5 Ways to Save Money in 2018
Hands up who like me, is awful at saving money? I always start out the year thinking this year I will save, save, save and instead I spend, spend, spend (on bills mostly). However, that doesn’t have to be the case, there are lots of ways to help you save out there, sometimes you just have to put in a bit of hard work and hope that it pays off.
To get you in the mood for saving some pennies I have come up with 5 ways to help you save money in 2018.
Check your Bills.
How many of us are on the same plans we were when first signed up to our contracts how many years ago? I know, I myself have had years when I’ve forgotten to cross-check renewals and just let them roll over. Meaning I know I am paying more than I should. Each time you have a renewal come up it is well worth checking the cost of competitors and seeing how they compare. You might be surprised by how much you could save. If you need to stay with the same company, then ringing them and having a chat can often drive down the price as well.
Remortgage your Home.
OK deep breaths here, but remortgaging your home (if you are in the position to) could save you money. Taking a quick look at something like this remortgaging calculator could give you an idea if this money-saving hint could be for you and to of course see just how much you could save. However, do make sure it is something you are sure you want to do before taking such a huge step.
Switch Energy Providers.
OK, let’s have a head count of how many people have never switched energy providers. I completely admit this is something I am guilty of and if you like me you haven’t it is likely you are paying well over the odds for your energy bills. So why not sit down one weekend and spend some time checking out just what you could save.
Think about Buying Own Brand.
OK, we all have our favourite brands we are never going to be willing to give up. However, what about the other things you buy? Could you perhaps try switching them out for own brand products? You may just find you actually can’t tell too much of a difference and over time it could save you a pretty penny or two.
Utilise Apps.
Earlier in the year, I wrote this post on how to save money using apps and I totally stand by how great some of these apps have been. For instance in Chip alone just by it skimming off a few pounds here and there I have saved over £200 and hardly noticed it! That’s going to help towards Christmas this year for sure.
So there you have 5 ways to help you save money in 2018, however, I know there are lots more ways out there to save. So I would love to know from you what is your favourite money saving tip?
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Loved this post. I think k it can be difficult to save money these days.
I definitely agree that switching energy providers could save a lot of money. Plus it doesn’t hurt to do your own research and phone the providers to get quotes before your decision to switch.
Most definitely you never know what they might offer you if you talk to them direct.
Great tips, we’ve been trying to switch energy suppliers for weeks but unfortunately got stuck with a really incompetant firm that we can’t seem to leave!
Oh no that’s not good! I hope you manage to move in the end.
We have been spending this month going through our bills and it is incredible how much you can save when you contact the companies. Scary that we have stayed with the same suppliers for so long.
It is crazy how much switching can save, I really need to make time and do it myself as I’m sure I would be shocked.
I have always been a big saver. But i keep on spending more from past 2 years. I dont understand y…ur article is good. Maybe i can get handle on my spending habbits soon.
Oh no good luck at getting back on track with your spending!
Great ideas, I think I need to put some into practise
Good luck with putting them into practice if you do!
Fantastic blog with great tips to follow here.
Thank you ?
No problem I am really glad you like all the tips 🙂
We have switched to buying own brand for a lot of things and honestly I can’t taste the difference.
It really is amazing how similar they can taste, I have a few things I can’t do it with but on the whole most is great!
I started finding ways to save money in January and most of the help I have managed to find has been from brilliant bloggers such as yourself….so thank you and please carry on the good work x
Aww I am glad posts like this from myself and others have been of good help to you – that is awesome!
Thanks for this. A timely reminder.
I really love to saving money and eating in the house is a big save for me instead of eating outside.
Eating at home really can save so much it is crazy how much it can cost to eat at a restaurant.
I love to save money and these ae great tips. I have great apps to help me save and I get excited whenI save.
Ohh it is great when you have some awesome apps around to help you save! Sounds like your on the right path.
As the years have passed i have gotten so much better at saving which is great, but with all there is always room for improvements 🙂 x
I think I am the same slightly – I don’t want and “need” things so much anymore.
PSEG made a mistake last month and charged me over $800 for electricity. Really hope I can switch but they are the only provider in my building. Love the tips!
Oh my goodness! Good luck with switching!
Great reminders! By making small changes in our lifestyles we can save small amounts that truly add up over time.
t is amazing how much it saved over time, I was looking at some of regular paypal payments for subs and the like and wow it adds up.
great tips, I’m terrible at saving always been a spender! i have been saving more the last few year though which I’m proud of i have already implemented a couple of those tips you written about 🙂
I think even if you save just a little bit it is definitely something you should be proud of.
It can be so hard to save money sometimes! These are all great ideas! Thank you, Sarah!
It really is – I think so many of us live pocket to mouth these days as well.
These are some great ideas. I did used to use the apps too but realised my bank offered the same thing via their online banking so utilise that now 🙂
Oh that’s awesome go your bank! Well ahead of the apps there.
We’re doing lots of saving because we want to start house hunting next year so these are great tips x
Oh wow how exciting for you! I hope it goes well.
All these tips are very helpful. Money saving is so important but difficult too! Thanks for highlighting the dos to be followed for making some savings!
It really is such a hard thing, I think so much of us just live paycheck to paycheck.
It is so important to save. Saving is actually earning money if you really look at it. Either one needs to increase one’s income or tighten up costs by saving more. These are some good tips for saving.
It really is important I wish I could do it more often.
I spend money on books, I buy a lot of books online that I could get at the library, for instance. When I subscribe to websites that provide payed services which I’m going to use only for a short time, I often forget to unsubscribe… Also eating outside… a coffee and a cappuccino here and there everyday… a lot could be done to save more!
I’ve just done the forgot to unsubscribe one, I couldn’t use the website and for some reason just didn’t click I needed to unsub! Nightmare.
It can be so hard to save, especially when you have children. I am going to give the apps a go! Thanks. 🙂
I hope the apps help you save a little bit 🙂
I’m all about saving money this year, especially since my husband lost his job.
Oh no I am sorry to hear that, good luck with your saving and cost-cutting.
These are definitely good ways to save money. I always stay on top of my bills. It’s always good to stay updated.
It is definitely a good thing to be on top of – I like to know whats coming in and out at all times.
Saving is my main goal this year. I need to save for tax time and just to have extr as a just in case PLUS savings! These are helpful tips!
Ekk good luck with saving for Tax time it is the worst!
This is a really awesome list! I know I have been working real hard to save money this year.
Good luck with your saving it will all be worth it in the end.
It’s really hard to save money and just like you I also end up spending. Thanks for sharing your tips, will try it.
It is so easy to just spend isn’t it! Nightmare.
These are great tips, I always check my suppliers and make sure I’m on the best tarif
It really can make a huge difference can’t it just checking those little things.
My mummy is awful for checking and beanchmarking her bills 🙁 I bet she’s losing loads of money. She just need to compare more x Great recommendations x
Good luck with checking them out – I hope you save some if you do compare it!
We’ve been looking into some of the options you shared. Reorganizing our bills and looking for a new mortgage!
Good luck with getting it all sorted and done!
So many good tips! I need to check my bills more carefully for sure…
Good luck with checking them I hope it helps bring you some saving.
This ia a great place to start to save money. Shopping around for car insutance is another one. ?
Yes! It is amazing how different the costs of car insurance can be!
How do I save money? Oh where do I start? I don’t compromise on things like organic fruits and veg, so I have to find other places. I like natural products and they can be super pricy to buy, so I make my own. Natural deodorant can cost anywhere from £5-17, but I make my own with baking soda, coconut oil and a couple drops of essential oil. I also have had the same phone which I bought outright a couple years ago, which allows me to stay on the same phone plan I’ve been on for 10 years….more texts, data and phone minutes than I’d ever use for £7.50 a month. Its totally worth the occasional outlay for a new phone. I love money saving posts…keep em coming! 🙂
I totally understand not compromising when it comes to things like that, it is a shame you do have to pay such a premium for organic.
I just need to stop spending!
Haha yeah I think that might help me too 😉
Great ideas, I’m absolutely useless at saving money and need all the help I can get.
Good luck I hope they help a bit 🙂
Save the pennies make pounds – own brands is a great way to save
They are a wonderful way to get those pennies into your pockets.
I find it scary how often we don’t realise little bits of money disappearing, but all for the better if apps like Chip are looking after it so we can spend it later!
Most definitely and you can even get some interest with it as well.
Great tips – I really need to get better at checking my bills!
Pop it in your diary when you have a free day to do it!
There are many ways to save money and I think these are great ideas on how to do that. It’s really nice to be able to save more.
There really is I think so many people come up with awesome ideas on how to save as well.
These are great ways to save money, if you have more than one energy provider! There is only one in my area. Dang it.
On no that’s crazy! I didn’t know just having one existed!
That is awesome! I think it’s really good to save money so you have something for the future or something to treat yourself with. These are good pointers.
Most definitely you need to make sure you think about what might happen.
We refinanced our house when rates were low. Then we took out a 15 year loan.
It is amazing what you can do if you get in at the right times.
We buy a lot of generic/own brand items. It definitely helps us with keeping within our budget!
It is amazing how good they can be as well. I mean a lot are made by the same companies anyway.
Great tips here. We buy store brand it saves us a ton on groceries
It is amazing how much it can save you isn’t it and often you can’t tell the difference.
I always love to save money! I use coupons often, or wait for sales. I hate paying full price for anything!
I am the same, I love managing to get my hands on a good bargain.
This is a really great list! With a teenager, we are really looking to save more money to help fund a car and college. These tips will definitely help.
I hope you manage to save some money for those important times to come!
I shop at Sainsburys and would say about 75% of things I buy are Sainsburys own brand. Saves a lot of money (especially on cereals) and I think the taste is just as nice as the branded goods.
I have to admit I normally end up buying own brand cereals a lot. I have co-ops own at the moment and it is so much better than the last branded one I got.
My husband takes care of our finances but has never switched energy companies. We do use off brand products and most are just as good.
It is something that has saved people hundreds I really should try and do it myself lol.
It’s good to see that I am actually doing everything you mentioned here. That means that I am on the right track to saving money. These are awesome tips.
Woohooo that is absolutely awesome to hear! Hopefully, a lot of people are with you.
These are all important ways to cut costs. Eating at home is a big way to save money
It really is – making your own food rather than eating out is a big one.
Great article. I try to save bur life gets in the way!
It’s hard isn’t it – there’s always something that needs buying and replacing.