Piggy banks are not just the cute pig-shaped money jars for kids. Piggy banking is also a system of dividing your money into different ‘pots’, or accounts. It is also known as "jam jar accounting" or "the envelope method". Each pot represents a different aspect of your life you need money for. So, for example, you might have one account for your most important bills such as the mortgage or … [Read more...]
Budgeting & Savings
Good budgeting is the cornerstone of dealing with debts. The basics are covered in Top tips for simple & realistic budgeting that works.
If your debts aren't out of control but you want to pay them off as quickly as possible, taking control of what you spend will help you get there faster.
And having some savings will make it easier to stick to a budget month after month, rather than having a crisis every time an unexpectedly large expense happens.
7 ways to save – which will be the easiest for you?
Do you find it hard or impossible to save? many people feel they ought to be able save but always fail when they try. others are saving for a big goal but not as fast as they want. if you are struggling with money, you may desperately want a small emergency savings pot to make life a bit less stressful. There isn't a simple answer - no way is easy for everyone. What works for one … [Read more...]
Top tips for simple & realistic budgeting that works
You need something that puts you in control of your spending. Your grandparents used to budget using a pencil and paper. But they didn't have contactless cards and mobile bills and overdrafts and credit cards and takeaways... Now many people find it harder to budget and feel they have lost control. For a budget to make your life easier, it has to be simple, not time-consuming and … [Read more...]
A Money Detox – seven steps to improve your finances
Want to be better with money in 2019? If you eat and drank and sat on the sofa far too much over Christmas, you may be thinking of detoxing your body and making 2019 the year you get fit. A Money Detox is the same approach for your finances if your bank balance is looking sick and your credit cards bill looking bloated. You want to track and then reduce or get rid of the things that are … [Read more...]
Walking, yoga or run from the zombies? Cheap ways to get fit in 2019
Want to lose weight or get fit in 2019? Millions of people will have that as their main New Year's Resolution. Don't rush out join a gym... It's the most expensive of all the options and most people give up after a few weeks. Here are some suggestions, all free or low cost. The aim is to spend as little as possible until you find out what will suit you and fit with your life. Walk your way … [Read more...]
Sales bargains – 7 top tips avoiding the bad buys!
How do you spot the real bargains and avoid buying things you will later regret? The human brain is very good at processing lots of information fast by grabbing hold of important facts early on and letting them dominate decisions. That was perfect when we were out hunting for food and living in caves, but in a shopping mall or online it can go badly wrong! Lots of shouty Sale signs and money … [Read more...]
Expensive school uniforms and other school costs
Affording school uniforms can be very difficult for any parents on low incomes - if you are in debt it can be a nightmare. A Citizens Advice survey found that a quarter of all parents have to borrow money to afford uniforms. This isn't just a financial problem. Children who aren't wearing "the right uniform" are at risk of being stigmatised or bullied. Government is making the right … [Read more...]
Squirrel – a clever approach to budgeting
Do you have money problems because you get paid at different times to when your bills need paying? Or does your pay burn a hole in your pocket so you can't save? Here are some typical things I hear: "I get paid every 4 weeks and it's hard to make sure money is in the account when monthly direct debits come out"; "We spend too much at the start of the month and have nothing left for the … [Read more...]
Apps that help you budget or save money
Here is my pick of apps and other #FinTech (Financial Technology) products that help you budget and save if you live in the UK. They are aimed at people who are short of money. It doesn't include apps getting you to invest in the stock market. But if every month is a struggle, you find it hard to manage on the money you have, leave enough in your account to pay the bills and have a small … [Read more...]
2 apps that make it simple and painless to save
Should you have money left each month but it just seems to vanish? If you are paying off debts, you may still want to put a bit aside so it's easier to cope with unexpected problems. This article looks at Chip and Plum, two apps that take the hard work out of saving. They move small amounts that you won't miss from your bank account into a savings account several times a month. I like them … [Read more...]