Six savvy tips to get your finances back on track in February
IF your finances took a hit in January, now is the time to get back on track.
Get into the habit of saving little and often with these tips.
GOAL-GETTER: Define your savings targets and be specific. Maybe you want to save a certain amount or enough for a family holiday.
Make a vision board using pictures of what you are saving for and look at it daily. This will keep you motivated so you reach those goals.
TRACK SPENDING: The simplest way is to write down in a notepad everything you spend for a month.
You could also do this by downloading a free Microsoft budget template, or by using the Snoop app. Connect the app to your bank account and it will categorise your spending.
SET A BUDGET: Once you know your income and expenses, you can see what is essential and what isn’t — and then set a budget for categories such as food, entertainment and transport.
By setting a monthly amount for each area, you are more likely to keep to it.
TRIM THE BILL: Use the short month of February to cut back on non-essentials. Pause a streaming service or think about whether you really need Amazon Prime.
Add the money to your savings. One less £20 takeaway a month could save you up to £240 a year.
AUTOSAVE: Implement an automatic transfer to your savings account each month, adopting a “pay yourself first” mentality. Try a savings round-up feature, available at most banks to automatically save a little each time you spend.
For example, if you spend £4.50, it will be rounded up to £5 and the extra 50p will go into your savings. Chase bank offers this, and you can earn 5 per cent AER on savings.
INTEREST COUNTS: Make the most of high-interest savings accounts.
Currently, NatWest customers can save £1 to £150 per month in a Digital Saver account and earn 6.17 per cent AER interest up to £5,000.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Deal of the day
WATCH shows on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 11in 128GB tablet.
It usually costs £799 but is now £679 – and you get 12 months’ Disney Plus free at ao.com.
SAVE: £120
Cheap treat
TUCK into a Dairy Milk Pot of Joy. A four-pack, which was £2.69, is now £1.50 at Morrisons.
SAVE: £1.19
What's new?
SKIP the coffee shop and try Kenco’s new plant-based range at home. Get a six-pack of almond lattes for £1.90 at Sainsbury’s. It works out at just under 32p per cup.
Top swap
SLIP into a pair of Tasman Uggs for £100. Or get a similar style for £21 at ego.co.uk.
SAVE: £79
Little helper
MAKE the most of the huge kitchen and bathroom sale at B&Q before it ends tomorrow.
Get up to 25 per cent off kitchen cabinets and bathroom suites.
PLAY NOW TO WIN £200
JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.
Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.
Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.
The more codes you enter, the more tickets