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I’m a saving expert – do these simple things to silently save £3k in 2025

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Christmas is undoubtedly the most expensive time of year, and with the cost of living crisis and ever-rising household bills, many of us are looking for ways to save a bit of cash.

One person doing just that is Carrie-Ann McLean, an author and money-saving expert. After overcoming debt and homelessness, she sought out financial education to ensure she’d never be stuck in the red again. Carrie-Ann has spent over a decade learning how to manage money wisely, and now, she’s dedicated to helping others take control of their finances and cut down on unnecessary spending. Here are her top budget hacks, which save her £3,000 a year.

Mindless spending can quickly eat away at your budget. Carrie-Ann recommends tracking every transaction for a month to see exactly where your money is going. “Seeing your spending habits on paper is eye-opening,” she says. Whether you use a notebook or an app, categorise your expenses – food shopping, subscriptions, dining out – and identify areas to cut back. This simple step could free up £100-£150 a month.

After all, spending £27.40 a day on random items adds up to £10,000 a year.

Carrie-Ann’s cash flow system is a game-changer. Allocate 70% of your income to essential expenses, 10% to savings, 10% to “splash cash” (money to treat yourself), and 10% to donations or investments. “Even saving £20 a week adds up over time,” she advises. This method encourages financial discipline, while still allowing you to enjoy life guilt-free.

Grocery shopping can easily spiral out of control without a plan. Carrie-Ann recommends creating a weekly meal plan based on sales and what you already have in your pantry. This could help reduce your food bill by £50-£100 a month.

Do you have gym memberships, streaming services, or magazine subscriptions you rarely use? Carrie-Ann suggests performing a subscription audit. “Look at your bank statements and cancel anything you don’t regularly use or truly need,” she says. Cutting just two or three subscriptions could save you £20-£30 a month.

When shopping for groceries or household products, consider swapping expensive name brands for affordable generic options. “You’re often paying for the label, not a better product,” Carrie-Ann explains. This simple change can save you £20-£50 a month, without sacrificing quality.

Carrie-Ann adds: “Taking control of your finances can feel overwhelming, but remember, you don’t have to do it alone. My story is proof that, no matter how tough your situation may seem, change is not only possible – it’s achievable. With determination, the right strategies, and the willingness to take that first step, you can transform your financial future.”

Carrie-Ann, author of Budget Right: Eliminate Debt and Improve Your Financial and Mental Wellbeing , is giving away her specially formulated Budget Right spreadsheet for free. Simply head to Budget Right Spreadsheet and use the code BRSPREADSHEET at checkout.

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