1. Home
  4. Simple Ways to Save More Money

Simple Ways to Save More Money

by •

Saving money doesn’t have to mean cutting out everything you enjoy or sticking to a super strict budget. A few smart tweaks and some savvy habits can make a real difference to your bank balance — and help your money go further each month.

If you’re looking to boost your savings without overcomplicating things, these practical tips will help you spend less, save more and feel more in control.

1. Find deals and freebies to stretch your cash further

One of the quickest ways to improve your finances is simply paying less for the things you already buy. Deals, discounts and freebies can free up extra cash without changing your lifestyle too much.

Make it part of your routine to look for savings before you spend:

  • Join freebie sites like Magic Freebies so you never miss out on samples, giveaways and limited-time offers.
  • Use cashback apps like Quidco and TopCashback when shopping online — you’ll earn money back on everyday purchases from supermarkets to insurance.
  • Check voucher and deals sites such as VoucherCodes, Latest Deals and HotUKDeals before buying anything online or in-store.
  • Sign up for loyalty apps like Tesco Clubcard, Nectar and Lidl Plus to unlock exclusive prices and rewards.
  • Look out for free days out and events in your local area — museums, kids’ activities, workshops and community events are often free.

These little wins might not feel huge on their own, but over the course of a year they can save you hundreds.

2. Don’t let subscriptions auto-renew

Subscriptions are one of the easiest expenses to lose track of. Streaming services, TV packages, apps, magazines, and even delivery passes can quietly eat into your budget — especially when prices jump after an introductory deal.

Before any subscription renews:

  • Check your bank statements for anything you’re no longer using
  • Set calendar reminders a month before renewal dates
  • Compare prices with other providers or new-customer deals
  • Contact customer services and ask if there are any current offers or discounts

Companies like Sky, Virgin Media, Spotify and even some fitness apps will often offer a cheaper deal if you say you’re thinking of cancelling. A five-minute phone call could save you a decent amount over the year.

3. Automate your savings

If saving feels difficult, automation can make it effortless. Setting money aside automatically means you don’t have to rely on willpower, and you’re less likely to spend it.

There are plenty of UK apps and banks that make this easy:

  • Plum analyses your spending and moves small amounts into savings automatically
  • Monzo and Starling let you round up purchases and save the spare change
  • Chip uses AI to calculate what you can afford to save and transfers it for you
  • Sprive helps you overpay your mortgage little by little using spare cash

Even setting up a simple weekly transfer of £5 or £10 into a separate savings account can build a nice cushion over time, and you probably won’t even notice it leaving your main account.

4. Try a realistic savings challenge

Savings challenges are a great way to stay motivated and make saving feel more like a game than a chore. The key is choosing something achievable so you don’t give up halfway through.

A few easy options to try:

  • The 1p or 5p challenge — start small and increase the amount each day
  • No-spend days or weeks — challenge yourself to only buy essentials
  • Round-up saving — put aside any spare change from your weekly budget
  • Monthly mini-goals — aim for £20, £50 or £100 depending on what’s realistic

Use a savings jar, tracker app or simple spreadsheet to watch your progress. Seeing your total grow — even slowly — is often all the motivation you need to keep going.

5. Review your finances regularly

It’s easy to feel on top of your money one minute and totally confused the next. That’s why regular check-ins with your finances can make a huge difference.

Try setting aside time once a month to:

  • Review your bank statements and spot unnecessary spending
  • Check upcoming bills or annual payments
  • Adjust your budget if costs have changed
  • Make sure you’re still getting the best deals
  • Move any spare cash into savings

Apps like Snoop and Emma can show all your accounts in one place and highlight where your money is going, making it easier to spot opportunities to cut back or save more.

Small changes add up

Saving money doesn’t need to be complicated or overwhelming. A few simple habits can help you stay in control and build your savings over time:

  • Make the most of deals, discounts and freebies
  • Keep an eye on subscriptions and switch when needed
  • Automate your savings wherever possible
  • Try achievable savings challenges
  • Check in with your finances regularly

Little steps really do make a difference — and once those savings start adding up, you’ll be glad you started.

OLDER