3 Ways To Save Money This New Year

As we look forward to 2021, here are some easy ways you can start to build a pot of cash over the year. And the good news is, saving little and often can add up to a substantial sum!

- Rebecca Gamble

HAVE YOU HEARD?

Over a third of Brits have dipped into their overdraft at some point since the lockdown began in March, according to research by comparethemarket.com. Of these, 17% are still in the red. The study by the price comparison site found the average amount people went overdrawn by was £515, rising to £597 among those aged 45-54.

IF YOU DO ONE THING THIS WEEK…

NET A BONUS

‘Many retailers offer friend-referral schemes that give you incentives, from free products to cash, for bringing them new customers,’ says TopCashback’s Abigail Yearley. ‘The pals you introduce will often be given a perk such as a discount on their shopping too. So start now!

1 Make your resolutions pay

Many of us start the new year by making resolutions, from giving up smoking to ditching takeaway coffees. So why not commit to putting the cash that you would have spent on these items straight into your savings instead – the amount you could save across the year could be substantial. To get an idea of how much, check out the Money Advice Service’s ‘Quick Cash Finder’tool, which calculates how much your spending habits cost over time. For example, if you give up something you spend £2 a day on, this will save you £730 a year. Visit moneyadviceservice.org.uk for further information.