ad // I’m turning 30 this year and the future is starting to look very… daunting. There will be a fair few changes happening in my life over the next year or so, which has brought to light the importance of money even more so than ever before. I had no doubt that money was important – everyone knows that – but looking to the future makes it even more apparent.
We all have a future that’s going to require money. Whether that’s saving for retirement, moving home, raising a family or even upping sticks and travelling the world. And whilst it’s still quite a touchy subject for some people, the fact is, money is just an exchange of energy.
I did a lot of money mindset work a few years ago which really altered my perspective on money. When you learn that it’s simply an exchange of energy, it starts to feel a little less daunting to think about.
In this post I’m going to share a range of different ways to save money for the future. Some of these are super simple and easy ways to make a little bit of extra cash through your phone every day, others are bigger methods which might require a little more research and time.
But every little thing helps and even the small things will add up over time and allow you to make some extra money that you can put aside for the future. Some of these won’t be relevant to you, others will. So take what you want and leave what you don’t and hopefully this post will help you save some extra money for the future!
De-clutter regularly and sell your old stuff
Selling stuff you no longer want or need instead of just binning it is one of the easiest things to do when it comes to making extra money. This could be anything from larger items such as that old car taking up space on the driveway you have been holding on to “just in case”, to the box of vintage clothes in the attic gathering dust.
Selling can be quick and easy, a quick search for “we buy cars” should bring up companies in your area to buy your car, for example. Other items such as clothes, shoes, books, kitchen equipment, and more, can be sold online at sites such as eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or even at local car boot sales.
Decluttering regularly will also put you in a much healthier headspace! When your life is cluttered, your mind often is, too.
Use AQRU to earn interest on Crypto
Crypto can sound scary to those who don’t use it but brands like AQRU have launched an app which makes it simple and easy for anyone to earn interest on crypto. Investment experts and software developers have made it accessible to anyone to make high returns of up to 12% on the assets they hold.
You receive a $10 bonus when you sign up then start depositing either cash or Crypto into one of their investment products and watch the interest accumulate. The app is available on both iOS and android!
Use the Shoppix app to earn money on your receipts
I love things like this because it allows you to earn money on things you’re ALREADY doing. The Shoppix app allows you to upload your receipts for purchases (both physical receipts and e-receipts) and when you hit a certain amount of points, you get a payout. I’ve had around £30 from Shoppix so far for literally no effort.
Learn how to budget properly
Saving for the future will require budgeting. And budgeting is DEFINITELY something they should teach you in school but don’t. No wonder so many people worry about money and have a hard time managing it when we’re not taught how to. But whatever your age, start learning how to budget for whatever YOUR future holds. Not what everyone else’s does.
Helpful read: How To Budget for Large Expenses
Use cashback sites
Similarly to the receipt app, using cashback sites on the purchases you’re already making is brilliant because you were going to make that purchase anyway, why not get some money back from it? You’ll be surprised at how much can build up from cashback at the end of the year!
Keep your eye out for free money offers
If you’re in the blogging industry and in particular, follow money bloggers, you’ll likely see a lot of free money offers floating around. These usually require you to download an app or sign up for something but typically, I’ve found them really good from the reputable bloggers I follow. Check out Emma at Make Money Without a Job for a TON of free money offers!
Use survey sites in your free time
Another one I like to do which I’ve had a lot of success with is survey sites. Some are better than others, understandably. But over time, your side income can really build up with these and it can give you a good chunk to go into savings or to spend on Christmas without you having to touch your actual income.
Try matched betting
Matched betting won’t be for everyone. I certainly couldn’t have done it without having someone to talk me through it. But it can be an AMAZING source for making hundreds of pounds of extra income. And yes, it’s legal. Here’s my experience with matched betting.
Track your outgoings and incomings
Something you should really get into the habit of doing when you want to save money, especially for your future, is to track your money. Everything coming in and out and then spend a good chunk of time going over your spreadsheets, to see where you can save, what you can cut out, what is necessary etc.
Find extra work from home jobs to boost your income
If you can and have the time or capacity to do so, then work from home jobs can be a great way to make extra money to help save for your future. You might try starting a blog, freelance writing or transcribing. Create art and sell it or even start your own business!
Establish long and short term saving goals
I love goal setting, so this is a BIG one for me! Setting goals is important to help keep you on track. But you don’t want to just set those massive long term goals that at a glance look completely unreachable. That will ultimately make you feel awful and unmotivated. So short term and achievable goals are crucial for keeping up the momentum.
Related read: 9 Truth Bombs About Goal Setting You Need To Hear
Try the 30 day rule when buying something
If you spend quite a lot of money and need to cut back, you could try this simple technique. The 30 day rule. If you see something you want (not something you really need) – perhaps a new dress or a handbag – leave it 30 days before buying it. If you’ve forgotten about it before then, then clearly it wasn’t something you really wanted in the first place!
Figure out where you can cut back on spending
For me, it’s takeaways. By tracking your outgoings, like we mentioned earlier, we can see where we’re struggling. If you notice you spend a lot on clothes or perhaps you have more subscription services than you really need, it might be time to cut back on a few of those.
Establish healthy money habits early
Again, something else that should be taught in school but isn’t. Learning about money, the dynamics of money and healthy money habits is so important. The quicker you get into these habits, the better! But it’s never too late to learn. Some health money habits include:
- Always saving something
- Shopping in the sales
- Planning your purchases
- Paying off debt where you can
- Spending mindfully
Remember your why
And finally, something that ties in with the above point and that’s remembering your why. When you want to go on a shopping spree you don’t REALLY need to go on or buy something that you don’t REALLY need, it’s important to remember your why. Of course we all need to treat ourselves every now and again, I’d NEVER tell anyone not to. I’m a big fan of treating myself.
But this short term happiness from buying a brand new expensive handbag might be damaging your future self and savings in the long run. If you can incorporate the above point about establishing healthy spending and money habits, then you’ll know your limits and you’ll be able to tap into whether this purchase is 100% necessary or not.
What tips do you have to add to this post? How do you save more money for the future? Let me know!
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This is brilliant thank you so much for these tips!!
You’re welcome!
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I honestly really enjoyed this read! I’ve been trying to be mindful of money for like… forever. I’m always trying to only buy things I need, and have occasional moments where I spend money on things I want. I think these types of things should be learnt in school. Even if it is just the basics of each step you mentioned above. I found the 30 Day trick quite useful. Thank you for sharing, Jenny!
Sounds like you follow some great steps for saving money!
It’s the aim, haha. All part of the adult-life, isn’t it? My parents were always good at showing us the ways of balancing money, and some methods just stuck, I guess.
Things like this should definitely be taught in school, money is so important to do anything, people should be taught skills to manage their money better early on. x
Definitely! It’s absolutely RIDICULOUS that it’s not taught in school x
I use SHOPKICKS for free giftcards and the receipt box app to track my spending!
Great suggestions, I’ll have to check out shopkicks!
[…] 15 Ways To Save Money for the Future […]
All are brilliant
One thing I am really good at when it comes to saving is with coins. They all go into big glass jars and I cannot count them until it is full x
Yes! It’s such an easy way to save x
This is such a helpful post. I’m 28 in a few weeks and I’ve definitely started thinking more about my future recently.
I wish I was 28 in a few weeks and not 30 this year!
I love how this is mainly how to make extra money or get cash back on things you’re already doing rather than the typical save a casual extra £1k a month that hardly anyone has. Really great tips, there are a couple of things on here I need to try! x
Yes exactly, getting cash for things you’re already doing is literally the easiest thing eve!
These are some great tips for saving! I had never heard about the rule of 30 days, so will keep it in mind for my next big purchase. I have had to revisit all my outgoings once I lost my job and have ended up on a lower income than I was on. All in all, I think it has made my relationship with money a little better.
I’m sorry to hear that but it’s great that you’ve found a positive from it for now!
I love the 30 days rule. I’m addicted to stationery and spend a lot of money for it, even though they’re not urgent. I’m trying to cut back my monthly spending and planning my purchases. So far, it helps a lot! Thanks for sharing, Jen 😀
The stationary is so cute though 🥺 I tend to buy a lot of stationary too….
Planning purchases is a great way to be more mindful with money!
Thank you so much for sharing such a helpful post! I tend to just give my clothes away but I’m tempted to sell now too. These are really great tips!
Definitely try selling higher quality and priced items!
Saving money is so important and something I’ve gotten much better at lately! I’d love to get back into matched betting but I struggle for time to really sit down and concentrate on it!
Corinne x
That’s great! Yeah, same. I just find it too confusing and need someone to talk me through it haha!
I’ve managed to save more money by not spending whenever I get a paycheck. Instead, I don’t touch this money unless I’m buying everyday items nor do I look at my bank account. Paychecks go straight into my bank account and honestly, idk how much money is actually in my bank account right now 😅 If I want cash, I try to sell my stuff online first before withdrawing money from my bank account. I don’t buy online unless I absolutely have to, which has saved me lots of money as well.
I really need to move this money into bonds or something, but interest rates are so low right now. I don’t trust myself with playing the stock market unless it’s my husband’s money 😂
Sounds like you’re doing really well with saving right now!
Thanks Jenny! We recently had some unexpected family expenses but I’m still managing to save despite everything.
If I need more money, I will pick up more shifts and I will work more often. I keep telling myself that money is abundant and that it’s always there if we need it. We will always find a way to get it, and therefore we don’t need to have a scarcity mindset. It’s worked well so far, but at the same time, I try not to spend unless it’s a conscious and intentional decision 😊 *Most of the time* it grows. Sometimes the growth is slow, but some growth is better than no growth at all! 💵
Really great tips, thank you so much for sharing. Getting into the habit of saving money is so important and something I need to take more seriously!
Definitely important!
I think we could all use this Jenny! Thank you so much. I’ve found a few things to try here and crypto has been a recent interest of mine.
It’s really interesting isn’t it, I’d love to learn more about it.
I’ve been working on budgetting properly lately, and also selling some of my old stuff! It works wonders!
It really does!
Amazing suggestions. I need to start saving money. I will definitely try some of your suggestions. First going to sell some clothes and other little things then looking at some extra opportunities to make some money at home. Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome, hope this helps and good luck
Love these ideas Jenny! I think sorting out clutter and finding things to sell is a great suggestion x
Definitely, I’m doing that quite a bit at the moment x
Brilliant advice on how to save money for the future! Budgeting is so important to get right x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
It really is, something I still need to focus on properly x
These are all great tips Jenny! I’ve always been one to save a dollar so I appreciate this information. Thanks for sharing.
That’s great to hear!
Great tips. which cashback app do you use ?
Top Cashback!
Thank you for sharing. Saving money for the future feels more important than ever now. I will have to try Shoppix. I’ve tried a simular app before but found it took ages to build up money. I also do surveys for money with Street Bees.
It really is so important. Shoppix does take some time but I find I can get an extra £5 every month from there. M
Great ideas, watching for free offers is good and help with saving the money. Thank you for sharing!
Sure is! You’re welcome.
These are some great tips. I’ve done a lot of surveys years ago, and use cashback/receipt cashback sites and apps now. It’s easy pocket money, especially if you filter it off to savings. The only hassle with surveys is tracking it for a tax return!
Yes very easy pocket money for sure!
You’ve shared some amazing tips here lovely. I’m always looking for ways to help with saving. This year I’ve decided to cut down on buying things I don’t really need which I’d usually buy for the sake of it but now I’m trying to be very mindful with my purchases. I’ll defiantly be applying these tips into my everyday life, thank you so much for sharing Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
Being mindful with your purchases will make a world of difference in the long run!
These are some really great suggestions to help you save money for the future. I have a savings account and already paying into a pension. Thank you for sharing these great suggestions!
Lauren – http://www.bournemouthgirl.com
I need to focus more on the pension, so thanks for the reminder!
Brilliant tips! Thank you 😊
You’re welcome!