Millennial Saving Habits And How To Improve Them

*A Collaborative Post with Shepherds Friendly*

Despite the bad press that millennials often receive for regularly spending money on dining out and entertainment, they are in fact some of the best savers within the country with 59% putting money away at least once a month. Admittedly funds are generally saved towards short term goals like a holiday in preference of a home or retirement, but it's possible that this is due to the general cost of living being higher and these longer term goals appearing less obtainable in today's society.

The above infographic shares some important stats about the saving habits of millennials (those aged 18-34) and Generation X (those aged 35-54). Although many are saving money frequently which is great to see there's still a big percentage that aren't regularly popping the pounds away, if at all, which of course is a little concerning.

There are a few tips included which can certainly help you to save but being someone who puts funds away every pay day, without fail, and sets yearly targets, I have a few suggestions of my own which should have a positive impact on your bank (or ISA) balance.

You Have The #PowerToSwitch

Fancy getting your mitts on an extra £200 or maybe more? For 2015 I've set myself a few challenges; I'm trying to lose some weight (bikini body here I come) and I'm trying to gain some extra pennies as cash always comes in handy, especially when it comes to holidays. We love to travel and we already have 5 breaks booked this year with the Mr having a lads week at the TT on the Isle of Man too in June, which I treated him to. 

By making a few tiny changes it's surprising what money you can free up to put to better use than bills!

The #PowerToSwitch campaign run by the Department of Energy and Climate Change encourages people to switch energy suppliers and save money and I've had a little look at doing so myself.

Keeping Connected: A Must for a Blogger

Mums and dads of the world – listen up! Blogs are a great way to share parenting experiences, offer advice and make new connections with like-minded people. Building your own little corner of the internet can boost self esteem, and help develop lasting friendships. Plus, having a hobby that takes you away from the everyday duties of parenthood can be a great way of bringing balance to a busy schedule.

With so many free blogging platforms out there, starting an online diary has never been easier and there are precious few overheads to think about. One essential cost that the aspiring blogger must think about is broadband. Staying connected is vital. Here are some ways to lower your monthly broadband bills.

Clean the Clutter for Summer

With the sun beaming through your windows it can often show up the dust and fingerprints lurking in your lounge, so before your family and friends come knocking for garden parties galore this summer season, take just a few minutes a day to keep the cobwebs at bay. 

My simple cleaning tips might help you to become a domestic goddess in no time - they may even help you to save money in the process too!

There is no need to fear your guests popping to the loo when it is sparkling clean and fresh so just tip

A Mini Makeover - Savvy Shopping

I've always headed straight to the big department and DIY stores when it comes to home improvements, but I was recently set a challenge by Debt Free Direct to see how the homeware products from my local supermarket compare to the big brands when it comes to price and quality.

Although we are having a new bathroom fitted in late June, it has been looking a little dull of late (especially with the horrendous wallpaper which I'm desperate to get rid of) so a mini makeover was in order. After all, nobody likes guests visiting when rooms are rather uninviting!

I decided to swap the plain plastic hand wash bottle for a shiny Disco Ball Dispenser (£8) and Disco Ball Soap Dish (£5), adding my favourite Rockstar Lush soap in there too to provide some variety. The dispenser is fairly heavy weight and the lid is easy to unscrew to add your hand cleaning liquid

Great Offers From Zippy - Baby and Toddler Show

We are pleased to announce that Zippy will be at the UK Baby and Toddler Show, in conjunction with Milkshake, at the ACC Arena Liverpool on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd February 2014.

Zippy will be on stand D28 with their exciting new 'Fun Bandana Bib' ranges and exclusive 'Zippy Suits'. Make sure you pop along so they can show you their new Zippy Suit range which is previously only seen by trade.

With attendance to the UK Baby and Toddler Show you will also receive FREE entry into the Family Fun Weekend, where children will have an action packed day out and there are activities for all your little ones to enjoy!

If you mention The Mini Mes and Me when visiting their stand D28, you will receive:

·- A free set of stacking cups with any purchase of £10 or more

·- A handy reference guide to coping with teething

·- Entry into our prize draw to win £50 off at www.zippysuit.com

·- 10% off future Zippy purchases

Tickets are normally £12 pp but if you visit https://www.ticketquarter.co.uk/online/uk-baby-and-toddler-show-2014 to book and quote 'zippy' in the promotional code section you will be able to purchase tickets for just £10 pp!

Are you going to the Baby and Toddler Show this year?

Family Financial Benefits of Choosing an Electric Vehicle

Electric cars were once thought of as a pipe-dream conjured up by those who dream of a perfectly green future. However, the reality is closer than you think and even better, far more affordable! Many people are put off the idea of electric cars, believing they are more expensive and less reliable than traditional petrol cars, but the truth is, they can offer some surprising benefits when it comes to your family finances…

No petrol

The fundamental difference of electric cars over petrol cars is also one of its biggest benefits. Because electric cars are charged with electricity rather than filled up with petrol, drivers will never have to worry about fluctuating prices. Additionally, as it works out at around 18¢ per mile instead of 1.22¢ over petrol, it is also the cheaper option.

Regenerative braking

Technically, this works by storing energy either chemically in a battery, electrically in a bank of capacitors, or mechanically in a rotating flywheel which then transfers to the car itself, ‘regenerating’ its power source. Basically, this means that braking saves you energy on your electric charge, helping your car run for longer.

Company car tax discount

Electric cars became exempt from company car tax for five years from April 2010. This is intended as an incentive to purchase electric cars and plug in hybrids.

You can still have a choice

You still need insurance for your electric car but remember the golden rule and shop around before you buy. Some companies may offer discounts for electric cars, while others, such as Budget Direct Quotes, can help you find the best deal to suit your particular needs.

Fewer repairs

A piston engine of a regular petrol or diesel car has over 450 moving parts and requires regular servicing on parts such as the starter motor, air filter, air intake manifold, fuel lines, fuel filters, fuel pumps, fuel tank, carburettors. The electric cars has fewer parts that require repair and fewer things can go wrong with the moving parts because it doesn’t require things like oil filters or fuel lines.

Parking concessions

In some places, electric cars can get parking concessions with discounts of to 100% for car parks, metered bay parking and residential and business parking permits across the country.

Relief on road and fuel tax

Vehicle excise is based on CO2 emissions and because electric cars do not produce these emissions, they currently qualify for a discount road tax. They are also exempt from fuel excise duty (fuel tax) as the charge for electricity is zero.

Will you be looking at buying an electric car?

*Guest Post*

Groupon - review

I do like a good bargain and you will often find me with coupons hanging from my purse and printed discount codes in my bag. When Groupon offered me a £40 voucher I was keen to give their services a go to find out what offer I could snap up!

Registering with Groupon is very easy, it's literally just a case of filling in your details, and there is even an app for your phone so you can view the daily deals while on the move too.  Each day there are a selection of limited deals available including hotel stays, pamper days, products and experiences to enjoy with savings off up to 70%.

Being conscious about my weight and wanting to shred a few pounds stone for Christmas I settled with a fortnights supply of Boossh, a meal replacement plan, for £40 but worth £92.40

At the end of the deal, later that day, I received an email confirmation of my order with a code to redeem the offer online with Boossh's website. Picking my meals and arranging delivery was simple and the code supplied worked with no issues. I was pleased by how quick and easy the transaction had been.

The Boossh pack arrived a few days later and I began the plan. I imagine for those that want to lose a lot of weight quickly it is superb as it provides a very low amount of calories but all the right nutrients your body requires.  All of the packets are powder/dry form and the milkshakes, being a favourite, come in a variety of flavours including mango and chocolate mint. None of the packets are particularly filling -but no pain no gain, although I did notice weight loss quite quickly which was pleasing.  In the long run I didn't feel this was the solution for me so after the two week plan I went back to normal meals, just reducing my portion sizes. I did however feel fuller quicker which was a bonus!

Groupon currently have some lovely gift ideas available including a Spa break to Fawsley Hall. This offer includes an overnight stay, full English breakfast and use of the spa facilities for two people for just £95 - a saving over £150! You can search offers by location to see what is nearby to you.

I would use this service again  (hint hint to the Mr on the spa trip!).

You can view Groupon's latest deals here: http://www.groupon.co.uk/vouchers/

*We received a £40 Groupon voucher for the purpose of this review. The views given are honest and our own*