Ways to save money for the new year

As we go in to the new year, lots of us will be thinking about ways to save money and spend less. I for one am looking forward to saving some pennies and reducing some of my outgoings. I have worked out a few different ways of doing this and thought I would share them with you.

1. Meal Plan! Work out what you want to have for dinner for that week and write it down before shopping.
2. Shop from a list! 

Doing these two things alone will save you more than you think!! If you stick to your list, and shop wisely, using up anything you may already have at home, you really can cut the price of your grocery shop.

    3. No more Coffee shops! Invest in a nice travel coffee cup like I have. This will save me at least a fiver a week! Mine is from B&M and it is a colour in one. It was a Christmas present, and so fun to do.

  4. Use coupons where possible. In America couponing is big business but in the UK it isn't as huge. I have however found these websites that allow you to print off coupons each month. Any savings a saving right? 

Super Savvy Me

Ex Coup UK

Victoria

5. Switch companies! So far I have switched my broadband and also cancelled my SKY tv subscription in favour of NOW tv. This is another big saving each month. Shop around, use compare websites and find the best deal for you and your family.

This is just the start for me this year but hopefully these things combined will make me a good saving and I'll be on my way to being debt free!

Mrs H x

Lets get organised!

Since I became a mum of 3, 16 months ago, my life has become chaotic and unorganised. Don't get me wrong I wouldn't change my little family for all the neat filing systems and empty washing baskets in the world but I do always wish my life was a bit more organised. Purely for the fact that if everything was planned in advance and in order, then I would have more time to spend doing the things that my children and I love to do. Somehow though, every time I try to get order in my life I always end up back where I started. I have enlisted the help of some fellow bloggers to make myself ( and you!) a list of tips to keep on top!

• So, firstly, from Jen over at Just Average Jen "Write coffee at the top of your to do list and then it is easy to do at least one thing."
• Rebecca, over at The everyday mummy says "get things prepped the night before"
• Mummy Gummie Blog's Lisa says "write a list with only three things a day, that way it isn't daunting and you get the satisfaction from having a completed list"
• Birthdays and parties are always sorted last minute in my house. When I say last minute, I usually mean a mad dash to the supermarket half hour before the party starts! Hannah from The Amphletts buys cards in bulk, including a variety of aged and plain ones so that she never gets caught at last minute like I always do!
• When working or getting important stuff done, Louise over at A strong coffee to go says " don't have Facebook or twitter on! So easy to get distracted!"
• Lastly, Hollie from thrifty mum says "Before bed, visualise the next day and write a list, get out anything you can prepare in advance and then get a good nights sleep. You'll feel mentally and physically rested that way and therefore more able to take on the day."

With all of this in mind I have made packed lunches and laid out uniforms and bags and coats for tomorrow morning. Here's to an organised week!

Mrs Hx

Money saving tips

As the New Year approaches, many people will be making their resolutions, and for some this is to save money. For me too! Here are some ways ive found to save those pennies.

1. Meal Plan - Before you do the food shop, make a list of what you already have in the fridge/freezer and then meal plan accordingly. Believe me this really cuts down on the grocery bill!
2. Make a list when food shopping and stick to it, don't buy any unnecessary items!
3. Sell any unused items of clothes or dvds and old toys etc and pop the earnings in your savings account.
4. Always pay yourself first - any money that you can put in to savings, do it first (after bills of course) rather than last, that way you wont miss it.

I also plan on doing this savings scheme this year for Christmas 2017.

Picture from 

http://cf.smartschoolhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Penny-Challenge-Main.jpg