Ever thought, "I could really use an extra £100 each month," but didn’t know where to start? You’re not alone. Most of us have a few leaks in the budget that add up, and plugging them can free up a solid hundred pounds. The good news is you don’t need a drastic lifestyle overhaul – a handful of smart tweaks does the trick.
Start by looking at the things you spend on without thinking. A coffee run, a streaming service you rarely use, or impulse buys at the checkout can shave off £20‑£30 each week. Try a 30‑day trial of cutting those out and see how the numbers add up. If you’re already tight, set up an automatic transfer of £25 on payday to a separate savings pot. Your bank will move the money before you can spend it, and you’ll be surprised how painless it feels.
Next, check your grocery bill. Planning meals, making a list, and sticking to it can cut a typical shop by about £50 a month. Swap a few ready‑meals for home‑cooked dishes – it’s cheaper and healthier. Use a cash‑envelope for non‑essentials like take‑aways or weekend fun; once the envelope’s empty, you stop spending in that category.
Don’t forget your subscriptions. Streaming platforms, gym memberships, and magazine apps stack up. Cancel any you haven’t used in the last month and replace them with free alternatives or a shared family plan. That alone can free up £15‑£20.
If you still need a little more, think about a side gig. A few hours of freelance work, tutoring, or selling items you no longer need can easily bring in extra cash. Even a modest £50 a month from a side hustle, combined with the savings above, hits the £100 target.
Finding the extra cash is only half the battle – you must keep it growing. Open a high‑interest savings account or a Cash ISA that offers competitive rates (look for the best ISA interest rates in 2025). Parking your £100 monthly into a product that earns 4‑5% a year means you’ll earn interest on interest.
Track your progress. Use a simple spreadsheet or a budgeting app to log each £100 you stash away. Seeing the balance rise month after month is motivating and helps you stay disciplined. Set a clear goal, like a holiday fund or an emergency cushion, and celebrate small milestones – perhaps treat yourself to a cheap coffee after reaching £500 saved.
Finally, review your budget every quarter. Life changes, and so should your plan. Adjust the amounts you cut, add new side‑hustle ideas, or switch to a better savings product as rates change. The more often you check, the easier it is to stay on track.
Saving £100 a month isn’t magic; it’s a series of tiny, sensible actions that add up over time. Start with one or two of the ideas above, make it automatic, and watch your financial confidence grow. Your future self will thank you.
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