelling your landline is an easy saving to make. If you get by using your mobile, see if you can find a broadband and TV scheme that doesn’t include landline rental.
#4 Use Price Comparison Websites
First, have a look at what is out there. Then, switch supplier to a more affordable supplier if there is a better option available – for instance, house insurances, car insurances and utility providers.
The best comparison websites are Money Supermarket, Confused.com, Compare the Market, and Go Compare. Check out all four to see where you can get the best deal and make the most savings.
#5 Remortgage
When looking at how to save money each month, a repetitive outgoing you may have is your mortgage. Speak to a financial advisor to see if you could remortgage your house and have a smaller monthly mortgage repayment fee.
#6 Buy Used
If you have recently bought a new property and are struggling to furnish it or intend on doing a renovation, check out eBay and Facebook Marketplace. They may have precisely what you are looking for, and despite being used, the item may still be in great nick.
On the other hand, an item may need a complete updo, but that means you can put your style and spin on it!
In summary, you could find anything from half tins of paint to unopened bags of cement or second-hand kitchens and beautiful antique furniture.
Alternatively, Amazon Warehouse sells discounted used, pre-owned or open-box products. All of which have been tested and are marketed with an accurate description of their condition.
#7 Shop Own Brand
When it comes to purchasing cleaning materials or even interior decor, shopping a supermarket’s own range is one of the clever ways to save money.
Many larger supermarkets manufacture stylish home decor that will cost you a fraction of the price compared to a big brand interior shop, whilst purchasing own brand cleaning materials will get the job done just as well.
This technique of saving money can also be applied to grocery shopping.
More easy ways to save money fast:
#8 Budget
Budgeting is a quick way to see where you are spending your money. It can highlight where you are unnecessarily spending too much.
YNAB (you need a budget) offers a free trial of their budgeting software to help you create your budget. Intuit Mint is another budgeting software with a free app that you can use.
#9 Check you Direct Debits
Following on from checking your budget, you should have an idea of what direct debits you have. Next, cancel any unused memberships or subscriptions, this is an easy way to save money every month!
#10 Save on your Groceries
Saving whilst food shopping is one of the most realistic ways to save money and can be readily implemented. Check out our post on easy ways to save money on groceries for 10 tips you need to know.
#11 Interest Free Credit Card
With banks offering credit cards with 0% interest, make sure you’re getting the best deal. Talk to your bank or research. These cards are often interest-free for only several months.
Initially, you will have to check your eligibility and make sure you don’t overspend; this is still money you have to repay.
Currently, M&S are offering 0% on their credit cards for 20 months, including points whenever you use the card at their stores, whilst Barclaycard is offering the same but with fewer days to make a 0% balance transfer. These are just two of many options on the market right now.
Be sure to avoid payday loans because of the high interest they charge.
#12 Don’t Splurge on Payday!
This requires self-control and a healthy relationship with money. For example, try taking your time before making purchases and recognise which buys are impulsive.
Putting money directly into a saving account when you receive your paycheck is the best way to save money for a house! The money is put away before you can spend it.
#13 Check Out your Workplace Benefits
Your employer may offer you a variety of options. For instance, cheaper private health insurance, discounted gadget insurance, discounts for products they supply and reduced gym membership fees.
#14 Insurance Benefits
Some insurance providers reward you for choosing them. These benefits could be in the form of free cinema tickets or discounts at restaurants.
#15 Use Cashback Apps
Cashback apps reward you a percentage of the transaction, offering you a small saving on your purchases.
Our recommended cashback sites are:
#16 Find Discounts
Whether they come in your monthly magazine subscription or on the internet, check to see if you can find a discount before purchasing something.
#17 Stop Smoking and Drinking
Everyone enjoys an occasional tipple, but drinking and smoking every day does increase your expenditures. Not to mention it can damage your health.
#18 Claim Loyalty Points when Shopping
Collect them where you can and use them for future savings on your purchases.
#19 Railcard
Sign up for railcards provided by National Rail. There are various options available that’ll save you significant amounts on your rail fares, and occasionally discounts for other activities. These include:
- 16-25 save 1/3 off rail fares
- 26-30 save 1/3 off rail fares
- Senior card available for other 60s save 1/3 off rail fares
- Family and friends card offers 60% off for children between 5-15
- Plus many more!
#20 Student Discount
If you have a student card, check online if there are student discounts at checkout, or ask at the till when you go to pay.
#21 Free Trials
Sign up for free trials and make the most of them! Remember to cancel; otherwise, you will be charged.
#22 Visit the Library
If you’re looking for new books to read, check out your local library! Returning books will also reduce your waste as you are returning and thereby recycling the books.
You could sell second hand books you have to make a little money and then get down to your library and see what treasures you can find!
#23 Does your Bike Need a Fix?
No different to cars, your bike should undergo the occasional MOT to make sure you are safe! If you discover something that needs repair, you can utilise the governments Fix Your Bike Voucher Scheme for £50 towards the repair.
#24 Reduce your Tax Bill
You could reduce your tax bill by:
- Using your ISA allowances
- Increasing your pension contributions
- Check your tax code
- Make charitable donations and claim the tax back through Gift Aid
#25 Save Fuel Costs
Rather than driving by yourself, carpool with others and share fuel costs. Or start your day with fresh air and get on your bike or walk!
#26 Get Cooking!
We all enjoy a takeaway or eating out at a restaurant, but, consequently, this comes at a cost. Cooking yourself is one of the easy ways to save money each month. Of course, you could set a budget; thereby, you will be more aware of your spending, but it still gives you space for a treat.
If you are cooking, double up on your portions. You can then eat leftovers at work rather than spending on the meal deals.
In the USA, you can use GasBuddy. This app turns everyday purchases into free money for gas and will show you where your nearest and cheapest gas stations are.
#27 Repair Clothing
Rather than purchasing new clothes, see if you can repair your own. If you don’t know where to start, this may mean getting in touch with your grandma so that she can show you the ropes. Learning how to stitch a patch and sew on a button will extend the life of all your clothes.
Fun easy ways to save money:
#28 Try a No-Spend Challenge
Our post covers all the ins and outs of a no-spend challenge. Giving this challenge a go will provide you with an insight into your money habits and lead you to make more conscious spending decisions.
#29 Birthday Freebies
Who doesn’t love a freebie! Usually, it involves signing up for newsletters or loyalty schemes; keep an eye on your emails as you approach your birthday for offers! Here are some of my favourite freebies available to make your day fabulous:
- Sign up to Frankie & Benny’s Rewards for 2 for 1 on mains or a bottle of prosecco for £10.
- Get the Greggs app downloaded and claim your birthday ‘reward’ in the form of a free cupcake, cream cake or doughnut.
- Krispy Kreme rewards will give you a doughnut for free on your birthday when you sign up.
- £5 off when you spend more than £5 at Hotel Chocolat if you hold a Hotel Chocolat VIP card.
- A bottle of prosecco from Pizza Express.
- TGI Fridays offer a complimentary cocktail/mocktail for you and up to five friends!
- If you’re out for a steak night on your birthday, Miller & Carter will gift you a bottle of prosecco with your dinner if you sign up for their newsletter.
- Alternatively, if you’re fancying something healthy and fresh, if you are registered with Boost, they will make you a juice of your choice.
- Body Shop’s Love Your Body loyalty scheme will put £5 on your card to spend for your birthday.
- 15% off at Cult Beauty.
- Get yourself those new trainers you’ve been eyeing at Nike with 25% off.
- 10% discount at ASOS.
- Sign up with H&M for 10% off each purchase and free delivery every order, plus 25% off one item on your birthday.
#30 Get Bargain Flights
Find the best holiday flight deals using Skyscanner.
Or, if you haven’t chosen your destination yet but have leave booked, sign up to Jack’s Flight Club. You will receive regular emails featuring amazing deals, including discounts, hidden offers and error fares.
#31 Mystery Shopping
Bagging yourself a paid-for shopping trip or free meal is a way how to save money easily. So we’ve written an article on things you need to know before signing up to become a mystery shopper.
#32 Grow your Food
Put your green thumb into action and grow your fruit and vegetables! Being out in the garden will give you many benefits, including increased vitamin D production from sun rays and positive mental health.
#33 Cut your Hair
For many, lockdown came with learning new skills, including being able to give haircuts. Ask your partner, parent or sibling if they can give your hair the once over and save on the hairdresser fees!
#34 Find Free Entertainment
Local notice boards and newspapers advertise free activities in your area. Whilst online will find you some great cost-less entertainment!
Additionally, we have found free online classes for kids with fun resources and activities for those rainy days at home.
#35 Staycation
Do your research and see if staying at home is cheaper than travelling abroad for your holiday. There are many beautiful sites to be seen and places to stay within the UK. Holidaying during the off-peak season can also save you significant sums.
What is the 30 day rule?
The 30 day rule is a saving technique to help curb your spending. For example, say you want to buy something, the rule is to put the cost of the item into your saving account. Then, after 30 days, if you still wish to purchase the item, you can withdraw the amount from your savings account.
If not, you have positively contributed to your savings!
What are 10 ways to save money?
We hope we have covered how to save money UK. Here are the 10 best easy ways to save money from the list above:
- Use price comparison websites
- Buy used
- Shop own brand
- Budget
- Save on food bills
- Quit smoking and drinking
- Use a railcard
- Reduce tax bill
- Reduce car and therefore fuel usage
- Find free entertainment and take part in free activities
How can I save a lot of money fast?
Perhaps you’re looking for easy ways to save money for a house or ways to save money on a tight budget and therefore hope to save money quickly. Even if you only apply 3 easy ways to save money, you will be consciously making savings.
You can achieve your saving targets quicker by doing numerous of our suggested ideas. Frugal living can have a big impact if implemented well! For more ideas check out our post on saving money and living better!
There are many clever ways to save money, and it is possible to save money fast on a low income. We hope that we’ve given you some inspiration to get started and all the fun ways you can save pennies.
Have you got any more tips on how to save money fast UK? Or perhaps abroad? Let us know in the comments section below!
