With your ducks neatly in a row and a budget set out for the month, you should now know how much money you have left to play with.  Before you starts spending, be sure to pay yourself first. This is where a savings account alongside your day-to-day spending account can come in handy. 

By moving your money straight out of your current account into your savings on pay day, you’ll help to eliminate any temptation to spend what you really want to save. This way, you’re guaranteed to save a little bit each month and only focus on spending what you have left. You’ll also have the option to move more money over at a later date too if you’ve not needed it.

The 50/30/20 Rule
Try the 50/30/20 method to start saving money quickly. This means 50% of your salary should be spent on essentials like rent/mortgage, bills etc. Whilst, 30% of your income is reserved for the things you want, like meals out or new clothes and the remaining 20% goes straight into your savings account.

If you’re doing all that you can to take care of your finances but not noticing much of a change, try to think outside the box. You may be surprised to learn that many current account providers will give you up to £200 by simply switching your account to them. It’s usually a quick and easy process that takes no longer than a week. You may also find that many accounts come with better incentives and perks that suit your lifestyle.

When it comes to the weekly big shop, many families are subconsciously hooked on branded goods - from cereal and coffee to big brand toilet rolls and cleaning products. With the average household food spending approximately £114 per week, there is no better time to get smarter with what you buy.  

You can quickly shrink your spending at the supermarket by selecting own brand goods. If you’re feeling sceptical that your taste buds may not appreciate the change, simply start with the smaller things and work your way up. Why not have some fun with it and fool your family with a blind taste test? You may be surprised by the results.

From childcare costs and healthcare plans to pension schemes with perks, there are a number of different costs that can be eased by your employer. According to employee benefits partner, Enjoy Benefits, if a basic tax rate payer is spending £1,000 on monthly childcare costs, they can receive £3,028 using a workplace nursery scheme.

If you haven’t had the time to check these out make sure you do, you may be surprised at the benefits available.