If you’re struggling to free up cash to save, here are some ways to save money without feeling like you’re missing out.
Setting out what you’re spending and where, can help you see where your money’s going and where you could potentially make changes. You may find you’re overspending at certain online retailers, or you’re still paying for subscriptions you no longer use.
Use 3 months’ worth of bank statements to get a more accurate idea of your spending habits, and make sure to factor in any yearly costs you may have.
Our budget planning tool can help you get started.
You could also use money management tools to help you stay on top of your spending. For example, if you have the HSBC Mobile Banking app, you can use transaction notifications to keep track of your spending. You can set up notifications for spending or receiving money – or both.
Comparison websites allow you compare quotes, to see if you're getting the best price for your household expenses, such as gas, electricity or broadband.
Even saving a small amount each month can really add up over the course of a year. If you’re able to switch to cheaper deals, try putting the amount you’ve saved each month into your savings account. You could set up a standing order so you don’t even have to think about it.
Get more tips about managing your bills.
Food shopping is one of the biggest weekly expenses for families in the UK. From setting a budget, to planning your meals and storing your food, there's a range of things you can do to cut your spending.
Find out more about how to save money at the supermarket.
Making small changes can also help reduce possible fuel costs. Here are some ideas:
Whether it’s fitness apps, TV or magazine subscriptions, it’s easy to sign up to different services and then forget about them.
Take a look at your transactions and make a list of all the subscription services you’re paying for.
Are there any you don’t use? Start by cutting those. Then look at those you do use – are there any you could do without? You could try cutting those temporarily to see whether you miss them.
Find out more about saving money on your subscriptions.
When shopping online, you’ll see various deals and promo codes. Sometimes, you may have to do something like sign up to a newsletter to receive 10% off your next order. Other times, there may be a promo code you can find that will offer you a better deal.
It can pay to do a bit of online research to find the latest discounts.
Like with your bills, if you’re able to, you could add any money you save to your savings account.
Whether it’s car insurance, or home and contents insurance, there are a few ways you could lower your insurance premiums.
Paying annually or increasing your voluntary excess may be a way to bring your costs down. If you do decide to increase your excess, just make sure you’re able to pay this if you need to make a claim.
You may be able to find the same level of cover at a cheaper price from a different provider, so it can sometimes help to shop around.
If you have a personal loan, credit card, overdraft or mortgage, you’re likely being charged interest. Depending on your situation, you may be able to minimise the amount of interest you pay and reduce your monthly repayments.
A balance transfer will often let you transfer the balance from one credit card provider to another, offering an interest-free period. If you’re able to clear your debt within that interest-free period, you could potentially save a significant amount of money in interest payments.
A debt consolidation loan may offer a lower interest rate than overdrafts, credit cards and store cards. Or, if you have multiple debts, a debt consolidation loan may help you bring them all together and create a clear repayment plan.
Keep in mind – while you may be able to reduce your monthly repayments with a debt consolidation loan, you may end up repaying more in interest over the long-term.
Find out more about how debt consolidation loans work.
If you have a mortgage, you may look to switch mortgage rates or remortgage, to find a better deal. Switching occurs when you change rates with your existing mortgage provider. Remortgaging is when you move your mortgage from one lender to another.
There may be fees and charges to pay when switching or remortgaging, so make sure you understand what these are before you decide.
If you're a PAYE taxpayer, there may be ways you can make savings on your taxes. For example, you could be entitled to tax relief on a uniform you need to buy for work. There are also deductions available if you give to charity, or make maintenance payments, in some circumstances.
Find out more about tax relief.
You may also be able to claim certain benefits from the government. There’s a Help to Save scheme, as well as Universal Credit and other services that can help with things like your energy costs.
See what other benefits you may be able to claim.
Billions of pounds of government benefits and allowances are going unclaimed. You can use this free calculator to find out if you’re missing out.
You can book an appointment with one of our financial fitness trainers, who can take you through a 30-minute financial health check. Our financial fitness trainers are on hand to speak to you about your banking needs – and you don’t have to be an HSBC customer to benefit from this service.
They won’t give financial advice, but they’re here to help you achieve your financial goals, whatever they may be. They will be able to explain where you’re doing well and where you may be able to improve – focusing on what's important to you.
