How-to Guides » Build up your savings

Squeeze down your budget

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1. If you’re finding it hard to save, see if you can make cutbacks elsewhere to free up some spare cash. The best way to help you do this is to keep a spending diary – you can do this using the free MoneyTrack tool at lovemoney.com. Then set up a list of earnings and outgoings using this Statement of Affairs calculator.

Once you've done that, you should be able to identify areas where you're spending a little more than you should be. This money could be put to far better use in your emergency savings account.

2. You'll find that all good savers are great at budgeting. For more tips on how to do that, read How to budget in five simple steps.  And don’t forget to check out the lovemoney.com MoneyTrack budgeting tab.

Also, take a look at what everyday spending you could cut back on or cut out altogether. There are loads of great guides in this section with tips on how to just do that.

3. If you're finding it difficult to squeeze down your budget any more than it already is, you could think about taking some steps to earn a bit of extra every month instead. Read How to make some extra money for some great ideas.

4. To give your savings pot an extra boost, track down any funds you’ve forgotten about. You'd be amazed how many millions of pounds are languishing in current accounts and savings accounts which haven't been touched in years.

Thankfully, there is a simple process for reclaiming what is rightfully yours. This article shows you how to hunt down everything from dusty Premium Bonds to cash in dormant accounts and unclaimed tax.