[erica]

Check out the MABS website for money saving advice. You will also find a budget sheet in there, if you want to get serious about budgeting. You can buy budgeting programs on line, relatively cheaply too. It takes quite a while to complete a budget, but its very worthwhile. You can amend it as you remember what you forgot to include. Things like TV licence, medical expenses, house insurance, vet fees are often overlooked.

When it comes to money saving, it's all the small things you do that will make a difference to your budget. For example:

Bring a packed lunch to work every day, rather than eating out. Give the kids a packed lunch too, which cuts down on spending money.

Before you go shopping, make a list! How often have you arrived home with items you forgot you had bought already. So check your cupboards before you go, make a list and stick to it. Retailers spend millions on finding ways to have you part with your money, so even the shop lay out is carefully planned. The necessary items like bread and cereals, are at the back, so you have to pass the luxury items to get to them! That's where your list comes in!

Save on energy costs by turning off lights and appliances when not in use, unplugging chargers, turning off TV's (dont leave on standby cos when the red light is showing, the TV is using electricity).
Turn your heating thermostat down to 20 degrees. If its cold in the evening, put on a jumper rather than turning on the heat!
Only boil the amount of water you need, dont fill the kettle every time.

As an experiment, write down everything you spend for a week! Keep a pencil and notepad in your car and make a note. You will be amazed at where your money is going.

Try to avoid impulse spending, it wreaks havoc with your budget. Avoid going near shops at all unless you have to, if finances are strained, because window shopping will lead to spending. A bargain is only a bargain if you need it!