So Easter happened and my bank account is giving me the silent treatment. Anyone else blow their budget on chocolate eggs and whatever else seemed like a good idea at the time? Yeah, thought so.
I've been experimenting with these "no-spend weekends" lately, and they're actually not the total buzzkill I expected. My partner was skeptical (his exact words: "sounds like voluntary poverty"), but we've found some genuinely fun ways to lock up the wallet without feeling like we're punishing ourselves.
The trickiest part? When it's pouring outside and all you want is to hit the mall or order takeout. Been there.
Library Card = Free Entertainment Goldmine
Last Saturday when it was absolutely bucketing down, I dragged myself to our local library for the first time since... 2019? Signed up for a card and holy moly, I'd forgotten what these places are like! Not just dusty old books – they've got new releases that would cost me £12+ at Waterstones.
My 7-year-old niece came along and went absolutely wild in the kids' section. She found this dragon book series and insisted we check out all 8 volumes. Her little backpack weighed more than she did on the way home.
Just walking around browsing was weirdly relaxing. No pressure to buy anything!
Raid Your Cupboards (Before They Become Science Experiments)
Know what's embarrassing? The state of my kitchen cupboards. Last weekend I found pasta from 2021 and spices I bought for that one recipe I never made again.
Instead of the usual Deliveroo order, I challenged myself to make dinner using only what we already had. Tesco has this genius recipe finder tool where you type in whatever random ingredients you have, and it spits out ideas. Found it at realfood.tesco.com after some googling.
Ended up making this weird but delicious pasta with tinned tuna, frozen peas, and the last of some cream cheese. My boyfriend called it "surprisingly edible" which counts as a five-star review in our house.
Dust Off Those Board Games (The Ones Under Your Bed)
Remember actual, physical board games? Not the apps – the ones with missing pieces that have been sitting in your cupboard since Christmas 2018?
We invited some friends over, told them to bring whatever booze they had left in their houses, and I threw a frozen pizza in teh oven (minimal effort, maximum satisfaction). Ended up playing Monopoly until 1am, and I'm still not speaking to my best friend after she bankrupted me with hotels on Mayfair.
Zero pounds spent, one friendship temporarily damaged. Worth it.
Netflix and Actually Chill
OK this one sounds obvious, but we turned it into A Whole Thing. Instead of just mindlessly scrolling through Netflix for 40 minutes before giving up and watching The Office again, we created a proper cinema night.
Made popcorn from scratch (literally just kernels in a pot with oil – costs about 30p and tastes better than microwave stuff), dimmed all the lights, piled up every blanket and pillow we own, and committed to a film we'd been meaning to watch for ages.
My partner even printed "tickets" as a joke and made me queue at our bedroom door before being "admitted" to the living room. What a dork.
Unleash Your Inner Kindergartner
Listen. I'm not crafty. At all. But I found a box of old art supplies while cleaning out the spare room – watercolors from when I had that two-week painting phase in 2020, some air-dry clay that hadn't completely fossilized, random bits of fabric from when I thought I might get into quilting (lol, no).
Spent Sunday afternoon making the world's ugliest clay bowl. It's lopsided and the paint job looks like a toddler did it.
I display it proudly on our coffee table now. Cost: £0. Satisfaction of creating something with my hands: weirdly high.
Today's Money-Saving Find
Spotted this 4-person tent at Argos marked down from £60 to £45. Perfect if you want to take the family camping without remortgaging your house. We used something similar last summer and saved about £400 compared to what we'd have spent on a hotel for a weekend in the Lake District.
SAVE: £15
Treat Yourself (Without Breaking the Bank)
Found these Oreo ice cream sandwiches at Asda for £2.47. Perfect little indulgence when you're trying not to spend but need something to look forward to. I may have eaten three in one sitting while watching that new crime documentary. No regrets.
Splurge or Save: Lip Masks
Been eyeing that fancy Laneige lip sleeping mask everyone on TikTok raves about – it's £21 at Boots. But I discovered W7 makes an almost identical overnight mask for just £3.75 at Superdrug.
Used both (one on each side of my mouth for a week... yes, I'm that person) and honestly couldn't tell the difference. My boyfriend thought I'd lost the plot, but I saved £17.25, so who's laughing now?
Holiday Shopping That Won't Hurt
If you're planning a summer getaway, Mountain Warehouse has this UV-protection dress down from £39.99 to £19.99. Grabbed one for my Greece trip in July – it'll save me from looking like a lobster on day 2 of the holiday like last year. Still have the tan lines from that disaster.
SAVE: £20 (and your skin)
FANCY WINNING SOME ACTUAL CASH?
Every month, this paper gives away £100 to 250 readers through their Raffle. Each Sun Savers code you enter equals one ticket. I've been entering religiously since January adn haven't won a penny yet, but my neighbor swears her cousin's friend won last summer. Worth a shot, right?
More codes = more chances. Simple math, people.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I improve my credit score?
To improve your credit score, make timely payments on all debts, reduce credit card balances, avoid opening unnecessary credit accounts, and regularly check your credit report for errors, disputing any inaccuracies. Maintaining a mix of credit types and keeping old accounts open can also be beneficial.
What is the difference between saving and investing?
Saving typically involves setting aside money in a secure account for short-term needs or emergencies, while investing involves using money to purchase assets like stocks or real estate with the expectation of generating a return over the long term. Investing carries higher risks but offers the potential for greater rewards.
What are the benefits of having an emergency fund?
An emergency fund provides financial security by offering a safety net for unexpected expenses, such as medical emergencies or job loss. It helps prevent debt accumulation, reduces stress, and allows for better financial planning, ensuring that individuals can navigate unforeseen circumstances without significant hardship.
How can I budget my money effectively?
To budget effectively, start by tracking your income and expenses to understand your spending habits. Set realistic financial goals, categorize your expenses, and allocate funds accordingly. Regularly review and adjust your budget to ensure it reflects your current financial situation and objectives.
What is the role of central banks in the economy?
Central banks manage a nation's currency, money supply, and interest rates. They implement monetary policy to control inflation, stabilize the currency, and foster economic growth. They also serve as lenders of last resort to the banking system during financial crises.
What are the main functions of money?
The primary functions of money are as a medium of exchange, facilitating trade; a unit of account, which provides a standard measure of value; a store of value, allowing individuals to save and transfer purchasing power over time; and a standard of deferred payment, enabling credit transactions.
What is the importance of financial literacy?
Financial literacy is essential for making informed decisions about budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. It empowers individuals to understand financial concepts, evaluate risks, and navigate complex financial products, leading to better financial stability and long-term wealth building.
Statistics
- According to a survey by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), about 66% of Americans could not correctly answer four basic financial literacy questions.
- According to the Federal Reserve, approximately 39% of Americans do not have enough savings to cover a $400 emergency expense.
- As of 2021, the average American household had approximately $8,400 in credit card debt, according to Experian.
- Research by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that individuals who receive financial education are 25% more likely to save than those who do not.
- According to the World Bank, around 1.7 billion adults worldwide remain unbanked, lacking access to basic financial services.
- The average cost of raising a child in the U.S. is estimated to be around $233,610, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- The average return on investment for the S&P 500 over the past 90 years is about 10% per annum.
- As of 2021, the average student loan debt for recent graduates was approximately $30,000, according to the Federal Reserve.
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How To
How To Choose the Right Insurance Policies
Choosing the right insurance policies is crucial for protecting your assets and financial well-being. Start by assessing your needs based on your lifestyle, dependents, and financial situation. Research various types of insurance, such as health, auto, home, and life insurance, to understand the coverage options available. Compare quotes from multiple insurance providers to ensure you are getting the best rates and coverage. Read reviews and seek recommendations to gauge the reliability of the insurance companies. Finally, regularly review your policies to ensure they evolve with your life changes, adjusting coverage as needed for optimal protection.
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