Surviving 2016: A financial life-saver

Surviving 2016: Winter blues? Bank balance feeling the squeeze? All is not lost. Use these clever money-saving hacks to take charge of the situation and get back on top of your finances for the rest of 2016. a financial life-saver Make a grocery list: Make a list of the items you need and only buy those things. 82% of people do and 61% of these say it makes them feel more in DI Free Entry control of their money. Do free stuff: Source: MAS / Opinium Research Lots of museums, nature reserves and public parks offer free entry for most of the year. Find them. Visit them. Weekend sorted. Lose that FOMO: Go 'own brand': A single tin of Heinz Baked Beans is typically sold in supermarkets for 75p, while a tin of supermarket's Drop that Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) attitude and say no to a social engagement just once a month. If you save £30 each time, that's £360 a year. own brand beans can cost as little as 24p - a 51p difference. Own Host a your coffee: A premium coffee shop beverage could set you back up to £4. Wake up earlier and make your own coffee - and you could save yourself up to £100 a month. swapping party: You could obtain a whole new wardrobe for absolutely free. The swaps don't have to be permanent: you could always host a 'swap back' party a couple of months Social life Shopping down the line. Take it slow: Get a When driving, dropping from 80mph to 70mph could save you up to 25% in fuel. And if you're on smaller roads, slowing down from 70mph to 60mph could save another 10%. trainee trim: Household You can usually get a haircut for half the price if you give the fresh-faced trainee a try. Some salons even offer free haircuts Finances with junior stylists. Make a date Source: AA with your money: Every week, look through what you have spent over the previous week and how you could have saved. Then plan the next week's budget. £10 £20 £15 Declutter and sell: Anything that you don't want could be sold at a car boot sale, on eBay or via social media. After all, Phone Travel Lunch inn £40 one man's trash is another man's treasure. Get online: week £85 If you don't have online banking, get it and download the app. This will help you keep a track of what you have spent more easily, without having to pop into the bank. SALE Switch your supplier: Energy bills can be expensive, so consider changing supplier to get the best deal. The average household can save £200 Check Balance per year by switching their gas and electricity. Source: Ofgem Habits Lifestyle