Controlling Spending

On of the great struggles we face in the Twenty First Century is keeping our heads above water financially.

We are not helped in this struggle by the constant bombardment we face day in, day out, from companies advertising products we don't need and didn't even want before seeing the advert. I believe this situation is on the verge of changing, largely due to the influence of the internet.

Traditional advertising (TV, newspaper) works because the commerciak images are fed to us while we are already absorbing information. A commercial break, for example, should be a great reason to go and make a cup of tea, do some stretches or have a chat. In reality, we often sit there, transfixed by the procession of short films, usually with higher budgets and production values than the programs into which they are wedged.

The internet - in particular search engines and news feeds - offers us a different way of accessing and collecting information. While Google makes billions from advertising each year, the truth is that the majority of experienced internet users filter out the keyword advertising which accompanies most searches and just go for the good stuff in the middle.

The upshot of this, to my mind, is that people are less likely to buy something just because an advert says they should. They are still, however, just as likely (if not more so) to buy things they don't need.

Which raises the issue of overspending.

With the news that Britain's credit culture is reaching meltdown, now seems like a good time to pass on a few tips that I have found useful for saving money.

Firstly - plan your monthly budget and be honest in your assessments. While this is pretty boring, you will find yourself thinking twice before buying that new digital camera/iPod/pair of trainers when you consider what impact it will have on that holiday you are saving for.

Secondly - earn more money! While this sounds obvious, if you are addicted to a consumerist lifestyle and can't change your ways, it sounds like you need to get yourself a higher income. This can be from having a second job, working overtime or finding a new job. If you love your job and can't imagine changing it to chase the buck, think about that when you are about to splash the cash and plaunge yourself into money worries until next payday.

Thirdly - and my top personal tip - don't take your cards with you! Debit and Credit cards are by far the easiest way to blow money. While it takes a while to get used to, withdrawing a personal budget from th bank one day every week works a treat. That way, when you see that gorgeous jumper, you have to think about how you will get by for the rest of the week if you DO buy it. This is a pretty old-school way of budgeting but works a treat once you get into it.

Finally - get out more! (but not to the pub) Good lord, there are so many fun things to do that are either cheap or free. In Britain, our social interactions are based around a pub culture. Round my neck of the woods, a typical pint costs more than £3, meaning that a typical trip to the pub, including crisps, beer, kebab, it-box and fags (although not for long!) comes in at between £20 and £30. In most other European countries, and particular Scandinavia, this money would instead be spent on getting some decent meat and a few bottles of wine/beer in and having a group of friends over for dinner. If that is too much (weather permitting), head to the park/beach. You enjoyed it as a teenager, didn't you? Why not now?

Saving money can be fun. Yeah!