How To Budget In The New Year

Today I am going to talk about the cry-worthy, hair-pulling topic and that is money. What money? You're all thinking. So let's be honest with ourselves we've all overdone it on the Christmas shopping and January Sales to the point where we fear to check our online banks to see the damage. Money is such a stressful topic this time of year, which is why I wanted to create a post on budgeting in the New Year, hoping it'll stop you all from pulling out your hair.

1. Buy A Money Box - It is always handy to get your hands on one of those money boxes that can only be opened with a tin opener or smashed open with a hammer. That way you won't be tempted to take some money out. I have two of this one for loose change and the other for notes to put in every other week to start saving up for a holiday or even next Christmas. I do think having a money box can help budget your money in the long run and are a lot less tempting to take out money than a savings account is.

2. Keep A Note - Alright it's a New Year the damage is done last year, now is the time to take note on how much you spend. Keep a little notepad on you to write down how much you've spent per week, maybe look at bank statements to see what's going in and coming out. It is healthy to keep track of where your money is going, honestly, I forgot I was still paying my phone bill at one point.

3. Cut The Habits - Have a gym membership that you don't ever use? Subscribed to a magazine that you forgot you were paying for? Or have a Netflix account that is being ruled by your partners rubbish film choices? Take some time to address where your money is going and cancel any unused subscriptions to save yourself in the long run. I have done this last year and I have saved myself £15 a month which totals as £180 a year.

4. Take Only a Little - When you are nipping to the shops or into town only take the essentials. I have ditched my massive wallet for a small card holder and only take with me I'D, a bit of cash and my Boots card. Leave your bank card at home if possible and only take out with you very little. Honestly not taking my bank card saved me a lot of money when I was wandering around town after university itching to spend my student loan.

5. Be A Smart, Savvy Shopper - It is good to be a smart, savvy shopper rather than buying something there and then why not check elsewhere first? I've found that online shopping and a little bit of patience can go far. There are so many online shops that could be selling what you want at a cheaper price. I recently got myself a new sports bra and fitness pants for £7 because I spend time searching online rather than always turning to the high street. It saves you money in the long run and finding a bargain is always bliss!

6. Sell, Sell And Sell More - If you have unwanted books, clothes, DVDs, jewellery etc you could easily sell them and give them to a better home. Depop, eBay and AliExpress are my go-to online shops to look for bargains or sell unused items. It's good to clear out your old things even if you give them to charity, you are clearing out a lot of unused mess that could get you a few pennies!

7. Out With The New And In With The Old - See what I did there? Rather than treating yourself every week or two to new products, use up the products you already have first. I rarely buy clothes or makeup as much as I used to because I try to make the most out of using what I already have before I even consider buying new things. Stop buying new things to cheer yourself up when you know deep down you feel guilty for spending your weeks worth of food shop on that new dress!

What is your advice for budgeting money??