*5 Ways To Save Money This Autumn

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September is #Secondhand September which has started to make me think about my shopping habits and spending recently. During lockdown (we are currently still in lockdown in Manchester), I surprisingly didn't resort to retail therapy as I thought I would (not going to lie, I'm quite proud of myself). However, I do still want to cut back on my spending and save a little as many aspects of life are very uncertain in our current situation. I hope today's post gives you a few tips on how to save a little money over the next few months and if you have are tips of your own, leave them in the comments below!

Use What You Have & Upcycle 

Firstly, reusing and upcycling items, instead of purchasing new products. Using up products instead of throwing them away is one of the easiest options to save money. If you follow me on Instagram (@ofbeautyand) you may have seen my empties sneak peeks (my empties posts will be live at the end of the month) showing some of the items I have used up over lockdown. I used to be one of those people who would use up half a product and then move onto another or buy something new but having a basket in the bathroom that I am fill up with empty products definitely gives me the motivation to use up the half finished products I already have rather than spending money on new items - it is very satisfying throwing everything away when it is full!

Shopping Secondhand

Secondhand September is underway and while it isn't necessarily going to help you save a lot of money; it can help reduce your spending compared to buying new items when you need to. Shopping secondhand is also far better for the environment and is a more sustainable way to shop. Sustainability and environmentally conscious shopping is something we all need to be more mindful of in 2020. 

Review Your Bills + Shop For Better Deals

Shopping for better deals, whether you are shopping secondhand, looking for a discount code or switching providers, can all save you a little money which all adds up! Switching electricity, internet, insurance, phone or gas providers, for example, might be a little bit of hassle but it could potentially save you quite a significant amount of money. 

Make or Grow Your Own

Making your own 'fakeaway' dinners, upcycling old furniture, growing your own herbs or vegetables are not only more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives but can save you extra cash too. Takeaways can be quite expensive, if there aren't any offers or discount codes, so why not make your own. Growing you own vegetables or herbs may take more than a little time but it is so satisfying to be able to eat what you have grown in your own home. Also, if you want to change piece of worn out furniture, why not upcycling it instead of purchasing something new? Gardening and upcycling may also turn into rewarding new hobbies!

Cutting Costs 

Making a list of your expenses and cutting costs where you can is great for not just saving money but it means that you can keep track of your spending which in turn may make you more mindful about your spending habits. I've started to write down all of my purchases each month and while at the time small and inexpensive items don't seem like a problem, when they are totalled at the end of the month, it can add up to more money than you'd thought. 

Cutting costs can also take the form of energy saving and more environmentally friendly lighting. Inui are leading LED lighting specialists offering a wide range of LED lighting for commercial, industrial and domestic use. LED lighting can be a cheaper option and it can typically last longer than traditional light bulbs which may also save you money in the future!

Do you have any money saving tips?