Managing money isn’t about strict budgets, it’s about making small, smart choices every day. Managing your money can be simple. It’s all about cutting extra costs, making smart buying choices, and building a sturdy financial foundation.

hat’s why we’ve gathered practical money-saving tips from our team.

Sue, our budgeting expert, helps you understand your finances with confidence.

Jane, The mindful spending expert, encourages careful money management to be happier and make the most of what we have.

Tracey, our expert deal finder, makes sure every pound is spent wisely

Gareth, our go-to for smart financial planning, shows how to spend and save wisely and have better control over your money.

Together, they’ll help you make your money go further. Feel more secure and in control of your financial future.

Sue’s top tips for budget confidence 

It can really help to have a clear understanding on where your pennies are each month, and how you can plan where you want your money to go. Sue’s top tips will help you take control and feel more secure in your financial choices. 

• Set the bills aside – Keep the money that is going out, bills and necessitates, in a separate account. So, you aren’t tempted to spend it, and it makes sure you have control over spending. Knowing how much money you can spend over month allows you to budget and have confidence in what you can do, without having to worry about external costs  
                           

• Round up spending and save – Building savings doesn’t have to be done through large amounts. Simply looking at what you must spend and rounding it up to the nearest pound and saving that excess really builds up over time and helps you save  

Jane tip for mindful spending 

Being mindful about how and why you spend can lead to a more fulfilling relationship with money. Tracey’s tip encourages members to shift their mindset when it comes to purchasing. 

• Appreciate what you have – Finding joy in what you already have often brings more satisfaction than buying new things. Try rediscovering old hobbies, repurposing existing items, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the things you’ve already invested in. This approach not only saves money but also fosters gratitude and reduces waste 

Tracey O’s advice for making every pound count 

It’s simple to say: making your budget stretch further means reducing your spending. But its more about making smarter purchasing decisions, allowing you to have more pounds in your pocket. Jane shares her tried-and-tested strategies for making every pound count 

• Think before you spend – Before buying, ask: Do I want this, or do I need it? This simple habit helps curb impulse spending. It helps you avoid impulse buys and keep your budget on track. If the answer is “want,” consider waiting 24 hours before purchasing. Often, the urge will pass, and you’ll save money in the process 

• Track your spending – Keeping a record of where your money goes can be eye-opening. Writing down your expenses or using a budgeting app allows you to identify patterns and pinpoint areas where you might be overspending. By understanding your spending habits, you can adjust to free up more money for saving or essential expenses 

• Build an emergency fund – Save a little each week or month in a credit union account. Over time, it creates a financial safety net. Even starting with just a few pounds can grow into a helpful cushion over time. At Beacon, we offer savings accounts that make it easy to start building your emergency fund while earning a fair return on your money  

Gareth’s top tip and tricks to make you smart with your pounds  

Gareth Heesom, the man behind all the tips and tricks at beacon. He always makes sure we are testing out new ideas and seeing where every pound can be spent wisely  

• Shop smarter – Bulk buying can seem like the cheapest option, but it isn’t always the best value. Before purchasing larger packages, check the price per weight or unit to ensure you’re actually getting the best deal. Sometimes, buying a smaller package or shopping around can be more cost-effective. 
   

• Buy quality, not just cheap – Invest in premium essentials like insurance, clothing and furniture. Quality lasts longer and saves money over time. While it might be tempting to always go for the cheapest option, investing in quality items can often save money in the long run. This applies to everything from household appliances to insurance policies. Instead of going for the cheapest option, look for the best value something that balances cost, durability and reliability. 
   

• Save with a credit union – enjoy clear terms, honest rates and community focus to make borrowing straightforward. Investing and saving within the credit union makes sure you can turn your money into real opportunities for yourself and the local community.  

Going further than just loans  

Understating the ins and outs of money is hard and it’s not spoken about enough.  

We are actively trying to make an impact and provide knowledge and support. That’s where our knowledge hub comes in! It helps you make informed decisions and learn ways to manage your money better. 

Whether you’re planning for a major life event, dealing with financial difficulties, or just looking for everyday money-saving tips. We’re committed to helping you take control of your finances with practical advice and smart savings options.  

Visit our knowledge hub 

Save smarter, feel more secure 

Becoming a member gives you access to a range of savings accounts designed to suit your needs.  

Our savings accounts come with benefits like: 

• Fair interest rates 

• Easy access to your funds 

• The reassurance that your money is working for you 

By starting with just a small deposit, you can build a habit of saving that will benefit you in the long run.  

Join Beacon