We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More »
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
What’s the ONE Money-Saving Habit That Changed Your Life?
Options

MariaLeon
Posts: 5 Newbie

Hi everyone,
I wanted to ask:
What’s the one money-saving habit, mindset, or tip that made the biggest difference in your financial life?
It could be something small like always comparing prices before buying, or something big like switching energy providers, using cashback sites, or even starting a side hustle.
I’m trying to build better financial habits and would love to learn from real experiences. Feel free to share what worked for you – even if it sounds simple, it might help someone else too!
Looking forward to hearing your stories. 😊
Thanks in advance,
-2
Comments
-
Many, but something that you haven't mentioned:
Buying used items.
Certain items from known brands, even second hand can last years and they cost half price or less.
Obviously not everything but sport goods like bicycle, or kids toys like electric car, bicycle etc. A lot of people buy brand new, keep it for few months and then sell for half price or less.
Once you've used it for 6 months you can then sell it back and instead of paying £100 for new you may buy it for £50, sell it for £40..
And regarding used items, we all sleep in hotels on used mattress, some drive used car, eat with used cutlery in restaurant and that's fine.3 -
Regular Savers. If you’ve done one or more of these at the beginning of the month, you’re still heading in the right direction even if you overspend later.The higher interest rates and lower deposit limits make saving feel more worthwhile and achievable than a bog standard passbook account of the past.2
-
Becoming a member of this forum5
-
Cheapest petrol in an area you don't know well
https://www.petrolprices.com/
Short term bargains at supermarkets
https://www.hotukdeals.com/tag/groceries
1 -
Overpay the mortgage regularly if you have one3
-
Starting saving from a young age. I have never had a job that paid that well but having the right mindset has allowed me to retire and not worry about money.I choose the rooms that I live in with care,
The windows are small and the walls almost bare,
There's only one bed and there's only one prayer;
I listen all night for your step on the stair.2 -
Newbie_John said:Many, but something that you haven't mentioned:
Buying used items.
Certain items from known brands, even second hand can last years and they cost half price or less.
Obviously not everything but sport goods like bicycle, or kids toys like electric car, bicycle etc. A lot of people buy brand new, keep it for few months and then sell for half price or less.
Once you've used it for 6 months you can then sell it back and instead of paying £100 for new you may buy it for £50, sell it for £40..
And regarding used items, we all sleep in hotels on used mattress, some drive used car, eat with used cutlery in restaurant and that's fine.
It's funny though, while I logically know that every hotel has used mattresses, I still can't bring myself to buy one.Statement of Affairs (SOA) link: https://www.lemonfool.co.uk/financecalculators/soa.phpFor free, non-judgemental debt advice, try: Stepchange or National Debtline. Beware fee charging companies with similar names.3 -
Proper budgeting and keep it simple1
-
Have less stuff. A lot less.
You really don’t need lots of stuff.
And if you leave behind a house full of stuff for your kids to sort out one day, they will not be happy about it.So my one habit is - less stuff, more time, fewer things, more living.
The only thing worth having is enough.6 -
What_time_is_it said:...
And if you leave behind a house full of stuff for your kids to sort out one day, they will not be happy about it....Depends whether your kids like 'stuff' themselves.I helped clear out a great aunt's bungalow... it was like an Aladdin's cave. Nothing made me happier than knowing her 'treasures' went to museums, into other people's homes, and into boxes so the next generation could get a sense of family history if they ever show an interest. Much better than it going to landfill.4
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

Categories
- All Categories
- 351.1K Banking & Borrowing
- 253.2K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 453.6K Spending & Discounts
- 244.1K Work, Benefits & Business
- 599.1K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 177K Life & Family
- 257.5K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.6K Read-Only Boards