UK Mother's Day: Go Practical with Presents!

It really is amazing how quickly certain dates on the calender roll around again and one is coming up in the UK soon. Mothering Sunday is on the 18th March so it is time to start thinking about gift. You should get your mum something to say a big thank you but if money is tight why not get practical too? For example, why not invest in lingerie for her? It doesn't have to be the sexy kind (I can hear the "YUK!!" now) but it is thoughtful and can help save cash as well as saying thanks. There is plenty of lingerie available today so check online for bargains!

Get Ahead for the Year: Stock Up on Gifts!

Did you struggle financially after Christmas? I know we did and it has got me thinking about this year. We have just about caught up with the bills and are fine on a basic budget but what about when birthday and other special occasions roll around? We may be behind again. I started thinking about how I could get around it and have decided that stocking up on gifts ahead of time may well be the answer. For example, I have ordered my dad a present for his birthday already and have one in mind for my brother. You can click here to see the type of special gifts on offer that you can get ahead of time so get thinking about exactly what knowing where you were money wise would do for you. Plan ahead! It's the future!

The Designer Rules

We all like to treat ourselves from time to time and my friend is no different. She loves her christian louboutins and would be more than happy to pay a fortune for them if she could afford them. I was talking to her about this yesterday and she happened to mention her "Designer Rules". I asked what she meant and she said she had three points that she had to stick to. I thought these points were so good and could be applied to anything to the point at which I had to share them:


Point 1 - Save, save, save. She never makes purchases unless she can pay for them in cash so she sorts out a savings schedule and sticks to it, only buying her shoes when she can do so without getting into debt.


Point 2 - Compare, compare, compare. She always goes online and tries to find her shoes as cheap as possible without falling for the many fakes that exist. This way, she is saving more money towards the next pair of shoes before she starts. Of course, this does not have to be for shoes for you. It could apply to anything. 


Point 3 - Use, use, use. She always makes sure that she gets her money's worth out of everything she buys. That way she can justify the next pair!


So there you have it - the perfect rules for making expensive purchases!

Make the Most of Space in Your Home

Are you struggling for space in your home and feel that you need to move to a bigger place? I have heard so many stories like this recently but people just cannot afford to move so they have to make the most of what they already have. This may be difficult if you are fed up with where you live but certain questions are worth asking. For example, do you have clutter? If you do then get rid of some of it by selling it on eBay or at a car boot sale. Are you using all rooms effectively? If you have a basement or attic, why not make it usable. For example, you can look at basement flooring options to make it possible to use your basement, even if only as a storage room. Finally, have a massive spring clean. It is worth it because you will feel better afterwards and be able to enjoy your house that little bit more. 

Save a Fortune on Maternity Clothes

Are you pregnant or thinking about trying for a baby in the coming year or so? If you are then you may already be thinking about money. I was really concerned about money during the final few months before my daughter was born and now we are considering trying for another I am just as concerned. As such, we are looking to make savings now. How? By doing our homework.


We are looking at everything from household bills to maternity clothes to see where we could save a little cash. There are fantastic offers online and, as I have said a million times before, it is the best place to find bargains so work out what you will need in the coming year or so and go from there to save cash. 

Look Online for Christmas Gifts and Bargains!

I am a huge fan of Christmas shopping but not so much a fan of the crowds, pushing and generally stress that comes with it. Only this morning I had a 70 year old lady try to push into a queue behind me until I politely reminded her that the lady who was actually in the queue behind me was before her. That's another story though! Back to gifts - do your shopping online! Not only can you find great exclusive gifts like spongeables online when you may not have the same luck in physical stores but you can also pick up bargains and take full advantage of offers like free shipping and free gifts or money off. Do it now before the postal cut off and you can put your feet up in December, safe in the knowledge that you have awesome gifts sorted without the hassle.

Planning Your Christmas Party on a Budget

Planning a Christmas party for your friends and family may be a major priority every single year and also high on the list this year. However, if you are on a budget then you may find that it is really tight this year. Here are a few tips to help you to have a good time without breaking the bank.

1) Decide on the luxuries you can afford to spend a bit on. For example, if you have montecristo cigars then you may not want to compromise on price. If this is the case then spend here and save elsewhere.

2) Make a list and stick to it. Do not be tempted to get bits and pieces that are not on the list or else you almost certainly will go over budget

3) Shop online so you can keep an eye on your total price. If you see how much you are spending then you can cut your budget down if necessary by substituting items.