With the start of the new year, here are seven ways you can become a savvy student saver over the next twelve months with minimal effort.
Start preparing for next Christmas now
Seriously. Head down to the supermarkets and pick up leftover stock like wrapping paper and the like for pennies. Not only will it save you loads of cash but it'll mean you don't have to spend as much time next December getting ready.
Open a savings account (and put money in!)
If you don't already have one, open up an ISA cash savings account. Look around for the ones with the best deals and put in whatever money you can afford each month. Even a little bit adds up over the year.
Get a piggy bank
Piggy banks aren't just for kids and pocket money. Spare change can quickly rack so keep somewhere to put it all. And when it comes to Spring cleaning, do a clear out of your sofa, car and such for any spare change or cash. You could be surprised!
Learn where to get cheap food
Online supermarket Approved Food offers huge savings on food. The website specialises in surplus and short-dated stock, food that is either near or just passed its 'best before' date. It's still good to eat, but costs a fraction of the retail price.
Make a budget and stick to it
With your latest student loan payment ready to hit your account in January, make yourself a budget for the year ahead and STICK to it. If you're ahead of the game and already have a budget, take some time to review it and make any adjustments you need, especially as you'll have a lot better idea of your finances now since starting last September.
Don't bother with that gym membership
Gym memberships rocket in the New Year but the truth is most of us never seem to make use of them by the end of February. Don't bother in the first place and instead save money by ditching the gym: Here are 5 ways to stay fit without spending anything
Cut out expensive habits
Cut back on the coffee, booze, smoking, fast food and ready meals. Start the new year by having both a body and wallet cleanse by cutting out these 7 surprisingly expensive habits now.
Compare to save a load of cash
Set an afternoon or evening aside to look at your bills and see if you could save money. From car insurance to broadband, use an online comparison website and you could save hundreds of quid over the next twelve months by simply switching suppliers.