{"id":1242,"date":"2026-10-19T15:43:17","date_gmt":"2026-10-19T14:43:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/annabelwrites.com\/?p=1242"},"modified":"2026-10-19T15:43:17","modified_gmt":"2026-10-19T14:43:17","slug":"how-to-save-money-without-feeling-deprived-budgeting-tips-that-actually-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/annabelwrites.com\/?p=1242","title":{"rendered":"How to Save Money Without Feeling Deprived (Budgeting Tips That Actually Work)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">It you\u2019ve ever Googled <strong>how to save money<\/strong>, you\u2019ve probably been bombarded with advice from someone who clearly hasn\u2019t seen an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/articles\/cwz0zvj4m1myo?app-referrer=deep-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">energy bill<\/a> since the days of dial-up internet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cStop buying coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNever eat out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cCancel every subscription.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">Brilliant. While we\u2019re at it, shall I start <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbcgoodfood.com\/recipes\/home-churned-butter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">churning my own butter,<\/a> raising chickens in the garden and commute by horse?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-attachment-id=\"1636\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/annabelwrites.com\/?attachment_id=1636\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pexels-photo-34734362.jpg?fit=1880%2C1253&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1880,1253\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"pexels-photo-34734362\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pexels-photo-34734362.jpg?fit=1024%2C682&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pexels-photo-34734362.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1636\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.5000180290628493;width:492px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pexels-photo-34734362.jpg?resize=1024%2C682&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pexels-photo-34734362.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pexels-photo-34734362.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pexels-photo-34734362.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pexels-photo-34734362.jpg?w=1880&amp;ssl=1 1880w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">The truth is, most <strong>money saving tips<\/strong> assume joy is optional. Apparently, the dream lifestyle is sitting in a dark room eating lentils while lovingly admiring your <a href=\"https:\/\/annabelwrites.com\/?p=653\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">savings<\/a> account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">Fortunately, there is another way. You <em>can<\/em> save money in the without feeling deprived, miserable or one impulse purchase away from financial collapse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p4 wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s how.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Pay Yourself First (Before Amazon Does)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">One of the easiest <strong>personal finance tips<\/strong> is this: move money into savings the moment you get paid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">Before your brain whispers, <em>\u201cYou absolutely need another kitchen gadget you\u2019ll use once and forget forever.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">Think of it as protecting your money from your 11:47pm alter ego\u2014the one who once thought a WiFi enabled kettle was a \u201csensible investment\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">Your future self will thank you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p4 wp-block-paragraph\">Your online shopping self will not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. \u201cShop\u201d Your Own House First<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">Before buying anything, do a quick sweep of your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p5 wp-block-paragraph\">In the UK most households already contain:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>At least 14 reusable shopping bags (none in the car)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A mysterious drawer of cables that may or may not belong to anything<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enough pasta to survive a minor national emergency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Four bottles of brown sauce, three already open for reasons unknown<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">Need shampoo? You probably have enough \u2018stored\u2019 to last until the next general election.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p4 wp-block-paragraph\">This is <strong>frugal living UK style<\/strong>: chaotic, slightly alarming, but effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Stop Treating Your Fridge Like a Science Experiment<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019ve all done it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">Buy spinach with the best intentions. Feel very virtuous. Tell yourself you\u2019re \u201cbeing healthy now\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">Three days later it\u2019s become a damp green ecosystem quietly evolving at the back of the fridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p6 wp-block-paragraph\">Instead, embrace <strong>budget meal planning<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Leftover roast chicken = wraps<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sad vegetables = soup<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Random potato = now wearing cheese, apparently<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p4 wp-block-paragraph\">Congratulations\u2014you\u2019re basically on <em>MasterChef: Fridge Edition<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Use the 24-Hour Rule (Impulse Buying Killer)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">If you see something online, wait 24 hours before buying it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-attachment-id=\"1637\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/annabelwrites.com\/?attachment_id=1637\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pexels-photo-5632382.jpg?fit=867%2C1300&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"867,1300\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"pexels-photo-5632382\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pexels-photo-5632382.jpg?fit=683%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pexels-photo-5632382.jpg?resize=683%2C1024&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1637\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.6669980278664079;width:520px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pexels-photo-5632382.jpg?resize=683%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 683w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pexels-photo-5632382.jpg?resize=200%2C300&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pexels-photo-5632382.jpg?resize=768%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pexels-photo-5632382.jpg?w=867&amp;ssl=1 867w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">Because there\u2019s a strong chance tomorrow you\u2019ll realise you do not, in fact, need a \u00a338 candle that smells like a \u201cJapanese garden\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">Online shopping thrives on urgency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p4 wp-block-paragraph\">The 24-hour rule is like pouring cold tea over your spending habits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Cheap Days Out Exist (No, Really)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">Saving money doesn\u2019t mean becoming a hermit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p5 wp-block-paragraph\">Some of the best <strong>low-cost activities in the UK<\/strong> include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Walking somewhere scenic and pretending you\u2019re in a BBC drama<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visiting a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vam.ac.uk\/?srsltid=AU7gw4UqeuPBwkW-RzzVhKGvEMyMvQ0oqwXqQ4maCLydFGf7GGKxzQ6-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">museum<\/a> (still free in many places\u2014cheers, Britain)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Borrowing books from the library like it\u2019s 1998 again<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Meeting friends for coffee instead of a \u00a360 dinner where someone orders \u201cjust a side\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. Turn Saving Money Into a Game<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">Budgeting is more fun when it feels like a challenge instead of punishment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p5 wp-block-paragraph\">Try:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A no-spend weekend<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A \u201cuse what\u2019s in the cupboard\u201d week<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoiding shops \u201cjust for a look\u201d (B&amp;M is especially dangerous territory)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">Small wins add up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p4 wp-block-paragraph\">Before you know it, you\u2019ll be proudly announcing you saved \u00a327.43 on groceries like you\u2019ve just won <em><a href=\"https:\/\/youtube.com\/@thechase?si=c0uZa_VUjQOYxgT5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Chase<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7. Cancel Subscriptions You Forgot You Had<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">Check your bank statement. Brace yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p5 wp-block-paragraph\">You will almost certainly find:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8. \u201cNeed\u201d vs \u201cOoh That\u2019s Nice\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A streaming service you last used during <a href=\"https:\/\/annabelwrites.com\/?p=1037\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">lockdown<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An app you downloaded during a brief \u201cnew year, new me\u201d phase<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A free trial that has quietly become a long-term financial relationship<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">Companies rely on forgetful customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p4 wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t be their ideal client.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">This is one of the most powerful <strong>money saving habits<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p5 wp-block-paragraph\">Need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Milk<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bread<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Toilet roll<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p5 wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOoh that\u2019s nice\u201d:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A mug shaped like a Highland cow<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Another hoodie in a slightly different shade of navy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A kitchen gadget that promises to spiralise your life into happiness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">Pause. Breathe. Walk away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">If you still want it tomorrow, fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p4 wp-block-paragraph\">If not, congratulations\u2014you\u2019ve just saved \u00a319.99 and your dignity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>9. Embrace the British Art of Making Do<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1880\" height=\"1253\" data-attachment-id=\"1639\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/annabelwrites.com\/?attachment_id=1639\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pexels-photo-3650427.jpeg?fit=1880%2C1253&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1880,1253\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;Travis+Kathryn Castor&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;Photo by Castorly Stock on &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/brown-woven-basket-on-brown-wooden-table-3650427\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;nofollow\\&quot;&gt;Pexels.com&lt;\/a&gt;&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;\\u00a9 Travis + Kathryn Castor&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;brown woven basket on brown wooden table&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"pexels-photo-3650427\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Photo by Castorly Stock on &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/brown-woven-basket-on-brown-wooden-table-3650427\/&quot; rel=&quot;nofollow&quot;&gt;Pexels.com&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pexels-photo-3650427.jpeg?fit=1024%2C682&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pexels-photo-3650427.jpeg?resize=1880%2C1253&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"brown woven basket on brown wooden table\" class=\"wp-image-1639\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.5004508566275925;width:520px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pexels-photo-3650427.jpeg?w=1880&amp;ssl=1 1880w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pexels-photo-3650427.jpeg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pexels-photo-3650427.jpeg?resize=1024%2C682&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pexels-photo-3650427.jpeg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pexels-photo-3650427.jpeg?resize=1536%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p5 wp-block-paragraph\">Our grandparents fixed everything with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>String<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tape<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pure stubbornness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">Meanwhile, we replace a remote control and somehow end up browsing new TVs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p5 wp-block-paragraph\">Before replacing anything, ask:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Can it be fixed?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can I borrow one?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can I live without it for a few weeks?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">Answer is usually yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p4 wp-block-paragraph\">Possibly followed by mild existential reflection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>10. Don\u2019t Become a Miserable Millionaire<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">The goal of <strong>saving money<\/strong> is not to become someone who refuses to turn the heating on until the dog starts wearing knitwear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">Spend on what you love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">Cut what you don\u2019t notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p4 wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s the sweet spot between <a href=\"https:\/\/annabelwrites.com\/?p=1140\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">financial<\/a> responsibility and still enjoying your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">Saving money in the UK doesn\u2019t mean living like a Victorian ghost haunting a cold flat with no joy and 47 unused loyalty cards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p5 wp-block-paragraph\">It means:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Spending intentionally<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cutting waste, not happiness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoiding \u00a3240 annual subscriptions you forgot existed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>And occasionally resisting the urge to buy a novelty mug shaped like emotional support livestock<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">Life is too short to feel guilty about a coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s also too short to discover your bank account has been quietly funding five streaming services and a meditation app you opened once and immediately panicked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">Budgeting isn\u2019t about restriction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1056\" height=\"1300\" data-attachment-id=\"1641\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/annabelwrites.com\/?attachment_id=1641\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pexels-photo-7735778.jpeg?fit=1056%2C1300&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1056,1300\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;Photo by Mikhail Nilov on &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/a-person-holding-black-pen-writing-on-a-white-paper-7735778\/\\&quot; rel=\\&quot;nofollow\\&quot;&gt;Pexels.com&lt;\/a&gt;&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;a person holding black pen writing on a white paper&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"pexels-photo-7735778\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Photo by Mikhail Nilov on &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/a-person-holding-black-pen-writing-on-a-white-paper-7735778\/&quot; rel=&quot;nofollow&quot;&gt;Pexels.com&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pexels-photo-7735778.jpeg?fit=832%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pexels-photo-7735778.jpeg?resize=1056%2C1300&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"a person holding black pen writing on a white paper\" class=\"wp-image-1641\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.8123096149339999;width:476px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pexels-photo-7735778.jpeg?w=1056&amp;ssl=1 1056w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pexels-photo-7735778.jpeg?resize=244%2C300&amp;ssl=1 244w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pexels-photo-7735778.jpeg?resize=832%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 832w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pexels-photo-7735778.jpeg?resize=768%2C945&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s about freedom\u2014with slightly more money left over at the end of the month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p3 wp-block-paragraph\">Now, if you\u2019ll excuse me, I\u2019m off to find the other 15 reusable shopping bags.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p4 wp-block-paragraph\">They\u2019re definitely in the house somewhere\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It you\u2019ve ever Googled how to save money, you\u2019ve probably been bombarded with advice from someone who clearly hasn\u2019t seen an energy bill since the days of dial-up internet. \u201cStop buying coffee.\u201d \u201cNever eat out.\u201d \u201cCancel every subscription.\u201d Brilliant. While we\u2019re at it, shall I start churning my own butter, raising chickens in the garden [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":53221594,"featured_media":1643,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_seo_schema_type":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_wpcom_ai_launchpad_first_post":false,"_jetpack_hide_featured_image":false,"_jetpack_featured_image_duplicate_dismissed":0,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"It always seems like a chore, but in a day and age like now is there a way we can save money?","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[54614915,91],"tags":[774471818,774471799],"class_list":["post-1242","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adulting","category-blogging","tag-budgetting","tag-finances"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pgmcKn-k2","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":205,"url":"https:\/\/annabelwrites.com\/?p=205","url_meta":{"origin":1242,"position":0},"title":"How to go from teenager to adult using these essential skills","author":"Annabel","date":"01\/10\/2022","format":false,"excerpt":"You\u2019ve recently turned eighteen or you\u2019re on the way to being officially an adult! Congratulations! Now what? It can be daunting figuring out what you need to do now that you\u2019re all grown up. This blog post will give you some essential skills showing you how to go from from\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Adulting&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Adulting","link":"https:\/\/annabelwrites.com\/?cat=54614915"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/kelly-sikkema-3-tc_5lrorm-unsplash.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/kelly-sikkema-3-tc_5lrorm-unsplash.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/kelly-sikkema-3-tc_5lrorm-unsplash.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/kelly-sikkema-3-tc_5lrorm-unsplash.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/kelly-sikkema-3-tc_5lrorm-unsplash.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/kelly-sikkema-3-tc_5lrorm-unsplash.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":262,"url":"https:\/\/annabelwrites.com\/?p=262","url_meta":{"origin":1242,"position":1},"title":"How to Create New Wardrobe on a Tight Budget","author":"Annabel","date":"14\/05\/2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Surely I\u2019m not the only one who on many occasions gets carried away shopping online? You click happy on all these items of clothing. Before you know it you\u2019ve spent more than what you realise. Or, you go on a shopping trip and use contactless so you don\u2019t see the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Adulting&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Adulting","link":"https:\/\/annabelwrites.com\/?cat=54614915"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/alejo-reinoso-ilmdnjg5cg-unsplash.jpg?fit=900%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/alejo-reinoso-ilmdnjg5cg-unsplash.jpg?fit=900%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/alejo-reinoso-ilmdnjg5cg-unsplash.jpg?fit=900%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/alejo-reinoso-ilmdnjg5cg-unsplash.jpg?fit=900%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1243,"url":"https:\/\/annabelwrites.com\/?p=1243","url_meta":{"origin":1242,"position":2},"title":"Smart Money Hacks to Survive the Cost of Living Crisis in 2026","author":"Annabel","date":"29\/07\/2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Life feels expensive right now, because unfortunately it is. The weekly shop creeps up week by week, energy bills fluctuate unpredictably and things that used to feel routine now require a second thought. But while you can\u2019t control the broader economy, you can adjust how you move within it. Getting\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Adulting&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Adulting","link":"https:\/\/annabelwrites.com\/?cat=54614915"},"img":{"alt_text":"a person holding a bank card","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/pexels-photo-5750230.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/pexels-photo-5750230.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/pexels-photo-5750230.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/pexels-photo-5750230.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/pexels-photo-5750230.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1498,"url":"https:\/\/annabelwrites.com\/?p=1498","url_meta":{"origin":1242,"position":3},"title":"The Summer We Didn\u2019t Go Away: Why Staying Home Is Absolutely Okay","author":"Annabel","date":"01\/09\/2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Ah, the summer holidays. Six weeks of sunshine, family time, day trips, ice creams, questionable amounts of snacks and my boy repeatedly asking, \u201cWhat are we doing today?\u201d before I've even had my breakfast! There\u2019s something about the summer holidays that can make you feel like you\u2019re doing it wrong\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Blogging&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Blogging","link":"https:\/\/annabelwrites.com\/?cat=91"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/fd2e77d7-fb87-4684-a343-362694b0a7f4.jpg?fit=800%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/fd2e77d7-fb87-4684-a343-362694b0a7f4.jpg?fit=800%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/fd2e77d7-fb87-4684-a343-362694b0a7f4.jpg?fit=800%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/fd2e77d7-fb87-4684-a343-362694b0a7f4.jpg?fit=800%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1225,"url":"https:\/\/annabelwrites.com\/?p=1225","url_meta":{"origin":1242,"position":4},"title":"The World Feels Like It\u2019s Falling Apart\u2026 But Maybe This Is Our Wake-Up Call","author":"Annabel","date":"26\/07\/2026","format":false,"excerpt":"If you\u2019ve watched the news recently, you\u2019ll be forgiven for wondering whether the world has collectively misplaced the instruction manual. Every headline seems louder than the last. Political leaders are arguing like contestants on reality TV, supermarket prices have developed Olympic-level jumping abilities, energy bills make you question whether lighting\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Blogging&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Blogging","link":"https:\/\/annabelwrites.com\/?cat=91"},"img":{"alt_text":"stunning view of earth from space day and night contrast","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/pexels-photo-30596256.jpeg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/pexels-photo-30596256.jpeg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/pexels-photo-30596256.jpeg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/pexels-photo-30596256.jpeg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/pexels-photo-30596256.jpeg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":701,"url":"https:\/\/annabelwrites.com\/?p=701","url_meta":{"origin":1242,"position":5},"title":"Alternative Easter Gifts for Children","author":"Annabel","date":"25\/03\/2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Easter is mainly associated with chocolate eggs, however with allergies now and many parents are now looking for healthier, longer-lasting alternatives. Whether you want to reduce sugar, avoid clutter or simply try something different, there are plenty of creative Easter gift ideas for younger children within a budget. In this\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Blogging&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Blogging","link":"https:\/\/annabelwrites.com\/?cat=91"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-1.png?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-1.png?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-1.png?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-1.png?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/annabelwrites.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pexels-photo-5277965.jpeg?fit=1880%2C1058&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/annabelwrites.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1242","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/annabelwrites.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/annabelwrites.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/annabelwrites.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/53221594"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/annabelwrites.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1242"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/annabelwrites.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1242\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1644,"href":"https:\/\/annabelwrites.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1242\/revisions\/1644"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/annabelwrites.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1643"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/annabelwrites.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1242"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/annabelwrites.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1242"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/annabelwrites.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1242"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}