Little Ways to Save Money Before you’re 30
Turning 30 is a momentous moment in your life and, by most people’s standards, the official marker of proper adulthood. You’re no longer a ‘young adult’, and as such you need to start thinking about the future – especially when it comes to finances. Before that big birthday comes around, here are a few life hacks for saving money. You’ll be glad you started early!
Meal plan.
A great way to save some extra cash is to make sure you budget for your weekly food shop and plan your meals in advance. Meal prepping can save you money on your shop every week, while those pounds and pence will add up quickly once in your savings pot. Make a list of what to buy so you’re not wandering the aisles picking up unnecessary items.
Cut back on nights out.
You don’t want to end all the fun – it is your twenties after all – but being sensible with how much you spend out will benefit you in the long run. You don’t need to go out for a meal every Friday or go clubbing every weekend to enjoy yourself. Instead, make a nice meal at home and buy your own wine to drink in. A freshly-prepared meal and a bottle of wine at home can cost less than half the price of going out for dinner and drinks.
Be bill-savvy.
Don’t settle for an estimated bill on your gas and electricity, save money with a smart meter and know exactly how much you are spending per day. Small changes like using the hairdryer less often and unplugging appliances when they’re not in use can make a significant difference to your bill and don’t cause you to sacrifice any of life’s little luxuries in the process.
Don’t pay for pricey car parks.
If you travel to work or need long-term parking, don’t spend all your spare cash on parking fees. The JustPark app allows you to book driveways and car parking spots at 70% cheaper than your standard city car parks, so over the course of a year, the savings could be vast.
Compare the market.
Don’t just go along with the first utility company you find. By using price comparison websites you can search through several providers and get the best bang for your buck. There are plenty out there to choose from, while sites such as uSwitch can also compare car, home and life insurance policies too.
Watch your wallet.
Small things can add up, including little expenses here and there. If you’re constantly buying lunch out or grabbing a morning coffee before work, you’ll find it harder and harder to save each month. The best way to keep track of your finances is to make a monthly budget and stick to it. There are several online budget planners out there that will help you stay within your means and save money.
Whether you’re saving for a house deposit, your dream holiday, or that new car you’ve had your eye on for a while, these tips show that saving doesn’t have to mean changing your whole lifestyle. Take small steps and you’ll soon see the pennies piling up.
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I’ve started cutting my nights out, reducing and I’ve saved quite a lot. I think its also I’ve grown up a little bit and do prefer nights in more these days haha
This is just something that needs to be read by everyone. We have to spread the word. Saving is vital. I think this should be taught in school too. We need to cultivate this to our children as early as possible.
great tips! one idea and concept I always practice is budgeting and saving little by little. as for the nights out! I’m yet to cut back. I am sensible and do budget for them.
Great tips for any time of life, thank you!
These tips are great- I turned 30 this year and still struggle with handling my money properly!
It is so hard isn’t it – it is so easy to just spend it.
I’m 30 next year and I definitely need to start saving more. I’ve started having more nights instead of going out so much, and I really need to start making lunch and prepping meals as that takes a lot of my money. Some really helpful tips here especially the Parking app
It sounds like you are really making some positive steps good luck!
Meal planning has always saved us so much money and I love knowing what we are going to be eating for the week too.
It sounds like a really good way to save on money and food wastage.
Saving is something that I have never been good at – I am a live for the moment sort of gal. However, my husband is a dude and teaching me!
That’s good – Ash is awful for spending money burns money in his pocket when it is his own, but he’s good with other peoples.
Savings and emergency fund is very important for our family. I always make sure to save a part of our income for these things.
Definitely, you never know when something might break or something is needed.
Thanks dear! A little saving goes a long way. I especially like the parking app.
It really does it feels good to know you have something to fall back on.
Great tips that help the pennies look after the pounds I could incorporate a few of these to now even though I’m over 30 lol
It really does make a difference looking after the pennies doesn’t it, you only have to think small to make a difference.
It’s the nights out that my folks cut back on and they saved so much money by doing this! Great tips x
It is amazing how much you can spend on a night out isn’t it, it really makes a difference just even setting a budget.
I’m over 30 but I’m still going to use your tips to try to save more money. It’s always good to have a back up plan and money in the bank. I believe I can follow your tips.
I don’t think you are ever to old to start saving just a little bit more.
My change jar has been a saving grace. I don’t like using change, so it really helps me to just collect it.
It is amazing how much you can save if you put away all the pennies isn’t it.
i’m always looking for ways to save cash, and this list had some really great tips. i especially like the one about not paying for pricey car-parks. i used to pay so much to park in a garage, and was able to save a ton by parking in a surface lot. it is a bit more of a walk, but i just chalk it up to extra exercise every day! 🙂
It is crazy how much just parking your car can cost isn’t it.
I always get stuck between saving while I’m young & enjoying while I’m young! I keep switching time & again, so I guess there’s a balance, if I’m making any sense? These tips are very helpful!
It is really hard sometimes to work out what to do for the best, that I most definitely agree with.
Im very much past this stage now but its something I wish I had done when I was much younger. Funny how as an older adult i can look back with regret of my silly spending days. I will show this to my 17-year-old. We are trying very hard to instill money values with other children so they can save and invest wisely x
Yeah it is hard to think of what you bought that is still useful or even meaningful sometimes and that’s the worst.
These are great tips to save money every month. WHen it comes to savings, every little bit adds up!
It really does, as they say – look after the pennies and the pounds look after themselves.
Some great tips here, I could do with following some of them and I’m well beyond 30!
I think they work for anyone really, it doesn’t matter the age.
It always pays to save for a rainy day. Starting the saving habit at an early age is important. We need substantial amounts at different events in our life and the savings come to our rescue.
I think the earlier you get into a good habit the easier it is to carry on for the long term
I am trying to get better with savings and keeping track of what I spend more and putting aside savings every month too x
It is so hard isn’t it to get into the habit, I definitely need to do better as well.
Great tips. I would only add that you can take long walks sipping a soft drink instead of going on a night out or staying home.
That is true, I have to admit thankfully I have never been a fan of nights out to often as I can’t deal with crowds.
Great tips! I am out of my 30’s and still learning, so it is good to start early.
I think it is a lifelong learning curve when it comes to saving.
My 30’s is coming up in a few years and I definitely need to use all these tips to save all the money I can. THANK you so much for all of this.
Good luck I hope it helps you save a few pennies ready!
These are great ways to save some money! We may not always know it, but every little expense adds up and accumulates into a big amount!
It can be scary how quickly money can add up isn’t it.