Receipts

When we shop we might never acknowledge the importance of receipts with our purchases. We know they are a proof of what we have bought, also great for return and exchanges. Another good thing about them is that we can decide up to 30 days (90 days with some stores) whether we have changed our minds to whether keep the goods or not. For food, such as eating out, receipts are great to also show proof that a payment has gone through if we have made a card payment.

Well, now that I feel that I have emphasised about the importance of receipts, I've noticed how quick of a pile I get from them in my room or in my purse. 

If you are one to bin your receipts, try not to get too comfortable on binning them too quickly, for example if you are one to have two or more cards, its a great way to see which card you have made a payment with. On the other hand, some payments made via cards do not automatically show on your bank statements or if you were to directly check them on your phone or at a cash machine (this can usually take up to 3-5 working days till it appears) and then you'll still think you have money. 

The importance of knowing where you have used your card is vital. Couple months back, I was updating my spending to realise a random outgoing transaction (roughly £1.85) I know it was not a lot but it had appeared twice with no information of what type of transaction it was. With this information I managed to call my bank and ask, they explained that sometimes a small amount would go out and be sent back in my account. (Sounded like it was a regular thing). So this red alert made me really aware... so yeah, be cautious. It is your bank account with your details after all. How would you have felt if £100+ went out your account with realisation? 

Next Step; 

So back on the subject of receipts, I've decided to drop them all on Excel. I've divided my receipts into monthly categories. The categories which I've named are: food, clothing, food shopping, travel, eating out and other expenses.

This well help me to neatly and easily review how much I have spent and how much I could have potentially save.

Reading to better your goal

Books! I honestly wouldn't have grown the way I have today if it wasn't from them. Of course towards this journey and from the very first step I wanted to better myself with my financial habits and needed that little boost, these amazing lectures made me realise that it was achievable to change my ways of spending and perspectives.

7 Money Rules for Life by Mary Hunt had opened my eyes! I love this book and it also helps you to believe that whatever financial status you may find yourself in you will be able to get out that deep end with respected timing, discipline and patience. Borrowed from the library, I will definitely invest towards it!
If you are financially stable but would still want to go in deeper other reading books such us .... will
this is also a good way to see how you are progressing with your finance. Right? Doing a check on yourself here and there, lets you keep in check.

This blog is to help and better myself. I'm finding deeper passion in speaking about my goals, teaching my techniques with friends and still wanting to progress. Coming from a non taught financial family background, its come from a big realisation. Whilst on this subject, if you feel that financial books have helped in anyways, feel free to help people around you. It isn't everyday that we speak on how to save and how to be financial stable. If you cant afford to buy them right now, sign up to a library and get borrowing for free! (But be aware of when the book needs to be returned also)!

BOOKS

Sort Out Your Family Finance £10.99

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Personal Finances by Margaret Corridan £10.99

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7 Money Rules for Life by Mary Hunt £11.00 (approx.,)

Tip/Review:

These books are very helpful to see how you progress and for personal and professional guidance. Investment wise these books will help you to flick through, highlight whatever point that will benefit you (well that's how I like to read). On the other hand, if you also feel like after couple reads that it has helped you, you will be able to pass onto someone else :) 

x

Plan for Sun

Everyone wants a treat and everyone wants a treat in the SUN! 

I've been to a few places but the sun had never been the cause or the reason to escape from the horrible British weather. My main reason for an escape would generally be to relax or to be away from home for some peace and quiet. 

For some people, it can be quiet hard to save for a holiday as some things are main priorities and important. Working full-time and still enjoying the outings with friends, I've managed to come up with an idea on how to save for a holiday. This was a random idea which came to mind last month and thought I'll put it in to practice. 

Verdict?

Well, I'm glad to know that its going well! 

You can do this alone or you can do this with your partner or a friend... But I would honestly say that it works better with your loved ones. Two people or more is also ideal.

The trick of this plan is to workout how much each can afford from your intake bi-weekly or monthly paycheck. For myself I've decided to put in £20 every two weeks... if a payment has been missed I then add £10 to every week failed.

So, find yourself a pot... or a jar.... whatever you want to call it and STICK TO IT! 

You can start off like I did, or by doing £20+ depending on how quick you want to go on holiday or how good your paycheck is looking, but firstly set yourself a goal! 

From my plan, we decided to go on holiday next year, the bottom line is, if me and my partner put in £10 every week till the end of the year we have come up to a sum of £700+. Isn't that pretty good eh?

Its slow but this trick is planned and we will be very likely to go on a beach holiday.. this also has its perks and it comes to a conclusion that...

1. We can plan were to go in the meantime of saving and it lets us budget...

2. We will have a chance of booking it at a cheaper price rate if we were to book it early...

3... Saving money aside will help you to deposit for a holiday which will allow you on continuing to save up towards your holiday. 

It's never too late to plan, even starting off with the few odd coins, you'll be very surprised. This just doesn't stop here, I will keep you updated blog!

Tips/Review:

This is good for money management, I've never seen myself doing this but lets all put it to work by the Grace of God and see how far I can do this! Baring in mind that December is only six months away I would like to know how we can achieve! Yikes! 

Any change you have from previous holidays or country breaks feel free to also add it in there! We started off with £80 from a previous holiday this year so I'm pretty sure the outcome should be a good one

x