Woman's top money-saving tips including 'no spend January' will see her put away £600
A woman has shared her top tips for saving money including a 'no spend January', which will save her up to £600 this month alone.
Sophie Bradbury, 24, from Brighton, East Sussex, says she has committed to saving her family "hundreds of pounds a month" by making small changes to her spending habits.
She believes the start of a year is a crucial time for people to make financial changes and set saving goals.
The mum-of-one is taking part in 'no spend January' - a money-saving challenge which sees people cutting out all non-essential spending.
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Those taking part are only allowed to spend money on their rent or mortgage, bills, food shopping, transport, emergencies and medication.
This means non-essentials such as takeaways, eating out, shopping, drinks out, furniture and tickets for days out must be completely scrapped for the month.
Some of Bradbury's other top tips are to go through subscriptions and cancel, or pause anything that isn't vital.
She also recommends deleting all shopping apps, and instead of automatically buying something you want she suggests writing it down in a 'want' list.
Bradbury is sharing her money-saving journey on social media, and says she expects to put away £600 this month - which she will spend on a family holiday later in the year.
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"I looked at our spending and we were spending hundreds on things we don't need to," the full-time mum and blogger explains. "Before I started budgeting, I wouldn't even look at what I was spending, as I was scared, but now I look where every penny's going, and I save hundreds."
She says 'no spend January' is about encouraging everyone to try to save money, make money or even just declutter a bit to facilitate that. "I've made a calendar of tasks to do every day," she continues. "And although it's just one month, it can make a huge difference and set you up for a good year."
Bradbury - who started sharing financial advice online earlier this year - plans free activities for weekends to fight spending temptation.
She keeps the family busy with nature walks, fakeaways, and DIY spa nights.
Although you're allowed to spend on petrol, Bradbury cuts down on using her car for the month - walking to post parcels instead of driving, despite doubling the time it takes with her two-year-old son in tow.
Her most helpful tip is to make your family and friends aware of the challenge to get them on board and ensure they don't pressure you into breaking the no spend rule.
The blogger - otherwise known as the Millennial Mumma - adds: "It takes the pressure off and stigma away. You can also find fun ways to do things together."
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Other important saving tips, she suggests, include meal planning, selling unwanted clothes in your wardrobe and completing online surveys.
"A lot of things these things people might not have thought to do before, but they can make such a difference," she explains.
Above all, she advises keeping track of where every penny goes in a spreadsheet. "If you carry this on throughout the year you can save money and spend it on things you really want," she adds.
Bradbury's top money-saving tips
1. Keep a spreadsheet to track every penny
2. Meal plan
3. Tell your friends and family about the challenge to get them on board
4. Make a 'want list' instead of buying things
5. Double check and cancel subscriptions - even if you just pause them
6. Walk more rather than drive to save petrol
7. Plan fun, free activities
8. Sell clothes online to declutter and make some extra money
Additional reporting SWNS.
