Wondering why you can never save? Check out Ash Exantus' top five tips. Photo / Getty Images
Wondering why you can never save? Check out Ash Exantus' top five tips. Photo / Getty Images
You may be in your overdraft by the end of every month and wish you were better at managing money, but you're just not ready for a drastic lifestyle overhaul.
However, according to financial empowerment coach Ash Exantus of BankMobile, there are easy ways to trick yourself into spending less, without feeling like life has become one dull penny-pinching exercise, reports the Daily Mail.
Ash shared his five key steps with My Domaine, including identifying the triggers that make you spend - such as your afternoon chocolate cravings - and hiding your savings account so you can't dip into it.
Do you really need that donut? The little things add up. Photo / Getty Images
Spending on non essential items is always triggered by something, whether it's the Asos newsletter arriving in your inbox, an afternoon chocolate craving or an invitation to the pub with friends.
So the first step in cutting back is identifying what your triggers are and tackling them. When you're a real impulse spender it can be tough to get under control instantly, as it will take time to develop new habits - such as going for a walk instead of succumbing to cravings.
If you know you'll struggle factor some impulse spending money into your budget until you get your triggers under control - and hopefully seeing how much you really spend on non essentials over time will naturally nudge you to cut back.
Ask yourself these questions to pinpoint what tempts you to spend:
4. Are there other ways to get what I want? Could I borrow it or buy it second hand?
5. How will I feel if I don't get it? Will it really have a big impact on my life?
2. Start making plans
Host a potluck dinner at yours instead of going out. Photo / Getty Images
Once you've identified your trigger points, you can start planning your life a bit more strategically.
Saving money doesn't have to mean never going out again, but you can make adjustments that work better for your budget if you always find yourself overspending on social occasions.
If you're the first one to suggest plans with friends, then you can pencil in events that work for your budget such as dinner at a BYOB restaurant you won't face the awkwardness of turning down an invite to a pricey cocktail bar.
The most crucial factor is to add your events to your diary. So, pencil in batch cooking for Sunday if you know you overspend by buying lunch every day or schedule a gym visit for quiet Monday evenings when you get lured into online shopping.
3. Make your money inconvenient
Open an account that isn't connected to a debit card for your savings and hide it from view online. If you're not sure how to do this, just ask your bank.
Also have an account for billing and one for spending so that you know exactly how much money you have to work with each month, once savings and bills are covered.
You'll more than likely be well aware of your big bills like gym membership and utilities.
But being aware of what you're spending on includes the small things too.
You might be surprised that you're blowing a significant amount on what seem like minor purchases like bottled water once it's all added up.
5. Delete your card details
Delete your card details from all your usual online shopping sites. Photo / Getty Images
Most online shopping sites will store the details of the cards you've used to pay with previously.
A lot of us also have our card details stored on our computers so that it's easy to spend with a few clicks of the mouse.
The more inconvenient you make it to spend money, the easier it will be to save so wipe all of that data.
Carrying cash instead of spending with a debit card will also make you more mindful about splashing out as you can physically see what you're spending.
