Saving is the one thing I have never been that good at, however with the recent economic climate and me being made redundant things have had to change.

The way we eat has changed, the take aways have had to stop, unless its a very special occasion!
As I now have lots of time on my hands I have started to cook things in bulk, whilst my husband is at work I will go and make lasagna's, as there are only two of us i make enough for three meals and freeze them so when we want them they are there ready to put in the oven, this saves on money as it stop's us from eating the processed foods out of boxes such as chicken burgers which are more expensive and not as healthy.

We have always been quite good when it comes to food shopping, using the smart price items when possible, can never give up heinz tomato ketchup though.
It is very easy when you go food shopping to pick up other things that you didnt really intend on getting even if you have a basic list. What i do at the start of each week and recommend is writing a meal plan. I write this in my diary and when i go food shopping I just buy the items required for each meal and of course the every day items and fresh food, the luxurys of crisps are still there but always look for the offers or check out pound land!

There are certain times of year that are more expensive than others, Christmas being the main one.
When i was made redundant in January i decided to start saving for Christmas in a way that i wouldnt really notice! In the house we have a tin, one of those silly save for a new car tin's that people sometimes give as stocking fillers.
Putting £1 a day in this tin is an excellent way to save, bu the time its gets to Novemeber there will be enough money for the Christmas shopping and we wont feel the sting then.

Raising money by having a car boot and selling unwanted clothes and items on ebay and amazon market place, all of these are ways to get some extra cash that can then be put to use with other shopping when required.

Saving takes a lot of will-power, but in the long run its worth it!