I wrote a blog post a couple of years back called '12 money saving tips' and I found this useful to look back on as I had forgotten how simple money handling changes can help you save surprisingly well.
I wanted to take that post into account and tell you all the extra tips I have found useful.
1. The right mind set.
If you want something enough, you WILL save to get there. No matter what you have to do. Follow a couple of profiles on Instagram that use and showcase photographers work around the world. It will have you lusting for adventure in seconds!
2. Research is key!
It sets you up for a direct target in mind. With this aim you are more willing to succeed as its natural to feel a little competition.
Transport costs; plane, transfers, car, petrol or even boat.
Accommodation; hotel or hostel? How many nights?
Insurance; For first time travellers, the luxury of the NHS isn't overseas! It's only safe to pay for insurance whilst abroad.
FOOD; This is key (obviously) Not forgetting not every location has natural drinking water.
Adventure; Often the most expensive part, but where the memories come from. However some destinations offer FREE entry to some of the sites on certain days, this will require your own research.
3. Stop upgrading your phone!
Buy a phone or gadget you are happy with. Not even happy, just one that works and don't upgrade it!
Pay off the contract you are currently on, keep the phone and get a sim only plan! I have an iPhone 6 and pay £15pm for a sim only which has 300 minutes, unlimited texts & unlimited internet. Not only this but as I'm with '3' i can use this sim in most places across the world with no added cost!
4. Entertainment.
It doesn't matter if you prefer clubs, pubs, gigs or the cinema. Reducing the money spent there could put you on an adventure in another part of the world. Find other ways of socialising and having fun.
5. Sell things!
I made £47 on eBay last week from bags & shoes that have been in the garage for a year since clearing out my room. That money has gone straight into a locked savings account.
My super quick tips for eBay are; Whatever time you list your item is the time that it will finish. So not everyone will be awake at 2am on a Wednesday morning when you can't sleep but felt productive. Stick to evening and weekend listing. Baring in mind Friday nights aren't a good time to end items.
I would also recommend Car boots, Facebook pages, Depop & Vinted. Although Depop is slightly more risky and filled with scammers so be careful and ALWAYS send your items tracked/signed for!
6. Food & Drink.
As mentioned in my previous savings post. Don't be tempted to buy food and drink when you're out. Make a packed lunch! Make them in bulk on a Sunday so it requires little effort on hump day.
7. Subscriptions.
Another one i listed before but one worth mentioning.
Do you need the gym membership, could you not just train outside/inside?
Netflix, is it really worth it?
Do you really need healthy food and beauty boxes delivered to your door? REALLY?!
8. Stay at home.
I still live at home, and plan on staying here until I finish my uni degree and have a good amount of cash under my belt beforehand. Renting can be a downward spiral when it comes to saving. Often buying a house is the best option in the long term. But if you aren't quite sure where in the world you want to settle, stay at home for now.
9. Buying cheaper flights.
Out of season travel is a good shout. It might be their Autumn/Winter but the temperature doesn't alter that much, just the cost on getting there. Be flexible with your travel time, returning a day later can save you money!
Travelling over awkward hours, or with a couple hours lay over can also decrease the price. But that will depend on how much you really want to save...
10. Saving those coins.
Get yourself a savings tin that you cant get into. Home bargains sell them for less than £1. Place it in the hall, so when you get home empty your pockets and your change straight away!
11. Transport costs at home.
Train; Travel off-peak to save money on tickets & get a rail card to save 1/3 on top. If you are travelling far such as London > Glasgow. It sometimes works out much cheaper if you buy several mini tickets instead of one ticket. This will require research.
Car; Drive like a granny to make your petrol last. Be careful what job you select when inputting your insurance information. If you are a student but have a part-time job. Mention the job, being at student increases insurance costs by a significant amount! I also have 3 extra people on my insurance, even though i am the named driver, this brings down my payment charge.
12. Note down your spendings/savings
This can guilt trip you and make you more determined to do better!
13. Clear your internet cache!
If you check the same websites regularly, prices can rise as websites see your demand from them. Something to do with cookies, but I don't understand all that jargon.
14. Finally
Remind yourself DAILY what you are saving for!
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