AD – This is an advertorial but all thoughts are my own
Although I’m 28, I don’t own my own home yet. I’m not ashamed of that; I don’t think anyone should be. We’re all different with different paths in life and different priorities. I’m in a very fortunate position right now but of course, I’m going to want to buy a house eventually. And I’m currently in the process of saving as much money as I can and getting really clear on my finances and options.
I think education and knowing what’s right for you is incredibly important when it comes to anything money related. Everyone has an opinion on money and it’s still a very taboo subject for a lot of people. Embarrassment or resentment or judgment are often feelings that come up during a conversation you might have with someone about money.
Making, spending and saving money can cause a lot of controversy. But I don’t see why. As long as we know what we’re doing with our own money, make choices which are suitable for US and are sensible, then there’s nothing controversial about it. I’m definitely not one to judge anyone on what they do with their money, as long as they’re sensible.
So before we jump into the different ways I’m saving for my future house, I just want to quickly mention cashasap.co.uk, a short term loans company that offers small loans to customers that have been excluded from mainstream or low interest credit options. They are authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and provide customer focused services, whilst encouraging responsible, affordable borrowing.
They offer small sums of money (from £150) over short loan terms, which other mainstream providers do not offer, so customers can just borrow the amount that they need and only pay interest on that amount. And if you’re struggling between paydays, they also offer payday loans to help you there, too.
cashasap.co.uk are a private company whereby all loans come out of their own money and they make their own lending decisions. They have a friendly customer service team who are customer driven with an easy online application process which includes new technologies, such as multiple affordability checks and Open Banking financial reports with consent from their customers, to ensure that their loans fit their customers’ disposable incomes.
We all get a little stuck sometimes and sometimes, things like a payday loan or a short term loan are needed and one of the only things to get us through. With services from places like cashasap.co.uk, you know they have the customers interest at heart. Which is really important if you need to consider a short term loan.
There are obviously a ton of different ways to make money, save money and spend money. Sometimes we need a loan to make things work, sometimes we need to sell old stuff, sometimes we need to cut down on a few luxuries. Whatever the case, it’s okay. And I firmly believe there needs to be a lot less shame attached to money.
Now here are a few small things I’m doing to save extra money for my future house!
Cutting down on takeaways
My goodness I used to spend an absolute FORTUNE on takeaways. I love a takeaway but I’ve definitely cut down on them lately. It’s helpful for my waist and my bank account, so win win for this one!
Adding money into my ISA every month
I set up a Help To Buy ISA back in November 2019 before they stopped offering them completely. I ensure I had money into my ISA every single month without fail and once the money is in there, I don’t touch it again. I know I’ll get extra on the money I have in there from the government when I do come to buy a house too.
Selling clothes on Vinted
Obviously this isn’t a big money maker but every little helps, right? I never really got anywhere with Ebay and wasn’t a huge fan of Depop so I decided to give Vinted a go and had a few sales and really enjoyed the platform, so I’ll be continuing to use this to make a little extra cash!
Paying closer attention to my incomings and outgoings
Although I’m self employed so I have to note down all my incomings and outgoings, I’ve never really paid ATTENTION to it. I’ve just kinda, wrote it down because I need to and never looked at it again until I have to do my tax return at the end of the year. By actually paying closer attention to my money, I’ve been able to manage it better and boost my savings.
Cutting back on subscriptions
I’ve cut down on a few subscriptions I don’t really need or use lately, including Disney+ which kinda broke my heart but I simply wasn’t using it enough to warrant a subscription for it. So this is a handy way to boost your savings back up.
Not buying anything unnecessary
One thing that I don’t find particularly hard is not buying things I don’t really need. I’ve never been someone that over-purchases. So this one isn’t difficult for me but of course, it DEFINITELY does help when it comes to savings and building up my savings account.
Finding a better work balance to improve my productivity
That was just a more humble way of saying I’m working really freaking hard. I’ve worked harder than ever before this year. And whilst some months are naturally better than others in this industry, I’m really trying to find a good balance so I can be MEGA productive when I need to, so I can earn even more and still have a nice balance so I don’t burn out.
Less holidays (thanks to covid!)
I mean, not really something I’ve actively had to do over the last 18 months, considering we couldn’t go anywhere but the fact that we were stuck at home (or stuck in the UK) definitely didn’t hurt my savings for the future!
Using survey sites for a little extra cash
Back in June, I think I made an extra £100 or so from survey sites alone. Although I really knuckled down with them and was doing them almost every day, it is cool to know you can make a little extra cash every month from doing very little!
I feel you on the subscriptions. I just seem to collect them and always feel guilty for unsubscribing even though I’m not using them. Currently trying to make more coffees at home instead of buying out to save a little extra cash.
Everything helps!
Since I live in Kenya, It’s a bit different here. It’s much cheaper to buy land and a house, as opposed to buying a house. That said, I’m saving money to have a cushion and so that I can travel around the country. I’ll be in 25 in September and I reckon I might start thinking about land then.
Wow that’s a very different way to us!
All those little things really add up don’t they! Hope you reach your goal! I really think we should be taught the whole mortgages/finance/budgeting stuff in school, it would be really useful x
You’re doing great! It’s so hard to get on the property ladder these days. We bought our house when I was 32. I rented all the way though my 20’s and it makes me so annoyed that I had to spend all that money on rent as I couldnt save or a mortgage as well as pay my bills each month!
Corinne x
Thank you! I bet but it’s definitely not a waste of money! x
As you say, education is so important, money-wise. I really thing young people should be taught this sort of common sense in schools and encouraged to think about their futures! There shouldn’t be this stigma about discussing money matters
I do too, it’s ridiculous that they’re not.
Oh yes, you are still young in the game of life, and doing a marvelous job in so many ways!!! 🙂 You are a very inspiring person!
awh thank you Linda!
Awesome! You are such an inspiration to young people everywhere…:)
Awh thank you, not that young anymore though!
This is awesome! I need to start doing more surveys! My husband and I are saving as well. We were going to purchase a condo but with COVID decided to step back. I’m hoping the longer we wait and more we save, we can just go straight to purchasing a house! Thanks for sharing x
Lynn | https://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
Ah sorry to hear that! Hopefully soon!
What survey sites do you use? I signed up to a few but they all seem really scammy
YouGov, One Poll, Curious Cat and Prolific (which is the best)
I totally feel that with the takeaways! We definitely don’t need too but it’s to tempting!
These are some great tips Jenny! I think looking through your direct debits and evaluating what you really do and don’t need is really important. Takeaways is a big one too! We probably get one-two a week which in reality we really don’t need to do.
Claire.X
http://www.clairemac.co.uk
Not having a house at 28 is normal! We didn’t buy our first house until this year (I’m 29 going on 30 next week…) and houses aren’t cheap in Canada either. I think it’s better to save your money for a house than to end up in tons of debt and a huge mortgage.
Yeah I’ve heard house prices in Canada are pretty extreme! I totally agree too.
I’m 43 and will probably never own a home. I’m not sure if I have given up yet or not, but I hope all the best for your savings plans!!
Thank you. Don’t give up!
Some great tips Jenny, like you, I add a little money to my ISA every month and it does build up! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
It really does! I’m so surprised with the amount I have in mine considering I’m not putting LOADS in every month x
great ideas. sounds like you’re really thinking this through. I bought my first house at 30. I did what you’re doing now. No extra spending etc. Do remember to take care of you though. Doesn’t need to be with things but with self care….walks, long talks with friends, maybe a staycation… Good luck.
Oh yeah I agree, I still treat myself and do nice things!
These are great suggestions for saving a little extra money! I think it’s really important to pay attention to what’s coming and going out so that you can see where you need to cut back. Thanks for sharing!
Yes totally, that’s one area I probably slack with the most!
of course thqt is true everyone is different so there is no compulsion of having a house at the age you are in
Very true
Fab tips! I’ve tried surveys but not sure of the best sites to try. I’m struggling with eBay at the moment too. Good luck for saving for your house x
Prolific is definitely the best!
We love to save money on weekends and excursions. My husband and I typically look for free or low-cost things to do one the weekends, such as hiking or maybe just walking around some of the free touristy parts of Las Vegas. As locals were spoiled to get all kinds of discounts on the Strip too! We also like to take mini-vacations and camp or get an airbnb and take the dog along with us
Sounds great! I’m a longggg way from Vegas but sounds like locals get some good deals!
Yes! Between local discounts and veteran discounts we save so much
Saving has been so hard for me during the years! I love all of these tips and they will be useful for sure. Cutting down on takeaways was a major for us and can assure you that it saved a lot already! Surveys are a great way to get some extra cash and need to check Vinted out! I had a chance to do some extra work, so it’s been great! x
Takeaways are a nightmare with for eating into your money!
I am not even in my 20’s yet. But buying a house in the future is one step I most certainly want to take!💕
That’s great to hear!
Well done you for having this goal! I have faith that you’ll reach this in no time. I love your tips and the not spending on silly things, that’s something I need to do more of!
Rosie
Thank you! X
I’m surprised you made so much money from just doing surveys! I think I’ll give it a go 🙂
Yes if you really go for it then it’s definitely worth it!
These are good tips! Good luck in buying your own first house. All the best!
Thank you!
I love this post and all the tips you’ve shared to help you save! I’m like you and that because covid meant I couldn’t travel, I’ve managed to save a lot of money which I’m thankful for xx
Silver linings and all that!
Great tips! My partner and I are using micro-investing platforms (like Raiz) that automatically chip in small amounts and grow our savings – they’re honestly so good! x
Oooh that sounds like a great option!
These are really useful and great tips for me! I’m considering to start saving once I have stable income or get better work to improve my income 🙂 Thanks for sharing this, Jen x
Thank you. Definitely start saving ASAP, even if it’s the tiniest amount!
I use survey sites to top up what I have coming in too. I also use the receipt scanning apps and earn a few Amazon gift cards from them, it is always nice to have money to spend on Amazon lol.
Yes I use Shoppix for receipts and get like an extra fiver or tenner from that a month!
Saving is so hard for me so I’m just like, how are these “small ways” haha. I admire your discipline and wish you all the best in saving up for the house x
They are small ways because saving does have to mean keeping aside a thousand pound a month or anything major like that – everything adds up!
Great tips, I’m trying to save for big holidays (whenever Covid allows) – would you say Vinted is better than Bay? I’m struggling to shift some stuff that’s been on there for weeks and it’s frustrating ha, ha, ha
It’s more interactive for sure and better for clothes! Depends what you’re selling I guess!
Clothes……always clothes ha, ha, ha
Some great tips for the future here! I have been cutting down on takeaways and subscriptions I’m not using but would like to try some of the others like surveys or selling clothes – I definitely have some I could offload, haha!
Always worth it! Thank you x