While the My Thrifty Life website is a handy resource for money-saving and finance tips, it has also always been a place where I can share my own saving plans and life updates. So, when I read a new study on insights into the generational finance gap, I knew I wanted to discuss those findings with you and try to understand the results myself.

The survey was conducted by MoneyPlus, the advice and support service for individuals in the UK seeking financial aid. They asked three different age groups – Generation X (aged 45-60), Millennials (aged 29-44) and Generation Z (aged 18-28) – about how they approach their finances, specifically in relation to four key areas: holidays, retirement, lifestyle and debt.

The survey showed a good level of financial responsibility across all demographics, with over 60% stating that they have an emergency fund for unexpected costs and life changes. Many of the financial pressures fairly equal across age groups too, with each generation experiencing similar worries about debt, retirement and how to pay for the things they need.

Here’s a bit more of a deep dive into the results and some surprising insights for the future…

Generation X

Rather than confirming the belief that older generations have fewer financial pressures and more disposable income, it suggested that Generation X may be the most financially strained. I’ve been guilty of assuming that earnings increase as you age, and with that comes the ability to pay off a mortgage, grow a savings pot, plan for retirement and be financially stable.

However, the statistics show that many in this demographic have had to forego holidays and have less disposable income while paying university fees for their older children, helping them to get on the property ladder or spending on care for elderly relatives. So many extra expenses that I hadn’t considered but that certainly come into play between the ages of 45-60.

Many are not prepared for leaving the workforce, with 74% of Generation X saying they were worried about their financial situation in retirement, which is 1% more than Millennials. I’d assumed that it was just my time of life that people began worrying about pension planning so it was a surprise to hear that the 45+ bracket are just a stressed by impending retirement as I am!

Plus, even though many Gen X-ers have an emergency fund, almost 50% also have debts. The statistic that interested me in the debt and savings categories is that this generation seems to be really open with their partners about their finances, rarely hiding debts from their partners or keeping a stash of savings.

I personally like this approach to finances within a couple; my husband and I have always had a joint account and joint savings and made joint repayments if we owed anything. It’s only in the past couple of years that we’ve opened separate ISAs and pensions but we still split our joint savings equally between these accounts. I enjoy being completely financially equal with my partner but I know it doesn’t feel like the right approach for everyone – maybe we’re just bring a Generation X vibe (learnt from our parents) to our relationship.

Millennials

I was most interested to read about the survey results for Millennials because that’s the age bracket I fall into. I think the campaign is a pretty good reflection of how life is for me and many of my friends and family members. So, the results were reassuring, yet offered insights into improving our financial situations for the future.

As I’ve just mentioned above, the statistics around debt and savings confirmed that my husband and I are not necessarily doing finances the same way as others in our age group. Millennials are most likely to have savings and debts that they hide from their partner although, of course, many in this age group many not yet be married or have joint financial commitments like a family or mortgage.

Even though there didn’t seem to be significant differences between the ways that Millennials manage their money compared to the other age groups, the results showed they are the group most likely to rely on inheritance to improve their future finances and retirement. An interesting lesson to take away from this campaign is therefore to try to start saving and not have to rely on a future windfall, as it’s not guaranteed.

Having been self-employed my whole career, I hadn’t considered starting a pension until a few years ago. I’m sure I’m far behind my employed peers but at least I’m saving something. The saying goes that the best time to start investing (or start a pension) is yesterday (!) and the second best time is today, so the sooner you get started, the better your financial future will look.

I’ve previously shared some unusual ways to save for retirement so be sure to check that out too.

Generation Z

It was interesting to see how social pressures and social media affect the finances of the younger generation however, they were not the only ones to be influenced by these aspects. Sure, they’re more likely to spend more on holidays (influenced by beautiful photos and adverts on social media perhaps?) but the statistics show that they’re about level with Millennials in terms of using buy-now-pay-later options for shopping.

Likewise, they feel similar pressure as Millennials to spend money on their friends’ milestones, such as a baby shower, wedding or a hen party holiday. It seems that whenever a friend has something to celebrate both Gen-Zs and Millennials will be there to join the party and make it special.

While that’s a fabulous way to be in terms of friendship, it seems to be hitting their bank balances hard. So, an insight from the campaign that might help is to sacrifice your own holiday if you’ve got a hen-do or stag party coming up and spend your holiday fund on a going away with your friends instead. That way, you’ve still spent the same money rather then it costing extra on top of your usual vacation.

Last, the thing I found most surprising about Generation Z is that they were the group least likely to have debts and most likely to feel comfortable with their financial situation. This confidence might be linked to having fewer responsibilities at the moment but, if they are able to keep up the good work and start saving for retirement now, they’ll be the most well-off and stable of all generations in the future. Good on them!

Top takeaways

• Seek financial advice from a free debt help service if you’re struggling at any time of life
• Pay off debts to minimise future financial commitments
• Start saving an emergency fund now
• Begin contributing to a pension if you’re not already
• Don’t rely on inheritance for your retirement – save as much as you can now to minimise financial pressure in retirement
• Share your financial situation with your partner, especially if you need help
• Forego your vacation if you’d rather spend your holiday fund on celebrating a friend’s milestone

I hope this little overview of the ‘The Generational Gap of Finances’ study has helped you to think about your own financial situation and any changes you would like to make over the coming years. In the comments below please let me know which results you identify with the most, I’d love to hear how you’re tackling your personal finances or making changes to your situation.

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Legal family matters can quickly become expensive, with the solicitor’s hourly rate, paperwork fees, court costs, and administrative charges adding up faster than expected. But at some stage, we’ll probably all need to contact a solicitor to help with things like buying a home, inheritance planning and future-proofing our finances.

Plus, when facing difficult family situations such as divorce, child custody arrangements, or other family law issues, many people worry about the financial burden almost as much as the emotional one. Finding affordable legal support is often a top priority during these already stressful times.

Navigating the legal system without breaking the bank requires careful planning and a strategic approach. From choosing the right family law office to preparing efficiently for consultations, there are several ways to manage costs without compromising on quality legal advice. Knowing which services you truly need and which options are most cost-effective can make a noticeable difference to your budget.

With proper knowledge and preparation, it’s possible to handle family legal matters without facing financial hardship. Taking time to research local family law offices, compare fee structures and review other support options can lead to substantial savings while still ensuring legal rights are properly protected.

Let’s get started…

The Hidden Costs of Family Legal Proceedings

Family legal matters often come with surprising expenses that catch many individuals unprepared. For example, Land Registry fees usually cost a minimum of £100+, while filing for divorce costs £593 in court fees alone. That’s before a solicitor even gets involved, with the overall cost rising significantly once legal advice is added. Solicitor services can cost several thousand pounds, especially when involving property or children.

No matter what legal advice you need – for the good times or the difficult – traditional solicitors often charge hourly rates between £200 and £240, which can quickly add up over the course of a case. Choosing a firm that offers lower hourly rates or fixed-fee services can help keep costs under control. Some firms provide rates as low as £90 per hour for certain services.

Many local family law offices typically use hourly billing models. A case that continues for months might cost thousands more than expected. Each phone call, email and meeting adds to the bill. In this instance, lack of preparation often directly results in higher costs so getting organised from the start can save hundreds of pounds – here’s how:

How to Prepare Documents to Reduce Billable Hours

Gathering the right documents before the first meeting with a solicitor can save significant amounts of time and therefore money. Better organisation means the solicitor can spend their time working on processing your application rather than wasting time sorting through documents and requesting more information.

Digital organisation makes sharing information easier and cheaper. Free resources from Citizens Advice and court websites offer templates for organising documents. These templates help ensure you have all necessary paperwork ready before your first consultation.

Document Checklist for Different Family Law Scenarios

Different family law situations require specific documents:

• For property issues, documents like house valuation reports, up-to-date mortgage statements and written records about additional assets are needed at the outset. This helps the solicitor progress without delays or repeat requests.
• When preparing for financial discussions, bringing along paperwork that shows recent banking activity, details about pensions, records showing mortgages and payslips is essential. Keeping these documents on hand means the solicitor will not waste time contacting banks or pension providers later.
• For family issues, creating a clear timeline of important events related to the case helps solicitors grasp the details quickly. A chronology with key dates and your marriage certificate, children’s birth certificates and any other significant events can cut the consultation time significantly.
• For divorce proceedings, necessary items include marriage certificates, proof of address, financial statements and identification documents. Having these ready before contacting solicitors saves time during initial consultations.
• Child arrangement cases require additional paperwork. School records, medical information and a detailed schedule of current care arrangements are essential. A proposed parenting plan showing how childcare should work going forward helps solicitors focus on legal strategy rather than basic information gathering.
• Financial disclosure is often the most time-consuming part of family law cases. Courts require a Form E for financial proceedings, which details all assets, income, and expenses. Many people find completing Form E challenging without professional support, but filling in the free template before seeing a solicitor can make a real difference.
• When making a will and putting inheritace plans in place, you’ll need to bring information on the money, property and belongings you have, the beneficiaries of the will, executors, any charities you wish to support, and guardianship details for children under 18. By the way, if you’re over 55 you might be able to take advantage of Free Wills Month to help with this.

Completing forms beforehand means the solicitor spends less time on paperwork, so clients only pay for review rather than full preparation, making this a practical step to keep expenses down.

Making the Most of Free Initial Consultations

Many family law solicitors offer free 30-minute consultations. To get the most out of this time you should bring a concise summary of the situation and specific questions abut the costs and timelines – along with the most important documents, of course!

Asking about their experience with similar cases provides helpful information. The focus should be on learning about their approach, the likely outcomes and getting specific advice about next steps.

Preparing a list of the same questions for each solicitor allows for direct comparison of their approaches and fee structures. Noting how clearly they explain legal concepts and whether they seem to understand financial concerns provides helpful feedback.

Maximizing Value

Being direct about budget constraints from the beginning is important. The most helpful solicitors can adapt their services and suggest practical ways to keep costs manageable if they know about financial limitations. Some might suggest handling certain parts of the process independently with their guidance rather than offering only standard service options.

Discussing the structure and transparency of solicitor fees should come early in the conversation. Some family law offices offer fixed-fee packages for certain types of cases while others rely on traditional hourly rates. Knowing exactly what is included within a fixed-fee service can help avoid misunderstandings or surprise expenses later.

Plus, virtual consultations can provide the same legal support at a lower cost. Many family law offices now offer video meetings, saving on travel time and expenses. Some firms even offer reduced rates for virtual appointments since they require fewer office resources.

When to Consider Alternative Dispute Resolution

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods bring major cost savings compared to traditional court proceedings, so you might want to consider these options when you need legal assistance in the future.

Family mediation involves working with a neutral third party to reach agreements about children, finances, or property. The mediator helps both sides communicate effectively. Most cases require just 3-4 sessions, keeping costs predictable and manageable.

Mediation typically costs between £300 and £1,500 total, while court cases often run from £5,000 to £30,000 or more. This price difference alone makes ADR worth considering.

Collaborative law is another more affordable approach. Both parties and their solicitors sign an agreement to work together without going to court. This process typically costs £4,000-£8,000 total, compared to £10,000-£20,000 for contested court proceedings.

Family arbitration is an option between mediation and court. An arbitrator makes a binding decision like a judge would, but the process is faster and less formal. Costs usually range from £3,000-£6,000, saving both time and money compared to court.

I hope this article will help you to save some money associated with solicitor costs the next time you’re buying a property, making financial arrangments or resolving a family matter. Let me know in the comments below if you’ve got any tips for making the process smoother and more cost-effective, I’d love to learn from your experiences.

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If you’re running an independent business or are a side-hustling sole trader, today’s article is for you. There are so many things you can do to help your company become more sustainable or operate more safely, so have a read through these quick tips to help you make an instant impact on your expenses and your environmental footprint.

Adopting environmentally friendly processes can also help you to cut costs in the long term, so it’s worth investigating whether any of these ideas will help you to save money and boost your profits. Let’s go..!

Safe and sustainable storage

I’m not talking about the complexities of personal data storage in this instance, as there are rules on data protection that you must follow if you’re handling the personal information of staff and customers. I’m simply talking about making your correspondence and records paperless as an environmentally friendly and space-saving solution.

Taking a digital approach to storing your small business records significantly reduces your physical storage needs, potentially saving your company the cost of purchasing filing cabinets or storage boxes while making documents instantly retrievable from any device.

This limits the amount of paper and ink used when printing documents, saving you money and minimising paper usage, making your business more sustainable.

Plus, when documents remain properly categorised and accessible in a digital library, you can check them at a glance, which may help you avoid making duplicate purchases and minimise missed deadlines.

A streamlined paper-to-digital workflow is straightforward. First, scan paper documents using a smartphone camera or scanner. Even better, opt for paperless invoices and contracts so all you’re doing is downloading a PDF rather than printing anything. Then, organise these PDF files into clearly labelled folders with ultra-secure back-ups.

When it comes to working with your digital paperwork, you’ll need to convert PDF files into editable Word documents. Previously, this used to mean downloading sketchy software (not at all safe for your business) or paying for expensive subscriptions. But if you’re looking to save both time and money, this Adobe tool offers a practical and secure solution.

As the original creators of the PDF format, Adobe’s tool maintains the precise formatting of your documents during conversion, from fonts and images to tables and spacing. You can convert files straight from your web browser without creating an account, making it a handy option for quick document editing needs. The conversion process typically takes less than a minute, with no software installation required and no file size limitations for standard documents.

Work-related waste

While I don’t know what waste your specific area of business will create, I DO know that there are government guidelines on how companies should handle their waste and recycling.

These guidelines encourage businesses to keep their rubbish to a minimum through preventing, reusing and recycling waste. It’s also recommended that your company obtain waste transfer notes for anything business-related that’s disposed of.

It’s also essential to be extra careful when disposing of any data – whether that’s destroying paper records or the ‘data shredding’ of an old laptop used for your business. A professional friendly rubbish removal team can help with any kind of business waste, from old office furniture and used packaging to the safe disposal of IT equipment and computers.

Of course, the best way to handle waste is to avoid making any in the first place. While this may not be feasible if you’re physically creating products, why not rethink your processes to see if there’s a way that you can at least minimise the quantity of waste created during production or manufacturing?

Environmental ethos

Another factor to consider when choosing to adopt more environmentally-friendly practices in your small business or start-up is that it paints your company in a positive light.

Of course, that’s not the only reason to choose to minimise waste and reduce your consumption of office consumables, but it certainly helps: the WWF found that employees want to work for an organisation that has a positive impact on the planet. Plus, sharing your ethos establishes trust with your customers and sets a standard for other companies in your industry.

And as always, it can save you money; I recently wrote about ways to take control of your business energy expenses, which included a list of ideas to become more energy efficient in your business and how to use smart meters to manage costs. Approaching every area of your business with a sustainable ethos not only minimises your environmental impact but reduces your outgoings too.

I hope these ideas have helped you to consider adopting some sustainable practices in your business, whether you’re working alone as a sole trader or have grown to a mid-sized company. Let me know what eco-friendly or money-saving elements you already use in your indie business, I’d love to hear your energy-saving or waste-reducing hacks in the comments section below.

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It may not seem obvious but the warmer seasons are often the best time to repair and insulate our homes in preparation for the cold weather. However, we rarely think of heating and insulation during those balmy days – out of sight, out of mind, right?

So why is it a good time to tackle those tasks?

Let’s face it, there’s never a good time to be without heating, hot water or windows during the winter, is there? However, we often discover issues with these same elements once the summer is over and we start wanting to feel cosy in our homes.

That’s when we switch the heating back on and discover there’s a problem with the radiators, thermostat or boiler. It’s when we notice that cold chills are seeping in around our windows. And we find ourselves shivering while wishing that we’d thought to add more insulation before the attic became icy cold.

That’s why I’m starting to think about the things I can do to improve the heating and energy efficiency of my own home right now. I want to get a head start to make sure I will be cosy and comfortable during the coming autumn and winter.

Here are some things you can plan…

Avoid iciness with Internal insulation

When you got your Christmas decorations out of the loft, you probably noticed just how cold the air is in your loft. Likewise, you may have noticed condensation on the cold exterior walls of your home on chilly days

These are all factors you wouldn’t notice in the summer but will certainly feel the effects of in the winter. So, think back to what bothered you during those cold months and start to tackle those issues now.

It might be adding a thicker layer of insulation in your loft or you might wish to add internal wall insulation to your external walls to minimise heat loss and keep the cold weather at bay next winter. This is particularly useful for older buildings that don’t have cavity wall insulation and can just be applied to the cold exterior walls you have in your home.

I remember living in an apartment which was surrounded by other homes, so there was only one external wall and we were perfectly cosy there. However, now I’ve got three external walls so there’s more chance that heat can escape.

On the flip side, insulation helps to keep your house cooler in the summer. On those swelteringly hot days, your interior temperature will be more comfortable, so you’ll start to feel the benefit of having extra insulation straight away before the cold weather even comes!

Stay hot with heating

I’ve previously written about why the summer is the thriftiest time to update your heating system so be sure to have a read of that article too, as there are so many ways you can cut the maintenance and DIY costs if you address your heating system at this time of year.

These reasons for arranging repairs and upgrades during the sunny seasons combine with the fact that I wouldn’t want to be without functioning heating or a working boiler during the winter to make me believe that now is a great time to start researching those heating updates.

Win the winter with windows

I couldn’t believe it when I spotted my curtains rippling in the wind last winter – we had the windows fully closed and locked but there was still a draught coming in! Windy weather is certainly the enemy of my windows; they’re so old that they just can’t keep breezes at bay.

So, I know I’ll need to replace them – in fact, they’re on my renovation to-do list for this year. However, I don’t want to wait until the winter to do this as the house will be freezing cold while the windows are removed.

Plus, it’s probably much nicer for the installers to be working outside in good weather rather than the wind, rain or worse. I better crack on with my research if I want to get this project started this year, so watch this space!

Energy efficiency every day

All of these measures to improve my insulation, heating, boiler and windows are all going to contribute to a lowering of my energy bills. That’s because the house won’t take as long to warm up if the heating system is working efficiently and if all the draughts are excluded.

Plus, the insulation will help to keep the warmth locked in for longer, so I won’t need to have my heating on as often – that’s the real win here: being able to get through the winter without £100s of pounds being spent on energy bills.

By the way, I also got a Hive just before last winter and I found it very useful for setting up a heating routine that helped to save me some money. Plus, it has a setting that turns on your heating automatically when it falls below a temperature of 7 degrees, which helps to prevent your pipes from freezing if you’re out of the house when the icy weather comes, so that’s a handy safety measure too.

In summary, the sooner I start making these updates, the sooner I’ll start saving money on my bills every single year going forward and additionally, I’ll be so much more comfortable in my home during the colder months, so it makes total sense to me.

Let me know if you have any plans to update your heating or insulation etc and please let me know what time of year you’re planning to do the work. I’d love to hear your hacks for staying cosy this coming autumn and winter, so please leave me a comment below with your tips.

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Business utility prices have climbed due to increasing wholesale prices, market shifts, and supply chain issues. These rising expenses in gas and electricity directly affect profitability, especially if your business has high energy usage. So, for many indie business owners, managing energy expenses is a priority to help you save money.

One key approach is conducting a business energy comparison to find cost-effective deals. Comparing options allows you to select a supplier that offers lower gas bills, flexible contracts and better energy efficiency solutions. Plus, energy-saving strategies such as using smart meters, adjusting heating costs and optimising air conditioning can also help reduce your gas and electricity expenses.

If you’ve taken the leap to become your own boss and need to keep your business energy expenses under control, let’s explore the impact of rising utility prices and look at some actionable strategies for making savings, including supplier comparisons, contract negotiation tips and energy-efficient techniques.

Why business energy costs are rising and how it affects you

Energy prices are climbing due to several economic and market-related factors. For a start, wholesale prices have surged, affecting energy bills for both small and larger businesses. In the last five years, wholesale gas prices have increased by nearly 80%, forcing energy suppliers to pass the costs onto business customers.

Additionally, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical issues have made gas and electricity more expensive for homeowners and businesses alike. This will inevitably increase the financial burden on your running costs, which can make things difficult if you’re trying to launch and grow your small business.

Market prices also vary depending on contract agreements. Fixed-rate contracts help businesses secure a stable rate, while variable-rate contracts expose them to sudden price changes. Monitoring these trends and partnering with reliable energy brokers can help companies make informed decisions and avoid unexpected price hikes.

Larger bills make managing your cash flow harder and the impact is even more significant for those independent businesses that rely on gas heating, cooking or industrial processes. Without some cost-control strategies, these small businesses risk overspending and could even face closure if they can’t maintain profitability.

How to save money with business energy comparison

Just like when you plan your household expenses budget, it’s possible to make savings on your business bills too – and one of the best ways to save on gas and energy costs is through conducting a business energy comparison. Different energy suppliers offer varying rates, contract terms and benefits, so it’s essential to compare options before signing a deal.

Key factors to consider when comparing suppliers:

• Unit rates and standing charges – Some suppliers have hidden costs, so businesses must check the total price
• Contract length and flexibility – Short-term and long-term contracts impact cost stability
• Additional services – Some suppliers offer smart meters, efficient solutions, or gas and electricity bundles

Did you know there are ‘energy brokers’ available for business utilities? These brokers act as intermediaries, helping businesses find the best deals on gas and electricity. They have access to multiple energy suppliers and can negotiate better rates than businesses could on their own.

However, not all brokers are transparent and some charge hidden fees, increasing total costs. While brokers can provide valuable insights, you should always do your research to avoid overpaying; it may be possible that you can get a favourable rate just by switching to a better provider yourself, thereby reducing costs without any extra help.

Negotiating a better contract

Negotiating the contract for your small business energy supply can help you to save money. Before signing an agreement, you can analyse your own usage data to see exactly what you need. Also, check market trends and be ready to discuss pricing with multiple suppliers to allow them to ‘win’ the contract to supply your business.

Key negotiation strategies include:

• Reviewing the contract end date – Renewing a contract at the right time prevents businesses from being locked into high rates
• Leveraging multiple quotes – Comparing deals helps in securing better prices if suppliers try to ‘beat’ each other
• Discussing bulk discounts – Larger businesses with high gas usage may qualify for lower rates. Or perhaps you can get both electricity and gas from the same supplier for a reduced overall rate.

A well-negotiated contract ensures an independent business will be able to achieve stable costs so that the budget is balanced, which can help avoid unnecessary or unexpected bills.

How smart meters can help in managing costs

Smart meters provide real-time data on energy usage, helping businesses track and adjust their consumption patterns. This technology allows you to:

• Identify peak usage hours and adjust heating costs accordingly – only heat your business premises when it’s in use
• Avoid unexpected increases in bills through accurate monitoring – if you know what you’re using you can save the correct amount from your profits to pay the bill
• Improve energy efficiency by identifying wasteful practices – then you can make the changes needed to cut out those unnecessary costs

According to the UK Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, companies using smart meters have reduced their energy consumption by an average of 8%, resulting in long-term savings, so it’s worth taking a look at your smart meter when you’re planning your budget for bills.

Energy efficiency tips to reduce bills

Saving energy before you use it is one of the most effective ways to lower bills. Simple changes can significantly impact operating costs, such as:

• Insulating business premises – Proper insulation reduces heating costs by 15-25%
• Upgrading to efficient appliances – Switching to modern equipment can cut energy usage by 20%
• Implementing maintenance – Regular servicing ensures systems run efficiently, saving 5-10% on energy bills
• Energy efficient windows can keep warmth locked in and cut out draughts, keeping your heating bills lower in the winter
• Conduct regular business energy audits to identify wasteful consumption
• Optimise heating costs through smart thermostats that switch on and off automatically according to your requirements
• Reduce unnecessary energy usage on heating or lighting in non-essential areas
• Choosing smart bulbs that you can control remotely and adjust according to when and how you’re using the space
• Track energy bills monthly to catch any unusual increases

How Businesses Can Save on Gas Costs (Data-Based Savings Estimates)

Rising costs are a serious concern for entrepreneurs and small businesses, but you can take control of your energy expenses through careful planning. Comparing suppliers, negotiating contracts, using smart meters, and improving energy efficiency can all contribute to cost savings so taking proactive steps today can lead to long-term financial stability for your business.

I’ve previously shared some tips for launching and growing your own business so please have a read of that article to help you get started. Let me know in the comments section if you’ve been able to cut the running costs of your business. I’d love to hear your energy-saving hacks and budget-busting ideas so please do share them below.

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If you’re struggling to make ends meet in the cost-of-living crisis, you’re certainly not alone. However, please don’t despair – there are things you can do to quickly gather some much-needed cash and to cut the costs of your bills going forward.

Here are some smart ways you can incorporate into your day-to-day life that can significantly reduce your expenses, increase your income and set your family on a clear path to financial stability:

Consider Selling Your Car

Before diving into savings, let’s evaluate possible income options. Selling your car – or a second car within your family – can be a great option, especially if you no longer need it or can manage with alternative transportation. When selling your car online, be sure to list its full service history and recent repairs to attract serious buyers and secure the best price.

This could mean a difference of hundreds or even thousands of pounds, translating into a tidy profit for your family. Then, make sure you put that lump sum straight into your savings account – you want to feel the benefit of having a backup fund for emergencies, which will help you feel more financially secure.

Shop Savvy

It may not sound like a revolutionary idea, but shopping savvy can make a huge difference in your monthly outgoings. Start by planning meals and making shopping lists – this will help to prevent impulse buys and unnecessary spending.

It’s also always worth checking if there are any vouchers or discount codes available before making any purchase, be it groceries, clothing, or appliances. Many stores now have loyalty schemes or promotional offers, so take advantage and watch the savings mount up.

Scale Down and Declutter 

Often, we accumulate things that we do not urgently need or even use. Take some time to assess and declutter. This practice not only helps to keep your home organised but can also be profitable. Consider selling unwanted items on resale websites or local second-hand shops. Additionally, if you find you’re paying for services or subscriptions that you no longer use or need, it’s time to cancel those and pocket the savings.

Switch and Save 

Energy providers are constantly vying for your business, so why not use this to your advantage? Take time to review your current plans and see if there might be a cheaper provider available. The same goes for phone, internet, and insurance providers. Switching providers can be a simple way to save hundreds a year without reducing the level of service you receive.

Become Energy Efficient 

Being mindful of how much energy you use can result in considerable savings. Switch to energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs, insulate your home properly, and make sure to turn off the lights and unplug electronics when they are not in use. It’s a small change that makes a big difference in your utility bills.

DIY

If you have the skills and time, DIY can be a real money saver. From painting and decorating to basic home repairs and even sewing or knitting clothes, doing it yourself rather than hiring a professional or buying new can result in significant savings. 

Earn Extra Cash Online

Earning extra cash online has never been easier. Whether it’s freelance writing, graphic design, tutoring, transcribing, or even taking part in paid online surveys, there are countless opportunities to earn from the comfort of your own home. 

Super Savings

Implement the habit of saving regularly. It can be a small amount; the important thing is consistency. Consider a savings account that encourages everyday saving or an account with a competitive interest rate to boost your savings growth.

Regular Reviews 

Finally, review your finances regularly. It will help identify areas where you might be overspending and give you clarity on where adjustments need to be made. It will also enable you to see your progress and keep you motivated. Download my free budget planner to get your finances organised and keep them on track.

In conclusion, managing family finances made simple is all about being mindful of how you spend, exploring potential ways to earn and save more, and being proactive in monitoring your finances. By implementing these savvy ways, you can set your family on the path of financial stability and grow a healthy savings account for your family’s future.

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Many of us working in a 9-to-5 job sometimes daydream about what it would be like to be our own boss; to have the autonomy to make your own decisions about the work you do and the business you run. When you’ve got deadlines to meet and difficult customers to deal with, this thought can seem especially appealing!

And we may also imagine reaping all the benefits of owning a company, such as increased earnings and more flexible hours – even reducing the amount of time we spend working after setting up a business with passive income streams. Ahh, earning money while you sleep sounds lovely, doesn’t it?

So, if you want to escape your conventional job and become self-employed but don’t know what you want to do, here are some ideas:

Embrace existing businesses

You don’t have to start from scratch if you want to set up a company and be your own boss. There are other existing businesses out there that can do it for you through franchising.

This means your brand-new company will get all the benefits of linking up with an established company with a good reputation and can use its existing branding materials and marketing strategy to help you hit the ground running.

Some franchises even send customers your way if you’re covering a location that they’re not already working in: a customer will enquire through the main brand website and will be sent straight to you to do the work. That way, you’ve instantly got customers knocking on your door with very little effort from you.

And it doesn’t have to be expensive to set up a business in this way; there are plenty of affordable franchise opportunities out there that you can buy into. When you consider all the things you would have to pay out for if you were setting up a business from scratch – the website, logo design and branding, advertising – it’s often good value for money.

Some franchises even provide physical items you’ll need, such as tools, equipment, custom outdoor signs for your office/shop, uniforms, vehicles and so on, meaning you’re probably saving money overall on your start-up costs.

Create your own product

Perhaps you have a product idea bubbling away in your mind while you’re sat at your desk doing your 9-to-5 job. If so, maybe you can try to develop that product and turn it into the next big thing. Every inventor who has been on Dragon’s Den started with an idea – so why can’t that be you?

Get those ideas on paper and start trying out the techniques needed to develop the product. But don’t ‘reinvent the wheel’ – often there are already materials or techniques available that you can use in a different way in order to create your product without having to invent anything new.

For example, you can use various industrial companies to form the product to your specifications rather than stock up your garage with laser-cutting equipment and injection molding materials. Likewise, if you want to design a graphic or pattern to be placed onto products, there are so many sublimation or printing companies out there that will do it for you.

Once you’ve developed your product, you don’t have to physically take it to your customers in order to sell it, so there’s no need for market stalls or even shop premises. Instead, you can pitch it to retailers who will stock and sell it for you.

Plus, if you set up ways to sell your product through distributors, a drop-shipping website or through Fulfilled by Amazon, you’ve instantly got a passive income – you’ll be earning money with very little work needed from you. The orders come in and the e-commerce provider fulfils the order for you.

Skills you can share

Of course, a business doesn’t have to be a physical product or a shop – you can sell a service too. All you need to consider is what skills you already have that you can make a profit from. This could include practical tasks such as DIY and gardening, or you could teach a skill like crochet, art, languages, tech knowledge, cooking and so on.

Again, you don’t have to splash out on a business premises to do this and, if it’s already a hobby of yours, may already have the equipment you need to get started straight away. Many teaching-based activities can be done virtually using live video-calling. Or you could record a video course that you can sell over and over again, generating a passive income.

This type of business is certainly one that you can start straight away alongside your main job. You can teach your knowledge or share your practical skills during evenings and weekends, which will allow you to earn money on the side and boost your savings without giving up your main income.

It gives you the chance to test out your business before you decide to become self-employed. Here’s another article I wrote about 3 strategies to start a side hustle with almost no investment that might help you launch your part-time business.

I hope that all of these ideas have given you inspiration for ways that you can launch a business or product with very little effort and plenty of support so that you don’t have to slog away at making a success of your company for years. These ideas skip a few steps and make it easier to achieve whatever idea that’s bubbling away in your brain.

I’ve also shared some tips for launching and growing your small business this year as well as advice on taking control of your business energy expenses, so be sure to have a look at those articles too – I hope they will help you get started.

Let me know in the comments below what type of business you’d like to set up and I’d love to hear your story if you’ve already made the leap into being self-employed.

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This article is a sponsored collaboration. The pink links in the content indicate a sponsored link or information source. The blog post reflects my own experience and the sponsor hasn’t had any control over my content

If you’ve always had a passion for writing and would like to share your creativity with the world, it may be your dream to become a published author. If so, you’re certainly not alone – many people have ‘a book in them’, whether that’s a memoir, a work of fiction or a children’s story.

And I want to encourage you to go after your dream because it doesn’t need to take as much time or money as you may expect. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Get writing

Writing a book takes time and it’s difficult to find the time when you’re working and have family life, chores, health, wellbeing and friends to include in your schedule. This perceived lack of time can put people off from ever getting started.

You may think that you’ll have the time when you’ve changed jobs, or when the kids are older, or when you’ve retired, but even then I bet you won’t find the time! There will always be something else you need to do – that is, until you decide that writing your book is THE most important thing. If it’s going to help you fulfil your dream, you must prioritise it and start writing. Even if no one ever sees it, at least you know that you’ve given it your best shot.

I read recently that just 17 minutes a day adds up to 100 hours in a year. At the ‘average’ time it takes to write a book, that would mean your manuscript will be finished in about a year and a half by only writing a little bit every day. If you can find 17 minutes to scroll through social media, you can definitely find 17 minutes to put towards your dream goal!

I know that the hardest part of writing a book is actually doing the writing. But it can also be the easiest – some days the words will just flow but at other times you might feel stuck. On those days, just do some character notes, storyline planning or a rough chapter outline – anything that moves you slightly closer to your goal.

And when you get going, I’m sure those 17 minutes will fly by – you’ll be looking at the clock wondering where that hour went. And your book will be finished even sooner!

Creating a physical book

Often, the ultimate dream for an unpublished author is to finally see their book in print. In truth, it can be very difficult to break into the publishing industry and there is a lot of pressure on authors to already have an established audience, to do their own marketing to achieve pre-sales targets, hit big numbers on publication day and rise up the bestseller charts.

That’s a kind of pressure I personally wouldn’t want and it can be something that puts off potential writers from ever starting to follow their dream. I know many writers are introverts and are much more comfortable sharing their writing privately and don’t want to have to be so visible while promoting their offerings.

So, if you let go of the idea of being picked up by a book publisher you won’t have to go through the process of submitting your work multiple times, following deadlines, making endless rounds of edits and so on. Instead, self-publishing frees you up to publish your book as soon as you are ready to.

It’s easy to turn your manuscript into a physical book through a hardback book printing service online – and you can choose a company that are short-run specialists, offering flexible order quantities starting from just 10 copies.

This provides an affordable way to get your book ‘out there’ without having to commit to buying boxes and boxes of books – thereby making it a thrifty option for publishing your book and also a practical solution as you won’t need to find space to store them.

You can sell them through your own website or other retailers online (I personally buy children’s books by local authors on Etsy) or you can take them to book fairs and creative markets. That’s an especially fun idea in the run-up to Christmas; just imagine going to an arts and crafts fair, sipping hot chocolate and having people complete their Christmas shopping with a copy of your book.

Develop an ebook or audiobook

Nowadays, it’s much more likely that your book will be downloaded or listened to by your audience so you may want to go down the digital publishing route. Once you have your manuscript, all you need to do is to correctly format it for e-reading devices, such as Kindles (there are plenty of formatting guides online to help you do this) then it can be made available for digital download.

You may find that ebooks or audiobooks command lower prices than physical books BUT I see that as a bonus – a low price will encourage more sales and a higher quantity of readers will be more likely to take a chance on an unknown author if they don’t have to invest too much money into buying the book.

Just think about it – 100 physical books at £10 is the same profit as 1000 downloads at £1 and I bet it’ll be easier to get 1000 downloads in the ebook market. No one would quibble at spending £1 to be entertained by your book – and then you’ll build up a loyal following of readers who will be willing to buy your next book too.

Plus, you haven’t had to put any of your own money towards the printing costs so it’s a no-risk strategy. By the way, this blog you’re reading is technically self-published, so you could always self-publish your own work as a series on a blog or personal website, releasing one chapter each week and building anticipation for the next instalment. It’s another idea..!

I hope these ideas have given you a little boost if you want to get started on your journey to becoming an author. Let me know in the comments below if you’re working towards writing your own book and I’d love to hear your tips if you’ve already self-published or finished your manuscript!

Good luck with your writing.

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This article is a sponsored collaboration. The pink links in the content indicate a sponsored link or information source. The blog post reflects my own experience and the sponsor hasn’t had any control over my content

The main ethos of my website is to cut costs so that you can save money – either for your home, your retirement, a new venture or simply an emergency fund. So, if you’ve been able to put aside some cash, I’m absolutely delighted to hear it! Now that you’ve got some funds to your name, it’s possible to make your money grow simply by saving it in the ‘right’ place. Of course, where you keep your money and what you do with it is up to you, but I’d like to share some ideas that I’ve personally been considering.

In fact, I’ve been studying a number of courses and watching webinars with Female Invest to learn more about investing, savings and pensions. There are so many things that I didn’t know about making the most of your money before I started using the FI app and I’m now excited to start boosting my savings with some of the following ideas:

Investing

You can do some straightforward investing with your money with the aim of making it grow. However, with the stock or currency markets, your investments can also go down as well as up, so it needs to be carefully considered and researched. I’ve found that it’s easy to chart the progress of the financial markets using the published graphs. This allows you to see fluctuations in possible investments such as foreign currencies, Bitcoin price, funds, stocks, shares and real estate.

One of my main conclusions from studying such graphs is that over time, investments tend to outperform savings in terms of % gain. If you’re committed to investing for the very long term – 10-20+ years, there’s usually an upward trend on the stock market graphs I’ve studied.

That said, it’s all down to the funds or bonds you choose and how ‘weather-proof’ your portfolio is in terms of geographic location and spread of industries. There are SO many variables and you can never know what the future holds so don’t put all your life savings into investments and do plenty of research before you start. Plus, you’ll need to pay tax on income gained from your investments.

ISAs

I’ve found that keeping your savings in an ISA is a great way to allow your money to grow without needing to pay any tax on the returns. This could be in an instant-access ISA or fixed-term ISA that pays you a percentage of interest. You’ll be paid interest monthly or yearly and never need to put that gain on a tax return.

Alternatively, your savings could be in a stocks and shares ISA that allows you to invest in the market and still not pay tax on dividends or capital gains from your investments, which seems like a sensible option compared to standard investment accounts.

The thing with ISAs is that you can only save £20k per year in any ISAs you have (which can be split between cash and investment ISAs) so if you have even more than that to save, you won’t be able to put it all into ISAs all at once.

That said, if you’re saving monthly like I am, you might not reach the yearly £20k limit and it’ll reset in the next tax year, allowing you to save up to £20k again the next year. I think it’s a nice aim to be able to save £20k each year – that would be very nice indeed!

Fixed term savings

You can also help your savings to grow by keeping your money in a savings account that offers a good interest rate. This can be an instant access account that allows you to withdraw and use your savings whenever needed (great for an emergency fund) or you could get a better % interest rate if you commit to a fixed term.

Choosing to put your money into an account for 1 year, 2 years, 5 years or more could allow you to lock in a much better interest rate than the current fluctuating rates, and for a much longer period. You’ll be pretty chuffed if you’re still earning 5% on your savings if interest rates have gone back down to 2% in a few years time.

However, this usually means you can’t access your money during that time, or can only withdraw a small amount of it with there being a penalty fee to pay – similar to a fixed-term ISA. So, if you think you’re going to be needing your savings (perhaps in an emergency) you may not want to commit your savings for a long duration.

Actually, most of these savings ideas benefit from making a long-term commitment to save your money. No matter whether you’re investing in stocks, bonds and funds or saving in an ISA or fixed-term savings account, the longer you’re able to keep your money ‘locked in’ (I’m talking a decade or more) the more likely it is that you’ll come out with a profit at the end, even after fluctuations in the market or interest rates have happened.

Let me know if you have other ideas for growing your savings pot in the comments below. I’d love to hear how you were able to use your money to make more money!

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This article is a sponsored collaboration. The pink links in the content indicate a sponsored link or information source. The blog post reflects my own experience and the sponsor hasn’t had any control over my content

Since the pandemic, more of us than ever are working from home. Our employers have put systems in place that allow us to work remotely and collaborate with colleagues without ever setting foot inside an office.

They’re a massive benefit to this – not only does working from home minimise your commute, allow you to be more productive with fewer distractions and let you work flexible hours, but it can also give you to freedom to work anywhere.

For example, I work freelance with a huge team but it’s all remote. We communicate daily and collaborate on our tasks but I’ve never met these people in real life. In fact, I’ve never even seen them or spoken to them on Zoom. THAT’S how remote my work is. I’m still part of a team – but one that spans countries and continents.

If you’re not tied to a physical location in your job, you can live anywhere (move where the house prices are better perhaps?) but the digital nomad lifestyle gives you more than that – you can travel while you work.

Now that we all have laptops and tablets, webcams and smartphones, there’s nothing stopping us doing our jobs anywhere in the world. Even if you don’t have the right tech, it’s possible to buy refurbished laptops at low prices so you can become a digital nomad on a budget.

Simply pack up your tech in a padded laptop backpack for safekeeping and head off to your next destination. Then, all you need is reliable wifi or a global eSIM that lets you stay connected everywhere and you’ll be able to maintain your career while you explore.

Of course, if you’re employed, you can’t just set off on your extended holiday – you’ll need to discuss this idea with your employer and you may need to negotiate fewer hours or book some holiday time off for those days when you’re in another country and just want to explore rather than work.

But the main attraction of a digital nomad life is that you can be sitting in the courtyard garden of your Airbnb in a European country, enjoying the view and soaking up the sun while still earning your wage remotely. Plus, when you’ve finished your work for the day, you can close the lid of your laptop and you’re immediately on holiday – bonus!

Plus, you can stay where the living costs are budget-friendly: think low-cost but lovely accommodation, frugal yet fantastic food, and thrifty yet terrific travel options. If your ongoing cost of living is low, you can perhaps afford to work less and spend more time enjoying your global getaway.

I know that many jobs aren’t suited to this type of lifestyle but, if your career already allows you to work from home and all of your tasks can be completed via a computer, it’s definitely possible that you could embrace a digital nomad lifestyle.

Many people have online side hustles that could eventually replace their main job – in which case, working towards the idea of a digital nomad life will give you the motivation to grow your business. Putting in those extra hours to boost your side hustle business during the dark evenings of the autumn and winter may mean that it becomes your main hustle and you’ll be able to head off into the sunset next spring or summer.

The classic image we all have of a digital nomad is someone working on a laptop while lying in a hammock on a tropical island. And, while that’s possible, it’s more likely that you’ll be at a kitchen table in a holiday rental and will need to complete your work before you can relax. But the hours that you’re not working are your own – so why not enjoy them somewhere exotic or exciting?

Let me know in the comments below if you like the idea of living the digital nomad lifestyle. Plus, tell me if you’ve previously worked while exploring – I’d love to hear how you got on and please share your digital nomad plans to inspire me!

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This article is a sponsored collaboration. The pink links in the content indicate a sponsored link or information source. The blog post reflects my own experience and the sponsor hasn’t had any control over my content