Top tips for saving

1. Don't try to save more than you can afford, and think about paying off any debts first. If you need any more information the following links may be helpful

Use this link to go to the Consumer Financial Education Body's personal budget calulator

But even small amounts soon add up. 

2. Make savings automatic.
Set up an automatic transfer into your child's Child Trust Fund (CTF) account. By doing this you will barely notice the money has gone.

3. Small change can soon mount up.
Collect your small change in a jar. At the end of the month, count the money you've accumulated. If it is less than £10, top up the amount and deposit in the CTF account. If the amount is greater than £10, you're already ahead for the next month.

4. Save 50p each working day of the month.
There are usually 20 working days each month. If you put 50p into a container for each one, you won't even miss this small amount of change. By the end of the month you will have accumulated £10.

5. Change the way you lunch, snack or treat yourself. 
Do you frequently have an extra coffee, bag of crisps, or chocolate bar during the day? Does this one "treat" total more than 50p a day? With a little discipline you can cut back on that extra spending at lunch and save the money for your child's future. It's a small sacrifice to give your child a bigger, financial launching pad at age 18.

6. Compare your household bills.
See if you can save money on your household bills such as insurance, telephone, gas or electricity. You may find it's easy to save £10 a month just by switching accounts.