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There are many reasons why we might want to reduce our spending. Some of us might live on a tight budget, and need to cut down on spending for essential items without borrowing more money. Others might want to cut down on their spending so they can save up for their next big holiday abroad, a weekend away or a new car. It might even be the case that people in debt want to reduce their outgoings so they can pay off what they owe and get rid of their debts once and for all. 

Whatever your reason for wanting to reduce your spending, the reality is that it’s much easier said than done – which is why we’ve created a guide showing you the areas you can cut back in and how you can go about doing it.

Switch your utilities provider

Switching your gas and electricity supplier can save you a considerable amount over the course of the year, and all you need is a recent energy bill and your postcode. The question is, with so many different suppliers out there, who to switch to?

The easiest way to ensure you’re getting the best deals on your utilities is by using an online comparison website, and we recommend using Ofgem-accredited ones like uSwitch or My Utility Genius.

Food bills

Buying a meal deal at work usually costs at least £3, or sometimes even more. That means £15 a week, or £60 a month if you’re buying one every day, so why not bring your own lunch? For an added few minutes of prepping time every day, you could make a packed lunch that’s just as good for a fraction of the price.

When you’re buying your food to eat at home, consider switching to Aldi or Lidl and buying their own brand products and you’ll soon start to see the savings stack up.  Take a look at our tips for cheap packed lunch ideas.

Leisure spending

Nights out, weekends away, takeaways, days out at theme parks, trips to the cinema…they’re all fun to do, but the reality is they tend to be expensive. You certainly don’t have to stop doing everything you enjoy, but it’s worth totalling up how much you spend on leisure every month. If you think the number’s too high then you might want to consider cutting down in this area.

It’s also worth looking out for 2 for 1 deals in newspapers, magazines and even on cereal packets. You could save a fortune on a family day out if you pay in vouchers instead of cash – and even try some places you wouldn’t have previously considered.

Clothing

We all need to buy new clothes or shoes every now again, but do we really need designer brands? Shopping around at cheaper clothing outlets rather than picking expensive brands can save you a ton of money. Clothes swapping or ‘swishing’ events are a great way to update your wardrobe without spending a penny, and you can pick up some fantastic bargains by shopping at your local charity shop too.

Phone bills

Phone contracts can be extremely expensive if you opt for deals with large amounts of data. If you’ve got a contract that’s costing upwards of £50 a month due to data, then why not consider switching to a SIM-only contract once you’ve finished off paying for your phone? These are much cheaper than getting a new phone every time you’ve paid your contract off, and will still allow you to have a reasonable amount of data.

If you want to compare deals online, we recommend Handsetexpert because they cover more networks than any other price comparison website.

Medicine and prescriptions

If you’re paying for regular prescriptions or medicine, one way to save money on these is to get a Pre-Payment Prescription Certificate.

TV and Internet

Similarly to utilities, it’s worth shopping around online to ensure you’re getting the best deal when it comes to TV and internet packages. If you don’t spend a huge amount of time watching TV or only watch a few channels, why not consider switching to a Freeview box? 

Insurance

Price comparison websites like Compare the Market or Confused.com are a must to guarantee that you’re getting the cheapest insurance possible. You should also check that you’re not paying for insurance packages you don’t need any more.  

If you’re trying to reduce your spending because you’re worried about debt, why not give our helpline team a call on 0800 316 1833 ? Our advisors have years of experience in helping people in various levels of debt, and you’re always guaranteed a calming, compassionate and understanding ear when you call us for a confidential chat.