Finance Round-up: 16 tips for your finances in 2018

Happy New Year to everyone! While it is not the start of a financial year many see the turning of the calendar as a good incentive to get things in order and start afresh. Others may be dieting and giving up alcohol but our money bloggers are counting the pennies and planning the year ahead.

Here are some of their ideas that can make 2018 your best financial year ever.

1. Have no-spend days
Nicola at The Frugal Cottage wants to have 200 No Spend Days (NSD) this days. Say no to the takeaway coffee or sandwich and all those days with no spending can really start saving you money. If you can crack NSD how about a No Spend Month like Jane at Shoestring Cottage?

2. Pay lower bills

Whether it is gas, electric or water be in charge of what you pay. Sara from Debt Camel knows how to pay less without lowering your usage. Look at meters, tariffs and energy saving alerts.

3. Work behind the scenes 

If you’re a blogger wanting to make money then just writing and hitting ‘Publish’ isn’t going to get you far. To grow their blogs in 2018 Thrifty Mum Alison, Busy Lazy Mum Daniella, Mrs Mummypenny Lynn, the Penny Wise Life Rich Cat, Lady Janey and Accidental Hipster Mum Jenny have set themselves some targets for their social media, page views and DA.

4. Use budgeting apps 

Make the most of technology with apps to help you budget, save and spend when you have to. Clare of My Money Cottage has been using the new Squirrel app to achieve her savings goals. 

5. Stop spending 

Have a look at the things you don’t need to be shelling out money on. At Shoestring Chic Charlotte has decided it’s a no to new clothes and make-up.

6. Meal Plan

For 2018 The Money Whisperer Emma has decided to make the most of meal planning. Less waste in terms of food and money and less chance of spending on impulse buys. The Savvy in Somerset Fiona has 18 tips to save money on your groceries this year. Katykicker is also hoping to spend less on groceries each month in order to save money.

7. Get haggling 

It may not seem very British but you can get a very good deal by haggling. However, Emma Drew has found a way to haggle online and saved £450 off the Sky TV bill.

8. Be positive 

Saving money can be tough and seem a negative experience at times. Be positive when changing your habits to save money as extolled by Francesca at From Pennies to Pounds.

9. Get listening 

We’re all so busy now that it is difficult to fit things in with our limited time. When you’re travelling about download some podcasts to listen to such as Andy’s Cash Chats to pick up some financial tips.

10. Look after yourself 

Financial wellbeing can be at the heart of your total wellbeing. Thrifty Mumma advises to pool your resources and ask for help if you need it. Both The Female Money Doctor Nikki and Ken at The Humble Penny advocate setting SMART goals. For Becky at A Beautiful Space  this year is all about choice.

11. Make monthly goals 

If you break things down into shorter time periods they can be more achievable. For 2018 Kerry at Money Saving Journeys is setting herself monthly targets.

12. Fit for free

Ditch the gym membership or perhaps not sign up at all. Don’t be a couch potato and take tips from Eileen at Your Money Sorted on how to exercise for nothing.

13. Shift credit card debt 

The hangover of Christmas for many people is credit card debt. The longer it takes to pay it off the more interest you will end up paying. Kalpana at Mummy Money Matters says to look around for 0% deals to transfer your balance to.

14. Sell unwanted items

With Christmas comes new stuff in your house so now is the time to have a declutter. Sell things you no longer want or need. As the Skinted Minted Mum points out you can even sell unwanted gift vouchers these days.

15. Go Japanese 

Take a leaf out of Martyna’s book with the Japanese budget planner Kakebo. This Money Saving Girl has found it is a great way to track your money.

16. Get ready for Christmas 2018

There’s bargains galore about so Cass at Diary of a Frugal Family has been stocking on things she knows she needs for next Christmas. Search the sales for cards, wrapping paper and cut price presents.

How has 2018 started for you? Have you got any financial goals for 2018?

If you want to feature in a future finance round-up then contact me via my Facebook page or on Twitter.