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What’s the ONE Money-Saving Habit That Changed Your Life?

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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,
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Comments

  • Newbie_John
    Newbie_John Posts: 1,231 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Second Anniversary Name Dropper
    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.
  • Kim_13
    Kim_13 Posts: 3,444 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    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.
  • fatbelly
    fatbelly Posts: 22,984 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Cashback Cashier
    edited 8 July at 12:11PM
    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
  • mon3ysav3r
    mon3ysav3r Posts: 68 Forumite
    10 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Overpay the mortgage regularly if you have one
  • trickydicky14
    trickydicky14 Posts: 1,262 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    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.
  • kimwp
    kimwp Posts: 2,971 Forumite
    Fifth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    edited 8 July at 12:59PM
    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.
    This is such a powerful one. My £85 for two sofas off gumtree are still going strong 10 years later. The potential pitfall is buying stuff that's not quite right or hoarding because you can't rely on things being available when you want them, but recognising when you already have something that will do the job for now and a "good enough" mentality helps avoid lots of re-buying.

    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.php

    For free, non-judgemental debt advice, try: Stepchange or National Debtline. Beware fee charging companies with similar names.
  • JosephK
    JosephK Posts: 276 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 100 Posts Name Dropper
    Proper budgeting and keep it simple
  • Section62
    Section62 Posts: 9,871 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Fourth Anniversary Name Dropper
    ...
    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.
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