When it comes to saving money, it’s not what is in some millennial minds these days. We approach things completely differently to our parents or grandparents. Recently, my friends have admitted that most of them would rather splash the cash on rather fancy holidays, clothes or just generally live their lives. It’s quite scary sometimes, how we not think of our future and end up with a massive disappointment after seeing some friends buying houses, starting family’s while we just woke up from our teenage dreams. I wanted to give a quick lazy girl guide to saving, so you can be a little more conscious about planning for your renovations, future home or family.

It’s not just to be able to buy a house, or

According to Shepherds Friendly Society, Established in 1862 leading investment company:

•    42% save money once a month
•    32% don’t budget their savings
•    46% would use the internet for advice on how to save money

but also

•    61% of UK adults would not last for more than a year on their savings if they lost their income.
•    62% of UK savers do so within a regular cash savings account, 37% within a Cash ISA and 
only 14% within an Investment ISA.

The statistics are quite scary, and let’s face the reality, we all fell into some of these categories. This isn’t often a result of laziness but Sometimes everyday life gets on top. We’ve not all been born with wealthy families who will pick us up when things got tough, and we can only rely solely on ourselves. Therefore, we do not have to think carefully about our future from such an early stage.

Parental advice...

Ideally, our parents ( if the ability to of course) should start setting our mindsets on savings. This could be done in a simple way of teaching a child how to save. For example by giving them some proportion of money, and gifting them a piggy bank. If the child behaves well, mummy or daddy would ‘top up’ a piggy bank.

Same as we get the benefit of interest if you would save with a bank or investment company. This would set the mindset of a child and teach the child the value of money. If you’re wanting to perhaps teach them about investing from an early age while you’re trying to better your and your families financial position, then it might be worthwhile looking into the various investment opportunities available, such as this BitQT im Test (BitQT review) or other trading robots that could be utilized for investment profits.

If you don’t have children yet, but planning a family and you had your early pregnancy scan already, you know that soon you will need more money in the post to start a family. As much as the cost for all items you will need for your newborn, during pregnancy cost may often surprise you, so it’s also a good practice to start saving for these 9 months too. Your trips for scans and health checks, all maternity items you will wear or household items like cushions to ease the sleep, etc. Include that one too.

We are not all as fortunate to have parents like this due to many life aspects and circumstances but there is always time to adopt the mindset of saving at any stage of our lives. You can start even now, whatever is your age.
I have previously written a post about saving money, and in addition to that, I wanted to add a few more words. Whatever you are saving for, whether it is a deposit for a new home or to renovate your existing house, a few tips on how you can do it.

Keep it cozy and warm without spending a fortune. I can’t stress enough about how much electricity costs these days. Many young people, don’t think of it, it’s cold- heatings on a pay whatever is – cry later on. Scenario, of many young people Facebook forums in their neighborhood areas. My advice is to be a bit conscious of it. Close your windows when heating on, read my post about new technology at home like radiators that shut off automatically when windows open. Get curtains, and invest in textures like wools and rugs which will add warmth to a home. Check your boiler, often it only needs switch on for 1h before your bath and will keep warm to do your dishes and other house shores.

Don’t spend what you don’t need to. For example, keep on eye on your baths and showers, you can install special devices that will keep an eye on your water usage, plus you saving the planet. Check all your bills and see if you can find a cheaper provider. I recently switched to Bulb and saved my load of money on electricity. You can get my 50£ voucher toward your bill if you sign mine via my link. ( I get a voucher toward my bill too-just to be clear 🙂

Don’t ever shop hungry, like ever. My best solution is if you must pop to shop after work when you starving, grab a granola bar or banana on your way, so this will keep your stomach full and mind on ease. Also, don’t shop when bored, ‘’window shopping’ or ‘casual browsing’ mostly end up with you adding that cute dress to bag and you-you will make promises yourself that you won’t spend more. I know that I did that. Instead, if you must, add them to your favorite list and review after payday. Make lists, instead of buying something that you running low (makeup, skin care) just add them to basket and make a list what you actually need. This way, when you shopping you will only buy exactly what you need, rather end up with yet another half a bottle of the same product. Sometimes shopping online can also save you money, especially for pet food and equipment.

Don’t overspend on a night out or dinner out. Instead, invite friends over and share food and drinks. Ask friends to each bring something. Hover if you all go out, then before ordering a drink ‘Can I have vodka and coke please’- actually ask for prices of spirits as often bartender will serve rather more expensive spirit if the customer won’t ask. Check your local city deals for meals and promotions. Many restaurants doing promotions for each day of the week, so take advantage of that.

If you going on holiday abroad, travel on a budget. I have previously written how to travel like a pro so, you can save your time and money. Don’t just book with a travel agent, but sometimes getting your own accommodation and flights can be cheaper. Research before you go, as usually they charge far more on airports than if you book in advance.

Also, check Are you saving enough very informative infographic.