Top tips for saving/ reducing spending /making money

Karb

This may not be the right thread, and it's not going to work for everyone but, pre-lockdown, I always went out around midday and bought lunch. I always realised it wasn't a MSE thing to do, but it forced me to actually leave the building and get some fresh air and exercise, whereas if I'd brought sandwiches I would be tempted to just stay at my desk and eat them as I worked. 
I never buy shop bought coffees or anything like that, so this was my daily frivolous spend, usually a £3 supermarket meal deal.

Anyway, some time in August last year, having been working from home since March, I decided to use that £3 daily spend to overpay on my mortgage. It effectively means that roughly every 6 months, my final payment date moves forward by one month. 

On Monday, my spreadsheet showed the first change to my final payment date - from January 2028 to December 2027. 
Although it's only one month, the psychological impact of seeing the year change, and knowing that it will be an extra Christmas without worrying about next month's mortgage payment, was huge. I felt so good all day. If I keep up the same rate of overpayment, I'll bring that final payment date forward by a further 12 months. All for the cost of a £3 meal deal per day.

While I can't guarantee I won't go to the pub or gigs or sporting events when lockdown ends, I will make a point of trying to discipline myself to make my own lunches when I'm back in the office. 

So what's the point of this ramble, and why is it on this thread? Well, I suppose it's just to try to be an encouragement that small step changes can make a big impact. 

Little*Miss

Anyway, some time in August last year, having been working from home since March, I decided to use that £3 daily spend to overpay on my mortgage. It effectively means that roughly every 6 months, my final payment date moves forward by one month. 

I love this, thank you for the inspiration!

Little*Miss

I didn't mean to post the laughing emoji!!

pogofish

Little*Miss said:

I have been browsing the threads and I didn't spot a thread of just tips to reduce spending, save money and make money. 

There are already a great many such threads here - in the relevant sub forums.