EVERY month, Lottie Rossington and wife Kelly McCall would see their bank accounts drain to zero – with no savings and desperate to buy a house, something had to change.
Despite having no spare cash the couple have now saved £20k – enough to put down a deposit on their dream two-bed first home. We explain how they gave their outgoings a makeover so YOU can do the same.
Every month, the couple would end up with no money to put in their savings – but four years on and thanks to a money overhaul they’ve not got £20,000 in the bank.
Pub manager Lottie says: “To build money for a deposit, we have had to budget so carefully.
“At the start Kelly and I sat down and worked out how much was left out of our incomes after all of our outgoings per month, and decided to put whatever was left in a joint account.”
They each put in £100 at the start, with the money going out as soon as they were paid so they weren’t tempted to spend it.
They’ve since made extra savings so can pay in more and are now saving around £400 a month.
“We cancelled everything that wasn’t essential – like our Sky subscription, which saved us £100 a month – and ruled out holidays we had been thinking of taking,” she explains.
“We’ve switched pet food subscriptions for our two dogs, saving £30 a month.
“That goes straight in the savings account before I’m tempted to spend it.
“With food shopping, we used to pop to the supermarket every couple of days.
“Now, instead of impulse buying, we plan our meals and stick to a shopping list.
“We’ve switched away from well-known brands for things like washing powder and buy supermarket own versions instead.”
The couple have a household income of around £80,000.
Lottie says: “We’ve still had to budget so carefully. So I can’t imagine how it would be possible for someone on minimum wage.”
Lottie has found other ways to automate savings, so the money stacks up without her having to think about it.
“I use the Plum app which works out how much I can afford to save after my bills and spending each week,” she says.
“Some weeks it might take £20 and some weeks it might only take £8, depending what I’ve spent in that week.
“Over the past nine months, I’ve built up £500 in that account.”
Lottie never auto-renews her pet or contents insurance, instead looking for the best deal on comparison site MoneySuperMarket.
That’s also where she researched the best mortgage deal to suit her circumstances, eventually settling on an offer in principle from NatWest.
Saving has been hard work, but the couple have done it by making small changes to their lifestyle.
Lottie says: “It’s the little things that have made a difference, adding up over time.
“We’ve also been strict with ourselves, not blowing money on takeaways or a big holiday.
“Instead, everything goes into the savings account.”
Data from MoneySuperMarket’s Household Money Index shows that nearly seven in ten families in rented accommodation have found it hard to put money aside for a deposit due to the rising cost of living.
Lottie and Kelly are now saving to cover the money for solicitors fees, surveys and moving costs – which could be around £5,000.
“Our plan is to carry on saving and do all we can to get ourselves in a position to buy, so that we’re ready to move when a house that we can afford becomes available,” she explains.
“If we manage it, it will be a huge achievement for both of us.”
If you’ve been going through your spending with a fine-tooth comb and you’re still struggling, don’t despair.
Even once you’ve switched your bills and bought yellow sticker food, there are still plenty of other ways to cut your costs.
This year, commit to spending an hour a week managing your money and your homework will soon pay off.
To get you started, try these 26 tips in 2026 to save hundreds of pounds on bills, holidays, family life and food.
BANKING AND BILLS
Avoid auto-renew traps
Never let insurance, broadband, or mobile contracts auto-renew. New customers almost always get better deals.
Broadband customers can save £181 on average just by switching providers, according to USwitch, and the One Touch Switch system, where the new provider sorts it out.
Add important dates to your diary – like a month ahead of a contract ending – to make sure you have time to compare and find a better deal.
Try ‘cash potting’
Sun consumer reporter Emily Mee uses “money potting” to stop herself from overspending every month.
“Each month, I set up ‘pots’ through my Monzo account for things like clothes, gifts or eating out,” she says.
“It means I can track how much I am spending on each type of thing and set myself limits so I don’t overspend.”
It’s a simple way to stay on track and see exactly where your money goes each month.
Ditch your premium bank account
“Are you paying for a premium bank account with benefits you don’t use?” asks financial strategist Laura Linden of feistyfd.com. “If so, drop to a basic one.
”You’ll get almost all the same banking functionality without paying for extras that add no real value. Check your statement for the account fee and make that easy saving today.”
Get £200 free cash from your bank…
You can get paid HUNDREDS for free just by switching your bank account.
Banks like Lloyds and Santander are currently offering £200 in cash incentives for customers who switch their current account.
You will need to make the switch by using the Current Account Switch Service (CASS).
But be aware that opening several bank accounts over a short period of time may impact your credit rating.
…And another £180 from your energy supplier
You could be owed cash from your energy supplier if you’ve built up credit on your account.
On average households are around £178 in credit with their energy supplier, according to the most recent figures from regulator Ofgem.
If you pay your bill by direct debit each month then you should have extra credit at this time of year.
December is a great time to cash out your balance, as you should have the maximum amount of credit in your account by November ahead of the weather getting colder and energy usage going up.
To check if you are owed cash, simply log into your energy account.
GROCERY SHOPPING
Start ‘bottom shelf’ shopping
Switching to supermarket own brands from premium labels can slash grocery bills.
Look for items on the bottom shelf to make the biggest savings compared to the most expensive ones, which are usually at eye level.
Sun reporter Laura McGuire discovered shoppers could save £500 a year by making the easy change.
Ditch supermarket trips
Stop trekking to the supermarket and do an online food order instead.
Supermarkets often offer discounts and vouchers exclusively for online orders, which can save you money.
Sun reporter Blathnaid Corless recently got £15 off her Morrisons online delivery through her Amazon Prime account.
Ordering online can also makes it easier to stick to you list and stops the temptation of chucking things you don’t need in your basket.
Most big supermarkets also offer delivery passes, so you can save on online order fees.
Buy chicken and fish from the frozen aisle
Frozen food is often cheaper and lasts longer, reducing waste.
Simon Dukes, chief executive of Fair for You, a not-for-profit lender, says: “Frozen cod and chicken breasts tend to be about two-thirds of the price of chilled equivalents and similar savings can be found on veg.
“You can easily save a few pounds per family meal.”
Fair For You offers 0% interest Food Club loans to spread the costs of stocking up at Iceland Foods.
Start a ‘sales calendar’
Supermarkets follow predictable sales patterns, selling school uniforms in June, toys from September, and cheaper roasts around Easter and in the autumn.
Planning your purchases around these cycles helps you stock up strategically.
Keep a running list of annual sales in your notes app to stay ahead of the game.
Use food waste apps to bag a bargain
For free or cheap food, use the Too Good to Go app to get “magic bags” of food, typically at a third of the full price.
The Olio app will alert you to free food close to where you live. You just need to pop out and pick it up.
HOLIDAYS
Timing is everything – even during school holidays
Planning the timing of your holiday can make a huge difference in price.
Adam Butler of villa company Vintage Travel says: “If school terms allow, book a week starting the last weekend of August and benefit from a drop in rates.”
Also, with Europe experiencing higher temperatures, travelling in the May or October half terms might give you a more pleasant experience for less money.
Rent a driveway
Airport parking can easily top £100 a week.
Instead, use JustPark or YourParkingSpace to rent a local driveway near the airport for a fraction of the price.
It’s secure, convenient, and could save you £70 per trip.
Find hidden holiday deals with Skyscanner trick
Use Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” search to find the cheapest destinations and dates to fly.
You’ll see at a glance when prices dip and where your budget stretches furthest.
Being flexible on dates or airports can unlock huge savings.
Little-known way to get secret sale codes
Budget family travel expert Natalie Smith (@frugalmumuk) suggests signing up for newsletters from your favourite travel companies or holiday parks.
“You’ll get sale and discount codes sent directly to your email.”
She also recommends booking “per party” holidays, rather than “per person” to save more.
“Budget airlines like EasyJet release flights months in advance at the lowest prices, which rise with demand. Booking early or waiting for last-minute deals can both save hundreds,” she says.
MONEY FOR FUN
Rent, don’t buy
Instead of splurging on a designer dress or suit you’ll wear once, rent it.
Platforms like Hirestreet, Hurr Collective and John Lewis Fashion Rental offer high-end outfits for under £50. You’ll look amazing for a fraction of the retail price.
Get FREE and cheap cinema tickets
Never pay full price at the cinema again. Join Odeon Extras to watch films from £4.50 on Mondays.
If you already pay for Amazon Prime, you can get two Odeon tickets for £10 Monday to Thursday, once a month.
You can also get free or reduced tickets through Three, O2, Vodafone, Sky and Compare the Market.
Rinse your freebies
Financial coach Clare Seal, with 116k followers, says: “Rinse every perk or freebie at your disposal, from free coffee with your car insurance to free cinema tickets with your bank account, there are some amazing things up for grabs.”
Don’t forget to sign up to birthday freebies where you can claim drinks, food, beauty products and vouchers just because it’s your birthday month.
Don’t be a mug – travel with it
Use your own takeaway cup to get 50p off drinks at Pret a Manger and 25p off at Starbucks.
Costa and Caffe Nero give extra loyalty stamps towards a free drink when you use your own cup, which could save £80 per year.
Stop wasting money buying new clothes
If you’ve got your eye on a specific item of clothing – especially if it’s from a higher end retailer – keep an eye on resale platforms such as Vinted and eBay.
Ellie Austin-Williams, who has 50K followers, says: “You may need a bit of patience, but there are countless success stories of shoppers snapping up much-wanted items below retail price online, often in excellent condition.”
Sun reporter Emily Mee finds high street and even designer bargains on Vinted for as little as £1.50.
Find the best deal on homeware
“For home furnishings, use search and compare sites such as ufurnish.com,” says Ellie.
“With the option to upload an image to search too, it’s a savvy way to see prices across retailers and bag yourself the best deal.”
Check the price history of big items you want to buy at Price Runner or Idealo.
Do a money challenge
January is “Buy Nothing New Month”. Aim to get through to February only buying essentials and find joy in the things you already have.
You could also set yourself a money saving challenge that fits with your finances.
Putting aside £1 a day could add up to £365 over the year, or do the 1p challenge saving 1p on January 1, 2p on the 2nd, 3p on the third and so on, until you’re saving more than £3 a day by the time you get to December.
That adds up to £668 over the year.
FAMILY AND KIDS
Save thousands on childcare bills
Nursery and childcare bills are some of the most expensive for families – but there are ways you can get it for FREE.
If you work, you can get 30 hours of childcare per week during term time if your children are aged nine months to four-years-old.
The Government has said parents using the full 30 hours will save around £7,500 a year.
All parents can claim 15 hours free for children aged nine months to three-year-old.
Get free family days out
Natalie Smith says: “Get your kids to show off their talents and they might just get a Blue Peter badge for their efforts.”
With the card you can get free entry to theme parks, castles, zoos and museums.
London Zoo is one of over 200 attractions around the UK that Blue Peter badge holders can get into for free – using your badge you can save more than £22 on entry.
Rent a pram
Olivia says: “Consider renting or borrowing expensive items before buying — especially things you might only use for a few months.
“I rented a £370 travel pram for just £35 with my Cubbi discount.
“I only needed it for trips abroad since my everyday pram is too bulky. I’d need to take ten holidays in three years to make buying outright worth it.”
Avoid pester power
Clare has taken a simple step to save money.
“I used to park near our local convenience store, so at least one of the kids would always ask to go in to buy something,” she says.
“Now, parking on the other side of school, treats and snacks are out of sight and it’s saving us a fortune in the morning and after school.”
The savings add up to £20 a week.
I have bagged freebies worth £250
MUM-OF-TWO, Jess Brown, from North West England, has managed to enjoy parenting freebies worth £250.
She shares tips for followers on her social accounts @thepiecesofparenthood on Instagram and TikTok, as well as The Pieces of Parenthood on Facebook.
Jess, who is in her 30s with two children under five, said: “I’ve always loved finding freebies, but even more so now I’m a parent and money is tighter.
“When you become a parent, your budget can be really stretched, particularly on maternity pay, so getting lots of extras here and there can help take off some of the pressure.”
“Make sure you sign up to Emma’s Diary for their two free pregnancy packs, plus join the Boots Parenting Club, as they also give out freebies.
“M&S Parent Hood Club is brilliant, they’ve given out free biscuit boxes, full cakes and breakfast pouches too.
“John Lewis also have an offer on currently, where you can get a free parent and baby box worth £180 when you spend £180 on their website and use the code ‘JLBABYBOX’ at checkout.”
Jess now enjoys posting her freebies to help others with costs.
She said: “I share my finds with other parents on social media, so that I can help as many people as possible.
“One of my favourite places to find freebies is on Facebook Marketplace – the best find I’ve had from there was a Peppa Pig play kitchen for my little girl.
“I also like to take advantage of kids eat free offers at cafes and restaurants, which are around in school holidays.
“Melange in Bury were offering a fabulous kids eat free three-course meal during the summer, so definitely keep a look out for offers like those.”
