Everyone wants to save as much money as possible in 2017. That is because wages have mostly stagnated, and inflation continues to rise. Indeed, many of us have a lower standard of living than ever before. So, failing to reduce our outgoings could mean we can no longer afford our annual family holidays. It could also mean we struggle to make bill payments or worse. With that in mind, sometimes you don’t have to take drastic action to increase your savings. As you will discover in this article, the smallest changes can make the biggest difference. Of course, this isn’t a complete guide. For that reason, you should keep your eyes peeled for alternative suggestions during the next few months.

Stop driving to work

Most of us use our cars to travel to and from work these days. In some instances, that is the cheapest and most efficient method. However, for lots of people, some alternatives could help them to save a fortune. For example, the tools mentioned at https://rideshareapps.com/ could significantly reduce costs. Nothing is wrong with getting a lift from someone who’s traveling in the same direction. It’s much cheaper than paying for a taxi, and it’s more reliable than public transport. With that in mind, you should download some ride-sharing apps to your smartphone as soon as possible. Keep track of how much you spend in a month, and then compare that to how much it would have cost to use your car.

Shop at discount stores

There are hundreds of discount stores on our high streets these days. That means you could save a lot of money if you choose to shop at the correct businesses. You could reduce your spending on clothing, food, and more. For example, supermarkets like Aldi beat most other brands on price. The same goes for low-end clothing brands that look and feel the same as designer items. Don’t let your pride get in the way of saving money. At the end of the day, most people aren’t interested in the labels you wear as an adult. If you’re concerned about your kids wearing the right clothes at school, you can always buy them from eBay. Lots of people sell second-hand products that appear brand new. Nobody will tell the difference.

Clear your debts

Clearing your debts could be the best way to reduce your monthly outgoings this year. That is especially the case if you’re struggling to meet the repayments at the moment. There are a few different options on the table. You could apply for a consolidation loan that will reduce the amount you have to pay each month. Experts from https://thesimpledollar.com explain the process well. You could even try to get an IVA if you qualify. That is an arrangement that means you could write off most of your debt. Of course, you need to meet certain criteria to make use of those suggestions. So, now is the time to begin your research and determine which solution is best for your family.

Now you know how to save money this year, you should find yourself on the right track. Just keep your ear to the ground and leave no stone unturned. At the end of the day, there are lots of things you can do to keep more cash in your accounts. You just need to take a long and hard look at your personal financial situation. Good luck!