Many people think saving money means making big sacrifices, but often it's the small changes that have the biggest impact over time. Whether you're looking to cut your energy bills, reduce food waste or build up some emergency savings, here are some practical tips to help make your money go further.

1. Start by Knowing Where Your Money Goes 

It's easy to underestimate how much we spend on day-to-day purchases. 

For one week, keep track of everything you buy, from groceries and fuel to takeaways and coffees. You might discover: 

  • £3 coffee three times a week = around £36 a month 

  • One takeaway a week at £20 = over £1,000 a year 

  • Forgotten subscriptions costing £10 a month = £120 a year 

A simple budget can help you identify spending you may be able to reduce without affecting your quality of life. 

Why not check out Martin Lewis' free budgeting resource 'The Demotivator' - The Demotivator: stop you spending when you can't afford it

2. Check if You're Missing Out on Financial Support 

Many households are entitled to support but don't realise it. 

You could be eligible for: 

  • Universal Credit 

  • Council Tax Reduction 

  • Pension Credit 

  • Help with childcare costs 

  • Energy grants and support schemes 

For example, Pension Credit can unlock additional support such as help with heating costs and council tax.  

A quick benefits check could put pounds back into your household budget each year. GOV.UK's calculators can support working out any benefits entitlements: Benefits calculators - GOV.UK

3. Reduce Energy Costs Without Spending Money 

Energy bills remain one of the biggest household expenses, but small changes can make a difference. 

Try: 

  • Turning appliances off at the plug instead of leaving them on standby 

  • Running washing machines at 30°C 

  • Waiting until the washing machine is full before using it 

  • Only boiling the amount of water you need in the kettle 

  • Closing curtains on colder evenings to keep heat inside 

For example, if every member of a household cuts just a few unnecessary uses of electricity each day, the savings can add up over the course of the year. 

4. Plan Meals and Reduce Food Waste 

Many families throw away food simply because they buy more than they need. 

Before going shopping: 

  • Check what's already in your cupboards and freezer 

  • Write a shopping list 

  • Plan meals for the week 

  • Avoid shopping when hungry 

For example: 

Monday: Jacket potatoes and beans 
Tuesday: Pasta bake 
Wednesday: Use leftover pasta bake for lunch

Planning meals like this helps reduce waste and avoids spending extra money on convenience meals.

If you have leftover vegetables nearing their use-by date, they can often be turned into soups, curries or pasta sauces. You can find more ideas on the Tesco website here: What Can I Make With These Ingredients... | Tesco Real Food 

5. Swap Brand Names for Own-Brand Products 

Many supermarket own-brand products are significantly cheaper than branded alternatives. 

For example: 

  • Cereal 

  • Pasta 

  • Rice 

  • Tinned vegetables 

  • Cleaning products 

If you switched five items a week and saved £1 on each, that could mean around £260 saved over a year. 

6. Review Your Subscriptions 

Do you know exactly how many subscriptions leave your account each month? 

Take five minutes to check your bank statement and look for: 

  • Streaming services 

  • App memberships 

  • Gaming subscriptions 

  • Music services 

  • Gym memberships you no longer use 

For example, three subscriptions costing £8 each may seem small, but together that's £24 a month or almost £300 a year. 

7. Save Before You Spend 

If possible, transfer a small amount into savings as soon as you're paid. 

Even: 

  • £5 per week 

  • £10 per fortnight 

  • £25 per month 

can help build an emergency fund. 

Saving £25 each month would give you £300 by next summer, which could help cover school uniforms, Christmas expenses or unexpected household costs. 

8. Make the Most of Free Local Activities 

School holidays and weekends can be expensive, but there are often plenty of free or low-cost activities available. 

Consider: 

  • Local parks and nature walks 

  • Community events 

  • Library activities 

  • Free family sessions run by local organisations 

  • Museum visits 

A free afternoon out can be just as enjoyable as an expensive day trip. 

9. Don't Ignore Financial Problems 

If you're struggling to pay bills or keep up with household costs, seeking support early can make a big difference. 

Many people wait until debts become overwhelming, but advice is available before things reach crisis point. 

Support organisations can help with: 

  • Budget planning 

  • Managing debts 

  • Benefit checks 

  • Energy affordability support 

There is no shame in asking for help. Financial difficulties can affect anyone. 

You can get free and impartial help with money via MoneyHelper: Free and impartial help with money, backed by the government | MoneyHelper 

10. Speak to BCHG About Available Support 

At BCHG, we're committed to helping residents thrive, not just providing homes. 

If you're worried about rising costs, employment, benefits or managing your finances, there may be support available through our teams or trusted partner organisations.

Every Little Helps

Saving money doesn't always mean making dramatic changes. Switching off appliances, planning meals, checking benefits and reviewing subscriptions might seem like small steps, but together they can make a meaningful difference to your household budget.

This National Financial Awareness Day, why not challenge yourself to try just one new money-saving habit? Your future self could thank you for it.

Need support? Contact BCHG to find out what advice, guidance and assistance may be available to help you improve your financial wellbeing.