Everyday spending hacks to help you save money

It can feel difficult to grow your savings without having to constantly cut back on the things you enjoy.

If you’re struggling to free up cash to save, here are some ways to reduce your spending without feeling like you’re missing out.

1. Check your utility providers

Comparison websites allow you compare quotes, to see if you could be paying less for household expenses, such as gas, electricity or broadband.

Even saving a small amount each month can really add up over the course of a year. If you’re able to switch to cheaper deals, try putting the amount you’ve saved each month into your savings account. You could set up a standing order so you don’t even have to think about it.

2. Reduce your spending at the supermarket

Food shopping is one of the biggest weekly expenses for families in the UK. From setting a budget, to planning your meals and storing your food, there’s a range of things you can do to cut your spending.

3. Cut fuel costs

Making small changes can also help reduce possible fuel costs. Here are some ideas:

look for the best prices in your area – even taking a small detour to visit a cheaper petrol station could save you a few pence for every litre

take advantage of loyalty card schemes – the more you fill up, the more points you can earn to exchange for money-off vouchers

accelerate gradually – this saves you needing to use more power than necessary and can also reduce the chance of having to brake heavily

remove any excess weight from the car

lower your windows rather than using the air conditioning when it’s hot

check the pressure of your tyres regularly to make sure they’re at the right level.

4. Cancel unnecessary subscriptions

Whether it’s fitness apps, TV or magazine subscriptions, it’s easy to sign up to different services and then forget about them.

Take a look at your transactions and make a list of all the subscription services you’re paying for.

Are there any you don’t use? Start by cutting those. Then look at those you do use – are there any you could do without? You could try cutting those temporarily to see whether or not you miss them.

5. Search for discounts

When shopping online you’ll see various deals and promo codes. Sometimes, you may have to do something like sign up to a newsletter to receive 10% off your next order. Other times there may be a promo code you can find that will offer you a better deal.

It can pay to do a bit of online research to find the latest discounts.

Like with your bills, if you’re able to, you could add any money you save to your savings accounts.

6. Review your debts

If you’ve got a personal loan, credit card, overdraft or mortgage, you’re likely being charged interest. Depending on your situation, you may be able to minimise the amount of interest you’re being charged and reduce your monthly repayments.

• Credit card debt

A balance transfer will often let you transfer the balance from one credit card provider to another, offering an interest-free period. If you’re able to clear your debt within that interest-free period, you could potentially save a significant amount of money in interest payments.

• Personal loan, overdraft and credit card debt

A debt consolidation loan may offer a lower interest rate than overdrafts, credit cards and store cards. Or, if you have multiple debts, a debt consolidation loan may help you bring them all together and create a clear repayment plan.

Keep in mind, while you may be able to reduce your monthly repayments with a debt consolidation loan, you may end up repaying more in interest over the long-term.

• Mortgages

If you have a mortgage, you may look to switch mortgage rates, or remortgage, to find a better deal. Switching occurs when you change rates with your existing mortgage provider. Remortgaging is when you move your mortgage from one lender to another.

There may be fees and charges to pay when switching or remortgaging, so make sure you understand what these are before you make a decision.

7. Look into tax relief and benefits

If you’re a PAYE taxpayer, there may be ways you can make savings on your taxes. For example, you could be entitled to tax relief on a uniform you need to buy for work. There are also deductions available if you give to charity, or make maintenance payments, in some circumstances.