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SAVING TIPS

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It's a fact, being an adult is expensive. Rent, food, transport, petrol, brunch allowance, it all adds up. So how can you even fathom having enough money left over to get out of the city, let alone the country? Well, here are my tips and tricks on how to actually save. But remember, you have to apply yourself if you're hungry to go out and adventure, nothing will  be given to you, work hard to get where you want to be.

SMALL THINGS YOU CAN MISS OUT ON TO SAVE SOME EXTRA CASH

1. YOUR MORNING COFFEE
Coffee is always a great way to start the morning, but at nearly £3 each cup, it can get pretty pricey. If you're buying one five days a week every month, that's goodbye to an average £60 a month. So instead of buying a cup from your favourite barista each day, try home brewing a few times a week, or even switch to tea. You can still treat yourself to one or two cups a week, but cutting the coffee is going to be well worth it for the amount you can save before you leave.

2. SNACKS ON THE GO
Instead of buying a little pack of sushi on the go or a pastry from your favourite bakery, pack something in your bag before you leave the house. It can be as easy as throwing some nuts, fruit or a sandwich in your bag (try Clif bars if you have a sweet tooth), or if you want something a little yummier and/or have a bit more time in the morning, try; dates and peanut butter (or apples!), homemade sushi or rice paper rolls, hummus and carrot, cucumber and pita bread, or even some tortilla chips and homemade guacamole and salsa. All great options for on the go, it saves money and tastes really delicious.

3. TAKEAWAYS
Always super yummy, but both not very good for your health and bank account. Invite some friends over and try cooking a new recipe at home! It will be fun and a lot cheaper than eating out.

4. DRINKING OUT
It's a fact, drinking is expensive in most countries, and if you're a heavy party animal I'm certainly not going to get in the way of that. But instead of buying fifteen drinks out, drink some more at home or your friend's house before you leave. a £6 bottle of wine probably won't taste as nice, but you'll be grateful you didn't spend that £70 in the club when you spend it drinking mimosas in the south of France.

5. CLOTHES
We all love looking great in our new outfits, but that's a major way to cut into your travel allowance. Instead of buying brand new, see if your friend's are willing to sell any of their clothes, or even swap theirs for yours! Have a look in the op shops and vintage stores, you'll be saving money and also finding something completely unique. If not their are heaps of websites that both list clothes people are selling and you can post some of your old outfits, too! (Check out vinted, gumtree and eBay)

6. PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES
Both a nuisance for the environment and can easily add up in costs, plastic water bottles need to go. Invest in a hard plastic or even better, a metal bottle. It will save you a lot of money in the long run and the world will be thankful. 

7. CUT THE SUBSCRIPTIONS
An easy way to save a some money every month. If you're subscribed to magazines, netflix, costco, spotify, amazon prime, etc cutting them out of your life, even for just a few months, will save you up to a few hundred. If you've got friends or family already subscribed, try sharing their membership or split the fare each month.

8. CUT YOUR LIVING EXPENSES
Life is expensive, it's a fact; but there's some things you can do to lower the cost before you jet off. If you are renting a room or a house, consider moving back in with your parents (or second best option, your friends). Living out of home is pricey and definitely costs a lot, so if you're willing, ask! Another option to save a little every week is cut down on the amount you use your car. Petrol, car insurance, services, all add up. Using your car even just a few times less a week will be both better for the environment, but also mean you can save an extra £20 a week on petrol. Invest in a bike or take public transport now and then!

9. LOWER YOUR PHONE PLAN
Phones are expensive, there's no doubt about that. So if you're on a hefty £50 a month plan, cut it. Either switch networks and find a better deal with another company, switch to pay as you go, or ask for a lower plan. I guarantee there is another company offering the same deal for cheaper, have a look around. 

10. CUT THE BEAUTY REGIME
Getting your nails done, facials, waxes, eyelash extensions are all luxuries to enjoy and of course it's a hard habit to give up because it makes you feel so invincible and sexy, but they seriously cut into your money. Give the acrylics a miss for a few months, your nails will be grateful and it will save you £30 a month. Saving hard core before you go will give you leeway for some extra treats before you leave so you can splurge and get a pretty manicure before you go away.

11. STOP YOUR GYM MEMBERSHIP
Keeping healthy is an important aspect of your life and it's great to keep fit, but if you're not really using your gym membership, cut it! It's much better to save that extra money and instead go out for a walk, run or do some body weights in the park or at home. It's free and gets you doing activities outside in the sun. If you enjoy the social aspect of the gym, have a look around in your local area for some free classes or cheaper alternatives. In summer there are always classes going on in parks which are either free or super cheap!

12. SELL OLD FURNITURE OR ELECTRONICS
Now this one sounds silly, but, if you have any spare furniture lying around that never really gets used, try and sell it! List it on Gumtree or Ebay and hope for the best, or if you have a heap of stuff lying around try a garage sale. If it's in good condition or vintage you can usually get quite decent money for it, and it will clear up your living space (which is a bonus).

13. EAT LEFTOVERS/MEAL PREP
If you live a busy life and are always on the go, this will not only save you time but save you some spare money. Instead of cooking every night or eating out for lunch, just make a little extra the night before dinner and eat that instead! Homemade Indian curries are always the best heated up the next day.

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