I can't believe that it has been a month since we have posted on the blog and we have taken some time out and had a really good break. To be honest, having so much "down time" I have struggled to get back up again. And get out of bed in the morning. But you can't keep me down for long.

The New Year always brings new starts for people, new ideas, sometimes new jobs and new homes and for me it is always a spring clean and a fresh approach.

Last weekend I "cleansed" our bedroom of things we were just holding on to and in the words of Marie Kondo, found myself questioning whether or not those things brought me joy ..... or just something else to clean or store.

Having cleaned out a lot of space I have now have some extra room to store some of the bargain savings I have been making.

1. Buy Christmas Cards at less than half the price

I know, I know! But I have bought some stunning Christmas cards for less than half the price and there is nothing nicer than opening a cupboard in November, already being prepared and having one less thing to buy in December.

2. Make the swap

We have swapped some of our brand shopping for local produce and shopping at Aldi. I can't say that I can still do a whole shop in one place but we are being more supportive of local businesses and saving money

3. Buy in advance

Being prepared is one of my biggest money savers. I always check the calendar for upcoming birthdays and events and set a budget. Especially at this time of year when so many expensive items are reduced, it is good to plan present ideas meaning the recipiant gets more, while you pay less!

4. Encourage money management

Both my girls had Christmas money and now when they ask for something, I reply with "do you want to spend your Christmas money on it". If they do, then I know they really want it but if they don't, it highlights that it is just a "want" rather than a "need".

5. Just say NO

This is something I am learning to do this year. I am very much a Yes person. I love to go out, I love to take my girls on activities but in January I have said no on more than a couple of occasions already. Money saving right there! 

What do you do to survive the January pinch?

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