How One Young Mum Went From Debt-Holder To Home-Owner

Published: 31/01/2018

A year ago, young mum Morgan Woods thought her family could soon be homeless.

Her landlord had put her and her husband’s rental property on the market and, with £4000 in credit card debt due to over-spending and no savings, things looked dire.

Determined to turn things around, Morgan devised a strict money-saving plan. Within a year, she had put £10,000 towards a house deposit.

Here are Morgan’s money-saving tips for FTBs (or anyone!)

1. Clip coupons

Coupons can be picked up from numerous places including free in store magazines, online or I have seen them alongside my grocery receipts.

2. Get cashback

Cashback sites such as Topcashback and Quidco offer a percentage of your purchase back when shopping. Phone apps such as Shopmium or Checkoutsmart offer cash back on your in store purchases.

3. Look for coupon codes

Just like in store coupons you can hunt for online coupon codes.

4. Shop around

Shop around to find the cheapest price. Google is great at showing you where your item is available and how much it costs at different retailers. Use MySupermarket for grocery savings.

5. Make your own lunch

Take a packed lunch to work or school. Buying lunch may be easier when you a have hectic morning but if you get organised by making lunch the night before you could save £20+ per week.

6. Use store loyalty cards

There are so many loyalty cards available these days which have some great incentives.

7. Only buy what you need

This one seems obvious but it’s so easy to get caught up in a spending frenzy. If you don’t need it, don’t buy it.

8. Meal plan

Plan your meals out for the following week, go through your cupboards, fridge and freezer. If possible plan meals around what you already have.

9. Write a shopping list

Ever gone grocery shopping, forgotten what you need and bought duplicates? Write a shopping list and stick to it.

10. Be realistic

If you haven’t got the money for something then just be honest. There is no shame in admitting to someone else that you can’t afford something. Suggest a cheaper or free alternative.

11. Take a step back and create a budget

Creating a budget will open your eyes to what money you have available and where it’s going.

12. Set a goal

For some people saving money seems pointless. Set a goal and it starts to have meaning. Let’s face it you won’t put the extra effort, time or energy in doing these things if you don’t have a reason to.

13. Yellow stickers

Get up to 75% off your groceries when they have been reduced with yellow stickers.

14. Unplug electrical items

Unplug your chargers when they are not in use and switch your TV off at the wall they will still use a small amount of electricity when left on standby.

15. Use your local library

Most libraries now have internet access as well as lending out books, DVDs and CDs.

16. Eat your leftovers

If you have leftover food eat it up. Food is often safe up to 3 days after cooking, although always check and use your common sense.

17. Get rid of any unused memberships

If you have any unused memberships draining your account each month cancel them.

18. Borrow

Instead of buying something first think about if you could borrow it from friends or family.

Source: Wales Online

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