Are you planning to add to your bank balance this year? Saving shouldn’t be hard and simple changes in your budgeting and spending can make a big difference. Here are simple tips and tricks to make the numbers grow this 2018.

1. Write your budget

Technology has given us automated tools to make things faster for us. For example, you can now find hundreds of budgeting mobile apps on the App store, each with the goal of making budgeting simpler for you. But, did you know that you are more likely to stick to your budget when you write everything down? Yes, so why not go old fashioned and use a notepad or use an Excel spreadsheet? And when you’re done, print out your finished budget and stick it where you can see it everyday.

2. Make it a habit to use cash always

The world is quickly changing into a cashless society. Every transaction is now available with a single tap or swipe, and it makes us quickly forget how much we are actually spending. That’s why we often dread the credit card bill at the end of the month. So, take out a set amount of cash and put it in your wallet. When it’s gone, you can withdraw more but you’ll have a better idea how much dispensable money you actually have.

3. Try meal prep

Buying lots of takeaway, shopping as you go can blow up your budget. To enjoy bigger savings, do a one large haul and then plan meals for the entire week. You can make big batches of soups, stews, or pasta sauce, and freeze them. When it’s meal time, all you have to do is reheat your already prepped meal. This way, you can avoid costly restaurant lunches or the late night pizza.

What are your best tips to save more this year? Let us know in the comments.