My money just vanished! Maybe my account has been hacked?
Nope I’ve just been subscribed to Spotify, Netlflix, Amazon Prime, Audible and the New Yorker and out of boredom I turn to shopping apps and food delivery apps, which almost always ends in a purchase. The end of the month is always a bit hairy for me as I get paid monthly and I end up dipping into my savings because I’ve been too frivolous the weeks previous (oops).
When I look back on my bank statements I cringe at the sheer waste of money. It feels like I’m throwing it away and have nothing to show for it. I decided I need to assess where my money is going and limit my spending, wish me luck! Here’s what I know so far.
Silly Subscriptions
I am a divil for subscribing to platforms that I rarely use. For example, I’ve been spending 10 euro a month, for the past three months on an audible account and I haven’t even made it through one audio book. So I’m powering through said audio book so I can cancel my subscription at the end of the month. It’s important to take stock of what platforms you’re actually using. Do you tend to listen to your music on youtube or traditional methods such as CD or vinyl? Then you probably don’t need Spotify? Do you prefer a book in hand than listening to someone read it to you? Then dump audible. Be smart with your subscriptions!
Too ‘Appy
I am an app hoarder, but to save money and avoid online shopping it can be really useful to delete! When I’m bored I’ll hop into depop for a browse and usually end up buying something ridiculous that I don’t need. So an extreme measure to avoid this is just to delete. I’m not saying delete the apps forever but if you’re having a particularly tight month it might be better to put them out of sight and out of mind until pay day at least.
Lazy Lunches
Since I’ve been going back into the office more often, I’ve been very lazy with my lunches. Picking food up on the go, sometimes spending up to 10 euro on a salad, and don’t get me started on the amount of coffees! I was very good at making a packed lunch for work and I saved so much money, but I’ve slipped back into old habits post lockdown. Invest in a good lunch box and learn the art of meal prepping!
Make a List
I fix all of life’s problems with a list. Can’t make a decision? List! Unmotivated? List! Overspending? List!
Make a list at the start of the month with all the things you intend to spend money on. It doesn’t have to be a fancy excel sheet but just a reminder of what you really need and what you should be spending your money on. This will limit all of the silly transactions you make.
Online Banking
I have become very lax with my online banking lately, almost afraid to check until it’s too late and my card is rejected in Tesco buying snacks and a bottle of wine. So from embarrassing experiences, I know how important is to keep an eye on that app. I had been in a good habit of topping up my revolut with my disposable income for that month, so for coffees, drinks, cheeky brunches and the likes, but I’ve fallen out of that habit. It’s a good way to know what you have to spend on the fun stuff.
I’m still practicing frugality myself and can be very silly when it comes to my finances but small steps help. It’s all part of the fun thing we call being an adult!
Hello Chlo 