How To Save Money: 10 Budget Hacks We All Need To Hear
It’s the middle of January - and for most of us, that means wincing at our bank accounts as we try to come to terms with the damage that the festive season and New Year celebrations have had on our money.
But we’re here to turn things around with a list of money saving tips everyone can adopt.
1. TRY THE 50/30/20 RULE
A popular money saving hack, but one you may not have heard of is the 50/30/20 rule. This means 50% of your take home pay goes on essentials, such as bills and food shopping, 30% goes towards treating yourself and going out, while 20% goes to the future you - AKA investing and savings for a rainy day.
This split may not work for everyone, so feel free to change the percentages to suit your financial needs.
2. DON’T SPLURGE ON PAYDAY
Hands up if you’ve ever got a teeny bit carried away on pay day? Safe to say, we’re all guilty of this one. In fact, one survey revealed one in five people spend over half their spare monthly wages within 48 hours of getting paid!
Don’t let your disposable income burn a hole in your wallet, always ask yourself if you really need it. Every time you feel the urge to buy something, don’t do it straight away. Add the item to your cart and leave it there. If after two to three days you still feel like buying it, go ahead and get it. More often than not, you’ll have gotten over that initial urge to spend, spend, spend.
Besides, it’s far more important to prioritise other outgoings, such as bills and food, before you start spending. This is where the 50/30/20 rule can really help!
3. MEAL PLAN & PREP
The US is said to discard more food than any other country - nearly 40 million tonnes every year to be exact - which equates to approximately 100 kg of waste per person. Meanwhile the average UK household is said to waste around £500 a year on food. That’s a huge amount of money that we’d all rather have in our own pockets right now, so let’s do something about it.
Before you head out for your food shop, plan what meals you’d like for the week or even fortnight and only buy the ingredients you need for those specific meals. Not only should that cut down on a considerable amount of food waste, you’ll be less tempted to reach for those pricier, ‘non-essential’ treats, like bags of crisps and chocolate.
Batch cooking is another great money saving hack, and is super easy to do if you’ve planned your meals in advance and have all the ingredients ready. You can freeze meals and take out a portion as and when you need it, which is perfect on those days when you can’t be bothered to cook anything. It also means your diet will be a lot more balanced, as you’ll have more control over what you eat.
Discover 6 Quick & Easy Recipes here.
4. SELL YOUR UNWANTED ITEMS
Even if you’re not looking to actively save money, selling your unwanted items is a great idea. You can do this on platforms such as eBay, Depop or Vinted, or even try a car boot sale. You’ll be surprised what you sell!
Besides, not only will it help you make a few extra pennies, selling your items is a more sustainable option compared to sending your items to landfill.
5. TRACK YOUR EXPENSES
This one kind of goes without saying, but keeping track of your expenses is crucial to living within your budget.
You can do this using a (free) budgeting app to monitor all your accounts in one place and manage your spending. Even simpler than that, you could write down your expenses at the end of the day, as this will help you understand exactly where your money is going. The more conscious you are of what you’re spending, the less likely you are to overspend or buy on impulse.
6. GET SHOPPING SAVVY
Asking you to cut out shopping completely just isn’t realistic, but what you can do is make the most of discounts, money-off vouchers and loyalty card points. The internet is full of money-saving deals - and it can pay to do a bit of online research to find the latest discounts.
Take us as an example. Not only do we offer 10% student discount, you can also receive 10% off your first order when you sign up to our newsletter, where you’ll also be the first to hear about our sales, drops and exclusive offers. And if that weren’t already enough, you can also create an AYBL Rewards account to earn points when you shop with us, and redeem as money off your next order. *Adds entire wishlist to cart.*
7. USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT (OR WALK)
You don’t need us to tell you that the cost of the fuel at the moment is extortionate, which is why using public transport could be a great way to save money. Granted, it might not be the way to go in all places, but if your city has a good public transport system, we highly recommend that you make full use of it! Public transportation often sells monthly or weekly passes at a discount too.
Alternatively, where possible, try to seek out any opportunity to stretch your legs and get walking. While it’s an easy way to get those 10,000 steps a day in, carrying your shopping bags back will definitely get your heart rate up - who needs dumbbells, eh?
8. SPLIT SUBSCRIPTIONS
If you use paid subscription services like Netflix, Amazon Prime and Spotify, you could save money by splitting the cost with friends and family. Most offer a number of users under each subscriber.
9. TRY FREE ACTIVITIES WITH FRIENDS
If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s how to have fun at home. But ever since restrictions were lifted, we’ve been using any and every excuse to go out for drinks, dinner, bottomless brunch - you name it!
But if you’re serious about saving some serious dollar, a free (or less expensive) activity with your friends could be the solution.
You could take it in turns to host a dinner party at home, go for a walk together in the park, cycle through a new city or, you know, even go to the gym together. Because a workout with your bestie is 10 times better than a workout by yourself, are we right?
10. SHOP DURING THE SALES
Sales are the best time to splurge a bit and get the things you want, and if you’re prepared to wait, you could save a significant amount of money on what you buy.
If you’ve just missed our Black Friday Sale, never fear, as you can expect plenty more where that came from in 2023 👀. Or if you can’t hold off till then, you can save up to 50% off in our outlet!
You’ve worked hard for your money, so you should spend it however you please. That being said, if you are wanting to watch your cash and discover how to save money, then hopefully some of our money saving hacks will come in handy!
If you do find you’re struggling to make certain payments or manage your money in general, never be afraid to reach out for support. Talk to friends and family or alternatively, many organisations and banks can provide financial advice.
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Your 5-Minute Mental Health Check Up
Hey there! How are you feeling?
That’s a question we don’t ask ourselves enough.
It’s quite normal for us to schedule an appointment with the dentist or doctor to check our oral and physical health, so why is it less common to check on our mental health?
So many factors are closely related to our mental health, which is why it’s important to address the small changes and approaches we can take to prioritise and care for our mental wellbeing.
According to research, one in five US adults experience a mental health problem of some kind each year, while in England, as many as one in four people experience the same issue.
That’s why, for Mental Health Awareness Week, we’ve created a quick and easy five-minute mental health check you can do every day, anywhere.
WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH?
Mental health is how you feel in your mind and your mood. Just like your physical health, it depends on many factors, including your genetics, your environment, your circumstances, what you do to maintain it, and underlying physical or mental health conditions you may suffer from, and how they are treated.
This Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from Monday 15th May to Sunday 21st May, addresses anxiety. Anxiety is an emotion we all experience, but sometimes it can get out of control and cause issues for our mental health.
In a survey of 3,000 adults, 34% said they experienced anxiety.
HOW TO LOOK AFTER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
Here are just a few things you can ask yourself or do to ensure you’re doing what you can to protect your emotional wellness.
HAVE I DRANK ENOUGH WATER?
Keeping hydrated is key for both your physical and mental health. When you don’t drink enough water and start to become dehydrated, your body triggers warning signals that you’re in a ‘life-threatening’ situation and starts kicking up stress hormones, particularly cortisol. An increase in cortisol is connected to anxiety, depression and mood disorders.
Carry a bottle of water with you to keep your hydration levels topped up. If you’re someone who likes more structure, you can use alarms or trackers to remind you that drinking water is part of your self-care.
HAVE I EATEN THE RIGHT FOODS TO FUEL MY BODY?
Diet and lifestyle can have a profound effect on our mood and research reveals there’s a direct link between what we eat and how we feel.
There are plenty of foods and nutrients that can put a smile on your face and make you feel awesome. When we’re stressed, it’s tempting to reach for comfort foods like pizza and sugary snacks that give us a temporary ‘high’. However, these foods can soon leave you feeling exhausted, jittery or sluggish.
Food high in fibre, as well as fruit, veg, nuts and seeds are more beneficial to your mental health. Discover our very own nutritious mood-boosting recipes here.
DID I GET ENOUGH SLEEP?
Anyone who has struggled with sleep will know what a difference it makes to our bodies, minds and ability to function.
For many people, sleep is often the first thing that suffers when they’re struggling with their mental health. The CDC recommends adults get between seven and nine hours of sleep a day.
If you’re struggling with your sleep, there are a few simple changes you can make, including:
- Establish a bedtime routine;
- Avoid tech and caffeine before you go to sleep;
- Practice meditation/relaxation.
READ MORE: How To Fix Your Sleep Schedule
GET OUTSIDE
Humans are hardwired to need time in nature, as we evolved to prefer environments where we had fresh water, sunlight, and nature because those provided us with the resources we needed to survive. But, nowadays, nature doesn’t just allow us to survive, it helps us to thrive.
Spending even small bursts of time outdoors can greatly benefit your mental wellbeing. A 2019 study found that spending just 20 minutes outside significantly lowered stress hormone levels.
MOVE YOUR BODY
Okay, so this one is our thing for sure. Keeping active has so many benefits, mentally and physically - from lifting weights to flowing yoga.
Regular movement throughout the day can boost your mood, reduce stress and refocus your mind.
Partner some fresh air with your movement to elevate the benefits - and kill two birds with one stone.
Explore our guided workouts and fitness tips here.
REACH OUT TO FRIENDS
Human connections actually boost feel-good neurotransmitters in your brain. The key is not how many friends you have, but to surround yourself with those whom you can be your most authentic self.
Be honest with yourself about how much time you need to spend with your friends to feel fulfilled, refreshed and empowered, and then make it happen - even if it’s just a catch-up dinner once a month, it makes a difference.
Meeting new people can be equally beneficial to your mental wellbeing, as studies have shown that connecting with strangers can help us feel happier and more connected with our communities.
WHAT AM I DOING TODAY THAT I CAN LOOK FORWARD TO?
Planning things to look forward to or that you enjoy doing can help us cope with difficult situations by increasing our sense of hope.
Whether it’s something as small as binge-watching your favourite TV series or something more extravagant like a weekend away with friends, factoring in time to do what you love will help you adopt a more positive outlook each day.
A huge part of prioritising your mental wellbeing is learning to understand and manage your feelings.
When we’re upset, we don’t always know why we’re feeling that way. It often helps to acknowledge our feelings without any judgement or telling ourselves we’re ‘weak’ for feeling the way we do.
We all have good days and bad days, and that’s okay. However, by asking ourselves the questions in this article and adopting these simple habits, we can work toward feeling like our best selves once again. Remember, rest is a basic human need.
How To Start Running
The hardest part of running? Getting out the door.
Running is a great way to get fit and feel better, but sometimes, a lack of motivation - or even know-how - can catch you short.
Starting a new running habit needn’t be difficult - all you need is a good pair of running shoes and the willingness to move a little or a lot, all at your own pace.
To help put you one stride ahead, we’ve pulled together the very best running tips for beginners, so you can get off to a safe start and enjoy hitting the tarmac (or treadmill).
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM OUR BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO RUNNING
THE BENEFITS OF RUNNING
If enjoyment alone isn’t enough to get you increasing your stride, perhaps the proven health benefits of running will?
Running is one of the most effective ways to increase daily activity, cardiovascular fitness and mental health. It also is widely accessible, as you don’t need any fancy equipment, it’s relatively inexpensive and you can do it just about anywhere.
Here are some of the other key health benefits of running:
- Promotes muscle development;
- Can help aid weight loss;
- Helps to relieve stress levels;
- Boosts the release of endorphins, sometimes called a ‘runner’s high’;
- Increases bone strength and joint health;
- Promotes better sleep;
- Increases lung capacity, metabolism and energy levels;
- Reduces cholesterol levels and risk of heart disease.
GETTING STARTED
Whether you’re new to running or getting back to it after a long break, it’s really important to ease yourself in and gradually build up to avoid injury. Here are some top tips to get your started on the right foot.
Now, we’re not saying you need to go out and buy a wardrobe full of expensive new running kit, but what we are saying is that staying equipped for the environment and surface you’ll be running on is non-negotiable.
Start by investing in a suitable pair of running shoes that fit comfortably and offer extra support, cushioning and grip for your runs.
When it comes to the clothing, well, that’s where we step in. Fusing form and functionality, our Pace Collection is designed for practicality - with soft, lightweight and breathable details - so you can run with ease and without distraction.
Take measured steps to keep your body safe and free from injury. Warming-up is an essential part of any workout, especially running. We recommend walking or doing an easy jog for five to 10 minutes before increasing your intensity. You may also benefit from warm-up exercises, such as dynamic stretches.
Be mindful of other safety advice, such as running against the flow of traffic and carrying your mobile with you at all times.
READ MORE: Top Tips For Staying Safe When Running In The Dark
Nothing can get you lost in the moment quite like blasting your beats as you pound the pavement.
We all have our own taste in music, which makes it all the more important to pick a playlist that’ll motivate you to power through, even when times get tough, with the wind against you and the heavens pouring.
If you need a little inspo, we’ve got plenty of tracks to keep you moving. Check out our Spotify here.
OUR TOP SIX RUNNING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
Now that we’ve established the basics, you’re probably wondering exactly how to start running?
Here’s how…
If you’re totally new to running, chances are your motivation levels are pretty high. That being said, it’s as important as ever to pace yourself. This includes your running speed, intensity and training frequency.
Don’t be afraid to start off with a few fast paced walks each week to build up confidence, condition your muscles and create a positive habit you can stick to. Pacing yourself will allow you to continue progressing and reduce your risk of injury.
The likelihood of strains, repetitive stress and foot pain tends to be greater during your first few weeks of running as a beginner, or if you’re returning to running after a long break.
The Run-Walk Method is a great way for new runners to get started, helping to build endurance with less joint stress and is a manageable intensity level.
The method combines running with intervals of walking. Start by alternating one minute intervals of running with one minute of walking, and then gradually try to increase the time spent running. As you become more comfortable, reduce the time spent walking.
Check out our beginner’s running plan further down this page.
Never underestimate the power of rest.
It’s completely natural for your muscles to feel a little sorer than usual, but if you’re experiencing genuine pain or discomfort, it’s crucial you allow it time to rest and recover.
If you’re suffering from sore muscles, more likely than not, it’s DOMS - AKA delayed onset muscle soreness. This is the aching or stiffness you experience as a result of intense training, however, this should subside within 48 hours.
Avoiding exercise altogether can actually prolong DOMS, so consider lower intensity exercise, such as walking, mobility and slow jogging to increase blood flow and relieve your muscle fatigue.
Chances are, you already knew this, but if not, you’ll soon learn that eating well and staying hydrated can significantly influence your runs.
You lose water through sweat, whether cold or hot, so you need to drink before, during, and after your runs. You ideally want to drink 120 ml to 180 ml of water every 20 minutes, but pay attention to your thirst level and drink when you feel thirsty. During longer workouts (90 minutes or more), some of your fluid intake should include a sports drink to replace sodium and other minerals (electrolytes).
In terms of nutrition, it’s best to eat something light and high in carbohydrates but low in fat, protein and fibre. Aim to finish eating 90 to 120 minutes before you start running.
If you’re running for longer than 90 minutes, you’ll need to replace some of the energy you’re burning. A general rule of thumb is to consume 100 calories after an hour and another 100 calories every 45 minutes.
It’s easy to neglect other aspects of your fitness and strength when starting your running journey. Balancing your running sessions with other forms of resistance training and exercise will help to build muscular resilience, reducing your risk of injury and boosting performance.
Repeatedly hitting the road without building strength in the gym can not only lead to injury, but a performance plateau too. Be sure to balance out your training with strength-based exercises to work on muscular endurance, speed, power and potential imbalances - all of which will help with your running in the long run.
You can find plenty of guided workout routines and strength-building exercises, like our Back & Shoulder Workout, on our Fitness page.
Running is a natural movement, but that doesn’t mean you can’t improve aspects of your running form to improve your experience and efficiency.
First things first, keep your posture upright. Keep your head lifted, your back long and tall and shoulders level but relaxed. Maintain a neutral pelvis and ensure you’re not leaning forward or back at your waist.
Likewise, it’s important to monitor your footstrike - this is the way your foot hits the pavement. You might land on your heel, in the middle of your foot, or on your toes or forefoot. It’s recommended that you should try to land in the middle of your foot, and then roll through to the front of your toes. However, if you’re naturally a toe runner (land on your toes) or heel striker, it may be best not to change your stride.
READ MORE: The Principles Of Good Form With Caroline Gravity
RUNNING PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
Without a clear idea of what you’re trying to achieve, and the steps you need to take to get there, you’re making the challenge much tougher than it needs to be.
That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate running plan for beginners.