Money saving ideas

If like me one of your new year resolutions is to save a little extra money for the year ahead, or to stop impulse buying then these 5 money saving ideas and tricks might do you the world of good.

A ‘no spend’ month 

This money saving idea is pretty self explanatory, but to put it simply you choose a month (such as the upcoming month of february) and avoid spending money on anything but the essentials: for example you wouldn’t be allowed to stop at mcdonalds for dinner but you could still go to the hairdressing appointment you have booked. To make this a little easier on yourself – especially to help with impulse buying – take out all the money you expect to need to spend this month: such as bills, rent, mortgage, food shop, petrol and place it all into a wallet,  such as this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B098DS1DVW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 , store your bank cards in their too and that way you won’t find yourself tapping your contactless bank card and purchasing items impulsively, buying things you really don’t need.  This money saving idea works wonders and can really put into perspective how many little/unnecessary things we buy and how much those same things drain our funds. 

This link has some great additional tips on this particular money saving idea https://www.simplisticallyliving.com/no-spend-january-challenge/

Buy secondhand

One of the best money saving ideas I’ve come across is buying second hand, those all too expensive items such as baby swings (brand new £125 +) can be bought second hand for as little as: £40 from places such as Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace. 

Another great money saving idea is ‘Nearly New sales’ set up by the National Children’s trust, the link where these will be listed is included here: https://www.nct.org.uk/local-activities-meet-ups/region-east-midlands/spalding-boston-and-district 

Buying second hand is not only a great money saving idea, but can also help a fellow parent make a little extra cash from the items they no longer need. 

Saving your £2 coins 

A lot of people I know save their £2 coins, they keep them in a sealed money box or a tube and don’t open it until it’s full. Did you know that extra large smartie tubes can hold 83 £2 coins? that’s £166 from one smartie tube alone. Go ahead and put those empty smartie tubes leftover from Christmas to use and fill them up with £2 coins you’ll be surprised just how much you’ll save. 

The 50/30/20 rule

This money saving idea is fairly simple, you use 50% of your monthly income on needs (such as bills and the food shop), you use 20% on paying off loans/debt and putting away for a ‘rainy day. That last 30% you spend on wants, such as buying a coffee to fuel your day or having a takeaway one night. This website has a much better insight on this rule: https://n26.com/en-eu/blog/50-30-20-rule and helps to outline the steps of this very straightforward money saving idea.

A simple newborn shoot

If you’re expecting a baby in 2022 and know you want to capture those precious memories of your newborn’s first days, but are worried about how to afford a standard newborn shoot then a simple newborn shoot may be a better option for you. As stated on my website this shoot is optimal if you want a ‘no frills approach’ and just a few images. As a bonus it is a lot cheaper too! For just £199 for the shoot itself and five beautiful images it is perfect for if you want to take a money saving approach. 

To find out more about my Simple Newborn Shoot please visit https://www.sliceoflifephotography.co.uk/simple-newborn-photoshoot/

Keywords: Money saving ideas, Childrens Photoshoot, New Born Photoshoot

5 Family Christmas Traditions

Christmas is such a fun time and with the focus on family, celebration  and making memories it is nice to add some magical family christmas traditions to build the excitment and add to the magic of the season.  Here are my top picks for christmas traditions to start or build on:  

1 – Watch a Pantomine

This is one I have carried forward from my own Childhood. For me Panto represents fun, laughter and family time.  As a family we try to go on Christmas eve and make it as magical as prossible.  My girls are teenagers now but we continue this christmas tradition still and this year are heading off to The Cresset in Peterborough to scream and shout at the Dame in true christmas style.  ‘Oh yes I am’.

2 – Make  Gingerbread House

This is a tradition I brought back from the christmas I spent In Canada.  It’s such a fun way to spend time with the kids getting creative and munching on the sweets.  If your baking skills leave a little bit to be desired (like mine) then you can buy kits ready to build in stead.

3 – Christmas Lights Drive by

One christmas tradition  I have fond memories of from my childhood is driving around the local towns and looking at all the lights and decorations.  I recall some wonderfully decorated homes and it really was one of my christmas hightlights. 

4 – A Christmas Eve Box

This is a christmas tradition that appears to be on the rise.  A gift box filled with things for Christmas eve,  Examples of things i’ve seen to go in the box include a christmas DVD, raindeer food, New Pj’s and hot chocolate treats.  Iced Rose by Hannah does amazing Chocolate Bombs which would be a perfect box filler.     I never had a Christmas Eve box but still look forward to my fresh fluffy PJ’s on xmas Eve.  

5 – Christmas Photos

I love that I have families visit the studio every year for a Christmas  Photoshoot!   Up to date images to send to family and create gifts or christmas decorations from is a fun chrismtas tradition.  

MORE ABOUT CHRISTMAS MINIS AT SLICE OF LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY

If you want to read more about prices and other details please visit our Christmas Mini Photoshoot page!