We could all do with a little extra money.  I for one am saving to have a new stairs and hall carpet fitted.  So here are 10 ways to save money now brought to you in conjunction with ClearScore.

10 Ways to Save Money Now

Sometimes we need to make a first step in the right direction to get things moving,  But, as with most things, sometimes that very first step is the hardest part. So to kickstart that journey to financial independence here are ten ways that you can save money now.  None of these are life changing on their own, but they will help you make a start to saving money and they are all so incredibly simple that anyone can do them.

10 Ways to Save Money Now

1.Move Bank Accounts – We did this at the end of last year.  We moved to an account that had a fee, but it has saved us so much more than the £10 we pay a month.  We have been able to cancel our roadside assistance, phone insurance cover and also our annual family travel insurance.  There are also accounts that offer incentives to move, so why not take a look and see if there is an account that is better suited for you.

2.  Price Check Everything – Seriously it only takes a couple of minutes, but before you spend check if you could buy it cheaper elsewhere.  For the weekly shop then check out MySupermarket.

3. Check for discount codes online – Again this takes a couple of minutes at the most and can save you 20% or more.  I just tend to put discount voucher code for ___________ in my search engine and check out what comes up.

4. Use a Money Back Site for Purchases.  Cashback sites such as Quidco and TopCashBack enable you to earn as you spend.  The amounts range from pennies for retail items to more than £100 for some mobile contracts.

5. Menu Plan and Write a Shopping List – Food waste is literally like throwing cash in the bin.  So make sure you menu plan, write a shopping list ad stick to it.  This will reduce your waste and save money. Wasting this food costs the average household £470 a year, rising to £700 for a family with children, the equivalent of around £60 a month.

6. Change your Credit Card – One in six families borrow nearly £700 (£685) each year to help cover festive expenses, with credit cards typically used to spread the cost of repayments across six months for average income earners.  Therefore, switching to a zero interest credit card can save you money.  However, you can only switch is you have a good credit score so make sure you head over to ClearScore.com for tips on how to improve your credit score.

7. Switch you Utilities – On average you can save £200 by switching your gas and electric to a cheaper supplier.  Don’t delay, check out how much you can save at USwitch or Compare the Market.

8. Ask for a Discount – Don’t be embarrassed, just do it.  I have learned from a master.  My FIL is a farmer and always asks for a discount.  he even manages to get them from big stores all the time!

9.Ditch the coffee of tea on the go.  Buy a reusable cup and make your own.  Seriously you can save a fortune this way.  I am not suggesting you swap that barista-grade coffee for instant coffee, but why not make some great coffee at home and swap it.  You will save enough to buy your own bean to cup machine in under half a year!

10. Reassess your TV package.  Do you watch all those channels?  Could it be cheaper?  Perhaps you can reduce your packages and swap to a streaming service.  Take a look at DisneyLife, not only does it have loads of Disney content, but you can also stream, Disney Junior, The Disney Channel and Disney XD via it meaning you can remove them from your TV package.

Other Money Saving posts:

Why and how to use a cost comparison site

How to save as a non-saver

The Best Ways to Bag a Bargain Beauty Treatment

Keeping your children warm, without turning up the heating

5 great ways to lower your energy bills and save money

How to improve your credit rating