a,b,c,d,e,f,g... I'm as thrifty as can be! I feel like since having my little one my mind is constantly on money saving mode – it doesn't always work and it's hard to stick to the rules I set myself but it still helps to have them. I'm more thrifty now than I've ever been and I know it doesn't have to mean misery! Here is my money saving alphabet – it's my entry for the Britmums piggy bank tales competition which is sponsored by Virgin Money.
accept
Admit your financial limits and accept what you have got;
even a little, can then feel like such a lot.
barter
Be never bashful... barter for bargains;
and be sure your purse is cash full.
cashback
Click cashback sites before you buy online;
clock up cash for another time.
Chi ching!
debts
Don't ignore them...
dig deep, divulge, and do consolidate them.
eat together
Everyone eating the same family dinner;
saves on expensive different portions – an easy saving winner.
friends
Friends are free!!
green
Get green and turn of lights & sockets;
get saving polar bears and gain savings in your pockets.
home-made
Hundreds of dishes can be home-made yummy...
with a small hoard of key ingredients – hurrah for happy tummies!
Invest in itsy bistsy freezer pots and store portions as you cook;
mine is full of ice surprises and always worth a look.
justify
Just before you buy it;
stop and justify it.
kiddie kino
We know with kids you're always up and awake;
so kick start your day at the cinema – at weekend morning showings, £1 tickets are at stake.
library
Lots of books and lovely activities for little one and me;
look shhhhhhhhhh listen, it's all for free.
make
Make gifts and cards with your mini makers;
mine even decorates plain wrapping paper.
Now if you natter unlimited on your mobile do you need a landline too?
when at home skype is a great option and at no cost for me or you!
over-budget
Over estimating and realism with your budget can only leave you with spare;
otherwise you'll only end up spending extra pounds elsewhere.
plan
Planning meals and making shopping lists help food budgets stretch longer;
less waste, less haste, still lots of taste... and a bank account that's stronger.
quick fix
For a quick cash fix rummage baby clothes and old CD's;
there's money to be made at car boot sales, to buy things you really need.
rewards
Reap rewards with free points cards, when you're out and ready to shop;
reward cards can bring days out and shopping discounts at a pop.
Super savers surely see...
you can do all the same baby activities for free!
travel thrifty
Take note of group discounts and advance travel fares;
always ask for the cheapest tickets and ring direct to compare.
understand
Understanding your personal money traps is a great first step to helping savings grow,
write down every little thing you buy one month and underlying problems will show.
The web is full of vouchers to spend online and in store;
always search before you spend to leave yourself with more.
wait
However much you want something, if you can't afford it wait;
the stress of debt or monthly payments will far outweigh the treat.
X marks the spot
Give your savings account a name that reflects it's end goal;
it makes adding to it so satisfying and will get you on a roll.
zippity doo dah
Celebrate you luck with some lovely family treats and fun;
be in it to win it and enter great fun comps on blogs for mums!
Share your savings story for a chance to win £500 towards a Stocks & Shares ISA
