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Money Expert Offers Tips For Managing Your Spending And Saving

Money Expert Offers Tips For Managing Your Spending And Saving

Clare Seal has saved thousands so far, and has some sound advice to pass on

Tom Wood

Tom Wood

A money expert has provided a number of tips to help you keep your spending in check, even if you're not the most financially-minded person in the world.

According to Clare Seal, getting in charge of your finances - while not the most exciting topic in the world - doesn't have to be too painful, it all depends on how you look at it.

In an interview with The Sun, Clare said: "Being more mindful with my money has probably saved me thousands already.

"I really hope that will continue and compound into the future."

So, first up, you'd better start by writing down some bad spending habits. Clare suggests three, but write them down and make them real. That might give you a better perspective next time - let's say - you head for the online shopping websites when you've had a bad day.

Then, you need to watch out for what you get on credit.

PA

Obviously, you end up paying more for the products through interest most times, but also you'll appreciate something more if you see the chunk of money fly away on it.

In her book, The Real Life Money Journal, Clare writes: "Paying with credit allows us to delay the effect of our purchase.

"Not associating the financial of something with the item itself can cause problems as it skews our judgement when deciding whether or not something is 'worth it'."

Remember those spending habits we mentioned? Well, you could try to ask yourself a few test questions before you buy something to check whether you're just spending emotionally.

Clare suggests asking yourself: "Am I trying to fill a void?"

Other great questions include 'do I need this?' and 'am I enjoying this?'

Clare also suggests a checklist to get through to stop yourself spending as an impulse.

Unsubscribe from mailing lists, delete your apps, remove the auto-fill for your cards, disable payment via thumbprint on your phone, take some time to sleep it over when considering buying anything significant, and impose a curfew on yourself to prevent any late-night shopping.

PA

Then, you could separate out your 'wants' and your 'needs'.

Obviously, it's totally fine if you want something. But it's important to distinguish between what we have to have and what we want to have.

Have a good think about it, maybe write it all down to make it real, and see if you really need something before purchasing.

Clare added: "My 'want list' has a 'why' column - not because I think everyone has to painstakingly justify everything they buy for themselves...

"But just to make sure everything on the list is there for the right reasons, and I'm not going to end up with buyer's remorse."

Back to those needs, though.

When you've written down the wants and needs, add in a 'priority' column for things that you absolutely need to buy next.

PA

Get stuck into the bills and debts first, as they're going to land you in trouble if you miss payments, and speak to your lender or provider - as well as seeking free advice - if you're struggling.

Once all that is done, have a crack at the wants column.

You can work out ways to save by giving yourself an allowance, or by saving up through loyalty schemes, or - if you've gotta have it - by buying second hand.

Failing that, you can always sell something you have already but no longer want or need to facilitate the purchases.

Either way, remember this is only a guideline, and don't beat yourself up about it too much. But keeping on top of your finances is a good way to keep extra stress out of your life, too.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Money, Interesting