Good money habits

To make sure that you are on the right track and budgeting correctly you will need to review your budget from time to time. You should start to see if you are living within your means and if not, make further adjustments to your budget.

The following tips might help you to further take control of your finances.

1. Try to start saving a little. This can be from something as small as saving up your one and two penny coins. Or start a standing order, transferring a small amount of money into a savings account each week or month.

2. Paying your bills including your rent by direct debit is a cheap and effective way of making sure you make your payments on time.

3. Set up standing order payments and mark which day they will come out of your account – try to make them come out close to when you receive any benefits or salary.

4. Keep a track of your band statements. Check that you are not paying for old direct debits that you don’t need anymore.

5. Shop around - when you are getting your groceries try to shop around for the best deals and compare supermarkets from time to time to make sure you are in fact getting the best deals. It is also much cheaper to buy in bulk and store meats in the freezer for later use.

6. Shop wise - there are many websites around now that have vouchers available for discounts on meals, clothes and services. You can try new places and not pay an arm and a leg for the experience.

Saving money

Keep a record of what you spend – budgeting made easy!