Living on a budget doesn’t mean giving up everything you love. It’s all about being smart with your money, so you can still enjoy life without the stress.
Saving money can feel tough, but with just a few small tweaks, you can easily save money each month without sacrificing comfort.
Here are 10 easy hacks to help you cut back without feeling deprived.
1. Cut back on takeaways and eating out
Ordering a takeaway or dining out can quickly drain your wallet. Instead of a weekly takeaway, why not try cooking at home?
You don’t need to be a gourmet chef—simple home-cooked meals are often cheaper and way healthier.
The key here is meal planning.
Plan out your meals for the week, make a shopping list, and stick to it. This way, you avoid those impulse buys that add up.
If you usually spend £20-£30 a week on takeaways, cooking at home could save you around £80-£120 a month.
2. Switch to own-brand products
Most store brands are just as good as name-brands. You could save up to 50% just by switching, but don’t rush—try them out first to make sure they hold up.
Whether it’s pasta, cereal, or cleaning supplies, switching to store brands can save you a lot.
It might take some getting used to, but your bank account will thank you. This little change could easily save you £20-£50 a month, depending on how many branded products you buy.
3. Switch to a cheaper phone plan
We all need a phone, but do we need to spend £50-£70 a month on it?
There are plenty of budget-friendly SIM-only plans that offer tons of data, calls, and texts for way less.
Take a look at your current plan—if you’re paying for extras like unused data or apps, you could save £20-£40 a month by switching.
4. Review subscriptions and memberships
Are you still using all those subscriptions you’re paying for? Think about your gym membership, streaming services, apps with monthly fees, and any other subscriptions that you could live without.
If you go through your direct debits and cancel a few (or share some with family), you could easily save £30-£50 a month—or more if you’re paying for several services.
5. Use public transport or liftshare
If you’re driving daily, the costs of fuel, parking, and maintenance can add up.
Consider taking public transport or liftsharing with a colleague or friend. It’ll cut down on fuel costs, parking fees, and wear-and-tear on your car.
If you normally spend £150-£200 on transport, switching to cheaper options could save you £50-£100 every month.
6. 6. Buy in bulk
Buying in bulk can save you a lot of money on everyday items, especially non-perishables and household goods.
Things like toilet paper, pasta, rice, and cleaning supplies are usually much cheaper in larger quantities.
Check out bulk-buy deals or warehouse clubs to stock up on items you use regularly. This could save you £30-£50 a month, depending on what you’re buying.
7. Reduce utility bills
Take a look at your gas, electricity, and water bills—small changes can add up.
For example, turning off lights when you leave a room, using energy-efficient bulbs, or lowering your thermostat by a degree or two can make a difference.
Switching to a cheaper energy supplier could also save you quite a bit. While there aren’t as many deal around as there used to be, they are sometimes out there.
Some people save up to £100 a year just by comparing rates!
8. Try DIY and upcycling
Instead of buying new stuff, why not try fixing or repurposing what you already have?
Upcycling furniture, clothes, or even home decor is not only fun but also a great way to save money.
Even small repairs—like fixing a leaky tap or sewing up a hole in your favourite shirt—can save you money on professional services or new items.
This could easily save you £10-£50 a month.
9. Cut back on impulse buys
Impulse buying is a huge cause of overspending. If you find yourself buying things you don’t need, try setting a budget for non-essential purchases.
Before buying anything, ask yourself: “Do I really need this?” and “Can I afford it right now?”
Setting a monthly spending limit for things like clothes or gadgets could save you £50-£100 a month.
You can use that money for savings or paying off debt instead!
10. Shop smart: Use coupons, apps and discounts
Before you buy something, always check for discounts, promo codes, or sales.
Plenty of websites and apps offer great deals, and many stores have seasonal sales. No need to wait for Black Friday—checking for discounts regularly can save you a lot.
By planning your purchases around sales or using loyalty points, you could save £20-£50 a month without much effort.
Apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Fetch Rewards let you earn money back when you shop.
Plus, you can combine several apps to boost your savings—great for both grocery runs and online shopping.
Bonus tip: Automate your savings
One of the easiest ways to save money is by setting up an automatic transfer to your savings account every month.
Treat it like a bill you pay automatically, and don’t even think about it.
Start small—maybe £50 or £100 a month—and gradually increase it as you get more comfortable. This way, you’ll save without even trying.
Saving while living
Living frugally doesn’t mean giving up the things you enjoy.
With these 10 simple hacks, you could easily save up to £500 a month without feeling like you’re missing out.
By being mindful of where your money’s going and making a few small changes, you’ll notice a big difference in your bank account.
If you’re working toward paying off debt or saving for something important, these tips can help you get there faster.
Remember, frugal living is all about making smarter choices—not about cutting back on your quality of life.
With a bit of planning and some discipline, you’ll see that saving money doesn’t have to be a chore. Start now, and you’ll see the results in no time!
