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Days Out

Ideas for saving money on meals during family days out

If you’re enjoying more days out during the summer, an extra expense is often the food and drinks you’ll need to buy while you’re out and about. Here are some ideas for saving money on meals when you’re eating out – or even if you’re staying in with a takeaway…

Valentine's Day

How to source your dream engagement ring on a thrifty budget

While the prospect of getting engaged can set happy butterflies bumbling around your stomach, the feeling often gets tempered by the thought of having to pay for all that this entails. Here’s how to save money on your engagement…

Money Saving Tips

4 Simple ways to live a more frugal lifestyle this year

Many of us are feeling the pinch this year, with outgoings increasing and sometimes not quite enough money coming in. So, how do you make savings without giving up the things you need? Here are a few ideas to dramatically cut your costs and still enjoy your home and lifestyle…

HOME DIY

How to heat your home well this winter with these energy-saving tips

You may think that going without heating for as long as you can is a money-saving solution to the cost-of-living crisis. However, the impact of a cold home on your health and on the property itself means you really should heat your home whenever you can. But that doesn’t mean spending a small fortune on energy. Here are some ideas to help you cut costs AND stay warm this winter…

Bedroom

3 Hottest wallpaper patterns to try & how to do it your own way

Wallpaper is one of the easiest ways to bring a whole new look to your interior. Just a roll or two can make all the difference with a feature wall that brings impact and colour. Here are three of the hottest trends, and different ways to make them work in your home…

Money Saving Tips

7 Ways to cut the cost of running a vehicle for your freelance business

When you’re self-employed or running an independent business, there are so many things that you need to consider when forecasting and recording your expenses. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to cut down on the costs associated with the vehicle you use for work – here are some ideas…

Autumn

3 Ways to minimise the cost of your autumn wedding

If you’re planning a wedding for this autumn or next, congratulations! Whether you’ve got a defined budget to stick to or simply want to create your dream wedding for a fraction of the cost, here are some thrifty tips to help you achieve that…

MONEY MANAGEMENT

How to make extra money from doing the hobbies you love

If you want to find a little more money to cope with the cost-of-living crisis, why not look to your hobbies to find a way of earning more while still doing the things you enjoy? Here are three ideas to get you started…

Bathroom

How to build a bathroom when you’re on a budget

Five years on and my bathroom renovation is still going strong – and we revamped the room on the tightest of budgets. Here are some tips on how to save money when you’re decorating the smallest room in the house…

MONEY MANAGEMENT

Things I wish I had known when buying and maintaining my first car

I love a bit of hindsight and today I’m sharing some of my own in the hope that it might help new
drivers or first-time car buyers to find a safe vehicle and get a better deal. Here are some of the
things I wish I had known when I was buying my first car…

Kitsch Kitchen

My thrifty kitchen makeover – how to save money on flooring

After years of talking about it, months of planning and weeks of installation, my newly remodelled kitchen is complete! Of course, I tried to save money at every stage of the renovation process so here’s how I got the floor of my dreams for a fraction of the cost…

Events & Entertainment

3 Romantic ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day at home

Sure, it’s nice to go out to celebrate Valentine’s Day but sometimes you just want to stay at home. It’s certainly a money-saving option, as you can enjoy lovely food and a cosy ambience at home for a fraction of the price of your big night out. Here’s how to create your dream Valentine’s date from the comfort of your own home…

FRUGAL FUN TIMES

How to save money as a thrifty essentialist minimalist

Although these three lifestyles offer very different ideas they also have one important thing in comment – and that’s helping you to cut costs. Here’s how to adopt a ‘less is more’ mentality and save money as a thrifty essentialist minimalist…

Money Saving Tips

6 Messy habits that save me time and money

In today’s post, I’m admitting to some rather messy habits I have but I want to share them for good reason – I think they actually save me both time and money every day. Do you do any of these hacks or have any similar time-saving tips? Let me know!

LOW-COST RECIPES

How I saved money & reduced food waste with the #FoodSavvy challenge

I’ve been doing the #FoodSavvy challenge throughout February and it’s been an eye-opener. Firstly because I couldn’t quite believe just how much food and plastic I had been wasting before the challenge and, secondly, because I was surprised at how easy it was to change my habits to create a more food savvy kitchen. Here’s what I discovered…

Money Saving Tips

Shopping hacks – how to save money on big ticket items

When you need to invest in big ticket items, such as appliances, sofas, electronics & even cars, it can take a big chunk of money out of your monthly budget. Here are some helpful hacks to cut costs when you’re next shopping for those expensive items…

Money Saving Tips

Four ways to save money on your petcare budget

When looking for ways to be frugal, it’s a good idea to look through all the categories in your budget as there are always some places you can save money or some bills that could be a little lower. While it’s essential to get the optimum care and products for your pet, shopping around and being a little wiser to better deals means you can cut a substantial amount from your petcare budget. Here are 4 ways you can look to reduce your petcare outgoings…

Money Saving Tips

5 Monthly financial commitments I don’t have (+3 I would never give up!)

Did you know that in 2017-18 the outgoings of households in the UK was greater than their income for the first time in nearly 30 years? I was reading a report by the Office of National Statistics and it got me thinking about those financial commitments many people have that we could perhaps lower (or scrap altogether) in order to make up that shortfall and live within our means.

Days Out

4 Unexpected reasons why travelling by train = a low-cost day out

On my recent short break I went on a couple of train journeys. Not only was it very enjoyable to sit back and take in the scenery rather than having to drive and navigate, it also turned out to be somewhat of a money-saving venture too. Here’s why travelling by train can save you money in some rather unexpected ways…

STYLE ON A SHOESTRING

Guest post: Best tips for bargain fashionistas from a professional

If you’re like me and refuse to pay designer prices but you want to wear the latest trends AND save money, it can be tough to build a wardrobe you love. However, today’s guest blogger explains that there’s no shortage of ways to achieve this on a budget…

HOME DIY

Why timeless furniture choices can save you money time & again

Timeless decor items will be different for every person, but once you find them it can give a sense of comfort and permanence to your house. Plus, I’m a firm believer in ‘buy well, buy once’ so it’s a good idea not to follow interiors trends with your bigger investment pieces, such as the sofa, storage, tables etc. You can, of course change up your style over the years using soft furnishings and paint colours, but having those classic pieces as the basis for your future designs will save you money throughout your lifetime. Here’s how to figure out your style before you invest…

Beauty

Guest Post: 5 Natural alternatives to expensive skin care products

Everyday stress and pollution can cause a lot of damage to your skin. There are skincare products you can use to help you combat these negative effects, but they can also be very expensive, so here are five natural alternatives—some of which you may find in your very own kitchen:

DIY

8 Tricks you can do NOW to reduce your heating bill in the autumn

I know it seems crazy to be talking about heating when the weather is like this – but it won’t always quite as delightful as it is right now! That’s why I wanted to help you plan ahead for the autumn and get most of your heating maintenance out of the way during the summer months. That way, you won’t have any surprises when the cooler weather comes around. Here’s 8 tricks to help you to reduce your heating bills…

travel

How to tick off your bucket list on a budget – Niagara Falls

Living on a budget doesn’t mean that you can’t still tick a few things off of your bucket list. I mean, saving your extra cash for travel should be one of the benefits of a thrifty life, shouldn’t it?! Even so, there are savings to be made every time you travel and it IS possible to make a trip to an iconic destination, like the Niagara Falls much more affordable. Here’s how…

Days Out

3 Low-cost (or free!) places to take the kids during the summer holidays

The school summer holidays are nearly upon us so it won’t be long before those chants of ‘I’m booooored!’ become a regular occurrence. So, if you want to entertain your youngsters during the school holidays but don’t want to spend all your savings on costly days out, here are three places you can go where you’ll find low-cost (AND FREE!) activities for kids…

travel

How to travel around the US in style when you’re on a budget

Are you considering travelling to the United States? Have you been tempted by the epic road trips, the bright lights of Las Vegas or the hustle and bustle of New York City? The US has National Parks that are overflowing with many great attractions, beaches and hotspots, and the country is also rich in culture, authentic food and music. So how can you explore the US when you’re on a budget? Here are some travel hacks to help you cut costs…

travel

Planning to travel? Here’s how to save money on your adventures

Everyone dreams of travelling around the world at some point but unfortunately, it can become quite expensive. Don’t worry – there are plenty of travel hacks that can help you save money and enjoy a better travelling experience. Here are 3 tips to get you started:

Money Saving Tips

7 Spending lessons we can learn from the way we used to shop

If you’ve been getting into a pickle with your spending in recent years, it’s not your fault. The ways in which we’re encouraged to shop these days has changed SO much that it’s no surprise we’re struggling. Discount codes, saved baskets, flash sales, online-only, virtual products, and one-click ordering makes the shopping process fast, impulsive and, sometimes, mindless. Which is why I’ve looked back at the ways we used to shop pre-internet to discover some lessons that we can use today to take control of our shopping habits…

Home buying

How to sell your home the thrifty way (without an estate agent)

If you’re thinking of moving house but the costs of selling via an estate agent are putting you off, why not consider selling your home yourself? Did you know that it’s possible to do all the photography, listings, viewings and negotiating yourself and not have to pay a penny to an estate agent? Today’s blog post will walk you through the process…

STYLE ON A SHOESTRING

4 Affordable fashion items that you’re going to need all year round

If you’re heading out to the high street this weekend, this could be your chance to complete your wardrobe with items that you’ll need all year round. Here’s a shopping list of three essential fashion pieces that won’t cost much, but can be used A LOT…

DIY

5 Ways to reduce heating costs during those ‘in-between’ months

Winter may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean you’re ready to fling open all the windows yet! There may still be a few more weeks of cold days (and even colder nights) to come. But heating your home during the bitter chilly winter months shouldn’t cost your entire monthly budget and there are lots of ways you can save money on your home heating. Here are five tips to help you to maintain your radiators AND save money on heating costs while keeping your house warm and cosy…

Home buying

3 ways to revamp what you already have to create a decor you love

If you’ve lived in your home for a considerable amount of time, you might be considering giving it a fresh new look. However, if you don’t have the budget, you might be putting it off until you can afford it. Thankfully, there are tons of really beautiful renovation projects you can do on a budget, so here are three ways that you can make an impact in your home without spending a small fortune…

Special Occasions

6 Simple yet effective ways to save big on the cost of your wedding

Weddings are rarely budget-friendly and more often than not, both the bride and groom end up spending a fortune on their big day. However, if you plan in advance, every wedding is filled with a multitude of cost saving opportunities. Here, are 6 tips to help you save big on your wedding costs…

Money Saving Tips

5 Simple and super low-cost ways maintain your vehicle this winter

Cars are incredibly expensive investments. While many of us scrape enough money together just to purchase the things, subsequent costs follow; insurance tariffs, repair costs and maintenance fees. Here are 5 handy ways you can cheaply maintain your car.

HOME DIY

My freelance life: Why working from home can save you money

Other than an improved work-life balance, working from home has many benefits – and the extra money in your pocket is a big incentive. If you were to work out how much money you spend going to the office each day, you would be amazed. Allow me to throw some figures at you…

DIY

5 Ways to make your rental property warmer & more efficient

Now that the cold winter months have arrived it’s time to make sure our homes are warm and cosy. Landlords now have to make sure their properties are more energy efficient – good news for us renters as it could save us valuable pounds! Here are a few DIY jobs you could do to make your rental home a little toastier…

Festive

How to cut the cost of a Christmas stocking in half

Did you know that the average cost of a Christmas stocking adds up to over £70? Sounds like a lot doesn’t it? That’s why I jumped at the chance to cut this cost by half and share the results of my Christmas stocking haul with you today. Plus, you can win all the items in my retro stocking in my giveaway below so read on to enter the competition…

Cruelty-free Life

5 Easy (money-saving!) ideas to make your home and life more sustainable

Everyone wants to do their little bit to help the environment and there are so many effective, yet simple changes that could be done around the house that could help the world become more sustainable. Here are just 5 great ideas that you could do on a day-to-day basis that will really contribute to a better planet. Oh, and some of them will even save you some money too..!

Special Occasions

3 Things you really shouldn’t scrimp on for your thrifty Autumn wedding

Even though it may seem like your autumn wedding means endless spending, really there are only THREE wedding components that are worth investing money in. If you prioritise these three areas when setting your budget, everything else will naturally fall into place – without the need to spend a fortune on every little detail..!

Special Occasions

How to save money on your engagement ring

If you’re happily coupled up and are starting to look at engagement rings, this is the blog post for you! The trouble with engagement and wedding rings is that the price tag is often way beyond our reach. I mean, would you rather spend money on the ring, or the wedding itself, or your future together? There are many types of rings out there, all priced differently, so which is the right one for you – and for your budget too?

Money Saving Tips

5 Money saving tips for going away travelling

It does cost money to go travelling but not as much as you might think, especially if you apply these 5 thrifty travelling tips that will help you to see the world on a budget..!

Money Saving Tips

Getting to grips with smart technology in my home

I know I’m probably way behind everyone else in saying this but I’ve never tried any smart home devices. So, when EDF Energy gave me the chance to try out an Echo Dot this month, I was excited to get started. In today’s blog post I’m letting you know how I got on and whether I intend to turn my house into a smart home anytime soon…

THRIFTY LIVING

How to buy a new handbag without breaking the bank

I was watching How to Shop Well for Less last week and couldn’t believe how much it’s possible to spend on a handbag! I’ve never spent more than £15, I’m sure! But maybe I’m the exception and many people might not be able to find the bag of their dream on a budget. Here are some ways to shop while staying thrifty…

Money Saving Tips

Simple ways to find more money for your savings

If you’ve been saving for something special lately, or you simply want to make sure that you have some emergency savings in place for a rainy day, the following tips will help you to find more money for your future…

Festive

Making your money go further this Christmas

The decorations and mince pies are already on sale in many shops around the UK now and, with the nights starting to draw in, thoughts turn to Christmas. And also to the expense associated with the festive season, which for some is a stressful time of year. Here’s how to plan your budget ahead and keep yourself feeling happy about ‘the most wonderful time of the year’…

Hen parties

Expert tips: How to save money on your hen weekend

A hen party is a once in a lifetime celebration – and you need to make sure that the hen do kitty stretches the entire weekend (those cocktails aren’t going to buy themselves, are they?). I spoke to stag and hen party planning experts, Last Night of Freedom, to get an insight into their top tips for saving money on your hen weekend. Here’s what they said:

Money Saving Tips

5 Occasions when you really should read the small print

The world is full of small print and terms and conditions. They ping up when you update your apps and they’re on the back of your bank statements. I bet there are many times when you just don’t read the details and simply accept the terms – they’re just stopping you from doing what you went online to do anyway, right?? Nonetheless, there are some terms and conditions that you simply must read before diving in head first, so here are a few key times when you should check the details… 

Money Saving Tips

5 Tips to make your printer ink last longer

It’s the little light that fills us all with dread. Today, an inkjet printer might be cheap to buy, but it almost seems cheaper to throw it away and buy a new one that to put in new ink cartridges! Printers can have a thirst that is downright scary, particularly if you use your for printing out photos or artwork with any kind of regularity – here’s some tips for making your ink cartridges last longer…

DIY

Thrifty decorating tips from DIYDirect.com

Today I’ve teamed up with online DIY retailer DIYDirect.com to give you some advice when it comes to decorating – and in particular, how you can be as thrifty as possible in your project…

Beauty

3 Ways to save money on beauty and cosmetics

Great news! Your beauty and cosmetic routines do not have to consist of costly, overpriced products and procedures. I’ve been blogging about cruelty-free beauty for a few years now and I’ve found that it’s not only an ethical way to shop, but it’s also cost-effective too. That said, you don’t have to splash out for named brands and special formulas when you can DIY some beauty items and get a discount on the rest. Here are a few tips on how you can save money whilst still looking good…

THRIFTY LIVING

How much is your lifestyle costing you? (+ ways to save!)

Whatever you spend your money on — whether you head to a coffee shop on a morning during your commute or like to have a few drinks on the weekend; your lifestyle could be costing you quite a bit. Today I’m sharing some research by paper coffee cups retailer, Inn Supplies that details just how much your everyday purchases may be costing you…

HOME DIY

Using texture, colour & light to create ambience in your home

Having your own space is important, but how it makes you feel when you’re at home is even more crucial. From pendant lights to cosy furnishings, adding the softer touches to your interior design can help to create a room with character, atmosphere and a mood. Here’s a few ideas for adding that all-important ambience to your home when you’re on a budget…

LOW-COST RECIPES

Guest post: 4 Quick, easy and low-cost homemade baby food recipes

When your baby makes the big transition to eating solid foods, it’s an exciting time and they should enjoy trying out new tastes and textures. Here’s how to create some delicious homemade dishes for your little one at a fraction of the price of ready-made meals.

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