How has Kirsty Been Saving?

Posted on 21. Mar, 2010 by Kirsty in Blog, Saving

Saving is meant to be pretty easy, cut out on all the un-necessaries right? But which things are really unnecessary?  I know I spend a lot of money every month on clothes, food and drink (not so much on handbags and shoes).  But I didn’t think all of were these really unnecessary.

So for a few months I tried to keep track of my outgoings and was a little shocked just how much some of the little things were eating into my monthly spend.  After a lot of deliberation and some coaxing, I decided that I could:

1. Live with my parents – this was a difficult decision; after three years of independent university life I didn’t really want to move back to parents.  However the lure of free food and the promise of some peace and quiet to complete my final year won against my freedom.
2. Cut down on going out – as a university student this is a big part of my life, fortunately I am coming to the end of my course, so less money means that I can concentrate on my work…. (watch this space to see if this works)…..
   
   

   One of my favourite restaurants

3. Stop eating out – I love eating out but since January I have completely cut back.  I’m on a fitness drive so I have two reasons to stop, this should have an effect on my bank balance and my waistline.
4. Stop buying so many dresses, clothes, scarves – I have a little obsession with dresses and scarves!  I’ve tried to cut this to once every few months, but it’s pretty difficult
5. Make my own lunch – I never considered lunch as eating out but it’s amazing how many £2.99 meal deals add up
6. Stop getting waxed - £45 every month used to go on waxing. I now epilate at home which gives me the same results
7. Stop getting my hair cut – I used to do this once every six weeks, but I have decided to embrace the travel way of life early and haven’t cut my hair since before Christmas. Surprisingly I haven’t really seen much difference.
8. Pay off my credit card – I only have one credit card, but it is amazing how it slowly builds up.  I waited until the introductory interest free rate was over and paid it off.  This means that now anything I save can go in the travel fund.
9. Reduced my phone contract - I used to use my phone a lot! Now, however I try and keep in contact other ways like emailing or making pc to pc calls. I like these methods as they are completely free, so have cut my phone bill considerably. You can use it for making international calls as well. The only disadvantage is that you have to decide the time for the call with your loved ones unlike with mobile calls

Since I started cutting back, I have replaced my shopping habit with researching and window shopping anything and everything for travel, ranging from backpacks to travel pants! (I’m not even planning to buy most of the stuff!)

A dress I would really like

Another way I have cut back on spending is thinking how much the item would get me whilst travelling. For example I have found a really really really nice £50 dress, but I have resisted by thinking how many days I could travel with this money.

I have also found that as the trip is nearing I am able to cut down even further, knowing that within months I will be doing something I have been planning for last 18months.

Check out how Poi had been saving

So my saving pot is looking pretty healthy five months to go…. how about yours? What would you add to the above?

Tags: planning, tips