We all have our secret dreams and ambitions. For some it may be the prospect of owning a fast sports car while for others it may be the appeal of a round-the-world trip. However what we all have in common is that without a plan, these dreams are likely to stay just that – dreams!
To make them a reality will take plenty of extra cash. Short of winning the lottery it can sometimes seem hard to imagine where that extra money could conceivably come from. However with perseverance – and as long as you do not dream of owning a Bugatti Veyron or Dreamliner – it is possible to make your dreams a reality. Here are some of our top tips for saving for that treat:
Reduce your outgoings
Seems pretty obvious doesn’t it? Bt very few folk actually take the time to look closely at their regular outgoings to see where they can make economies or savings. Check your standing orders and direct debits. Chances are they include something you don’t really use or need. If so cancel it straightway. Be brutal if necessary. Are you wasting money on gym memberships you seldom if ever make use of? Do you need all those subscription TV channels? They all add up over the course of a year and make a good place to start when trying to come up with those extra funds
Go discount shopping online
There are plenty of great online sites where you can pick up goods and services at fantastic discounts over the normal price. For fashion shopping look at Brandalley, Cocosa or SaveonGoods. For household services like domestic cleaners, try Groupon, for home ware Achica is a good bet, while for holidays try Trivago or any number of other specialist holiday sites.
Cut out the takeaways
Buying groceries is probably for most people their biggest regular expense after the rent or mortgage. Takeaway meals just add to this total. If you can, why not eschew those takeaways and ready meals and prepare meals for your family yourself. For example, an enormous pot of soup can be made with just a few vegetables for pennies, while the equivalent number of cans of soup would cost more than ten times as much. Or what about making a delicious stew for all the family? Cooking takes time and a bit of effort, but it can be enjoyable and therapeutic and you will save you lots if you stick to it regularly. Not only that, but home cooked meals are likely to be much more nutritious than anything from a supermarket or takeaway store
