Being in your 20’s is mad confusing, you kind off want to go on 10 holidays, kind of want to save for a house, kind of just wanna get married and have 10 puppies.

As I have reached the end of my twenties, I have started to prioritise paying off my debt and the importance of saving.

I spent most of my adult life partying with my credit cards, having ‘fuck it’ moments and not caring because ‘older sian’ would sort it out (cause we all know shes the *adult* one).

Well queue the biggest meltdown regarding being an adult, not having a mortgage or being moved out, having a lot of debt and outgoings and having to work a lot of hours to feel okay each month, well it opened my eyes ALOT. I didn’t want to be that person anymore.

Last year I decided to be very adult and start sorting my finances out. I can proudly say today that I have completely paid off my credit cards and apart from a *small* amount of credit online I am debt free, minus paying for my car each month!!

Now this has made me so happy, and I want to share with you my tips on how I have managed to clear 90% of my debts and get my finances in order.

My Money Hacks

1. MONZO – Have two bank accounts: one that your income is paid into and your bills paid out of, and another purely for disposable income spending. For the latter, I use Monzo and it’s really made me conscious of how I choose to spend my money. I get a monthly report of what I have spent, and I can use Pots to have seperate savings, and you can even lock them so you can’t dib into them for a cheeky meal or mini shopping spree!. If your really techy too you can code it so you can do so many cool things (like pay yourself when it rains or when you got the gym!)
2. LOQBOX – Now this isn’t going to help you save any more, but it will help you save, and improve your credit score! I was skeptical at first but as I approach my last month with Loqbox, I have saved £1200!! My credit score over the last year has really improved too and I am over the moon to have found LoqBox – It’s a great way to have savings, as it just takes a set amount each month and puts it in your ‘LoqBox’ – At the end of the 12 months you then just move it into a savings account and boom, effortless savings. Get your LOQBOX here.
3. EXTRA INCOME – Is there any way you can increase your income? Have a sort out and whack your old clothes on depop, pick up extra shifts at work, creative? Open an etsy!! Find any way you can to get extra income and be diligent on using it to pay debt! I have been lucky enough to pick up extra shifts for the last few months which have been amazing to help pay off my debt and holidays!
   • TOPCASHBACK – I find it absolutely crazy people do not know about TopCashback! I discovered a few years ago and always recommend to family & friends! It always sounded too good to be true but I started searching for the retailers before I purchases online and I have made so much money! Even the Dominoes me and the boyfriend devoured last night was done through it and gave us some money back!! It is so worth it if you use the internet to pay for anything, ASOS!! Ebay!! Just Eat!! All places where you would normally shop, with the added bonus off free money! USE MY LINK TO GET EXTRA £££!
   • YOUGOV SURVEY – I was always skeptical about Surveys paying you actual money to do them, but I have made over £200 with Yougov. It is super simple to sign up, you can use it on your phone, the surveys are super simple and you don’t have to answer a bazillion questions to then find out you do not qualify. 5000 points = £50 and boom, you have cash transferred into your account. For those times when you mindlessly sit on your phone and scroll, it is a super easy way to make some cash. CLICK FOR A CHEEKY BONUS!
   • CRYPTO TRADING – Cryptocurrencies have seen a huge boom in recent years, with a lucky few becoming millionaires with this type of money. Using options like large scale OTC crypto trades can be a great way to make extra money, though you will need to be prepared to do some learning before you embark on a journey like this.
4. BUDGET PLANNER – I went old school and got myself an amazing Budget Planner. It has spaces for my monthly budget, money goals for the year, and space to write every expense that leaves my bank! It gives me a chance to put pen to paper and get real with what I spend. I do always use a google spreadsheet for my budget (for the easy maths!) but I carry my planner around everywhere! I highly recommend the Clever Fox Budget Planner (I got mine from Amazon!)
5. MONEY GOALS – Sounds rubbish but setting money goals for the month or year really helps you stay focused! Try having a ‘no spend’ day once a week, or aim to pay off % of your credit card. Write them down and break them down into monthly and weekly goals! There is nothing better than crossing or ticking off goals to keep you focused and motivated! I also follow lots of the #debtfree community on Instagram and its so motivating to see others crushing their goals!

Now thats all my money hacks for now!! I am still over the moon that I have finally paid off my credit cards!! It is such an amazing feeling to be able to free up some of my income once things are paid off!

Do you have any tips for saving money or paying off debt?! Have you ever used Monzo? Let me know all your hacks below!