In times of recession and austerity it is often necessary to make some changes so your money can go as far as it can. In many cases this requires doing more with less. Far from being a painful exercise, it is something you should do anyway, recession or not, so take some time out to spring clean your finances. 

You can improve the amount of money you have by following three easy steps. 

1.     Spend Less

‘I have enough money to last me the rest of my life, unless I buy something’.

Jackie Mason

Sounds obvious yet we all know people who seem incapable of doing this. Spending less is not always about going without, but rather getting what you need for less.

Use price comparison websites to shop around for the best deals on everything from home and travel insurance to mobile phones and banking and savings accounts.

You can use sites like www.unbiased.co.uk to find an independent financial adviser who can help you to build a financial plan to achieve your goals.

Making simple changes such as switching everything off at night in your home can make a difference. I tried it over a period of a year and it reduced my electricity bill by over 20%.

Walk where possible instead of taking the car if you have one.

Fit energy saving devices throughout your home wherever possible.

Learn to cook! You will be amazed how much you can save on food if you know how to eat healthily and economically. If you are buying ready made meals you are wasting money by definition.

2.     Save

 ‘I’m hopeless with money. I simply spend what I’ve got’

Freddie Mercury

The saying a penny saved is a penny earned is quite true. The pennies all add up. With the money you save from being a little wiser with your resources you can start to save and build up a fund for something you really want. It doesn’t take as long as you might think.

Once again the internet has made it quick and easy to locate the most competitive savings accounts. Sites likes www.moneysupermarket.com and www.moneyfacts.co.uk will help you to locate the best deal.

3.     Invest

 ‘All I ask is the chance to prove that money can’t make me happy’.

Spike Milligan

Follow steps 1 and 2 and you can progress to step 3 which is to invest for your future. There are many ways to make your money work hard and grow, and once again you should seek out some expert financial advice from an independent financial adviser. The sites detailed in this article will point you in the right direction.

There is nothing complicated or difficult about making some simple changes that will make you more money. Your spending habits are within your gift to change, and the best time to start is now.

 Jamie E Smith is the author of Making Money From Stocks And Shares

This content was provided by one of our users, Jamie