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Living on a budget isn’t always easy and from experience, I know that you can sometimes feel like there’s no room in your finances for the fun stuff because everything else seems more important. However, I’ve found that it’s really important to find some room in your budget for fun – even just a small amount now and again. You just need to learn how to make the most of whatever you’ve managed to set aside. Source We’re lucky as we’re at the stage where we can set aside some money each month for family fun so on payday, I...

It’s safe to say that getting out of debt is closely linked to a person’s overall happiness, because let’s face it; life is not much fun when your finances are being squeezed tightly each month and you’re struggling to make debt repayments. Being in this situation can actually make life feel pretty miserable, especially if you’re finding you can’t afford to do some of the things you enjoy, such as going out for dinner or buying treats here and there. Getting rid of your debt can make life seem brighter in so many ways. You’ll have more choices about what...

I know, I know it’s dead boring and long winded and you can’t quite keep up so here’s the main bits of the 2015 budget which makes for easier reading. Basically, if you are employed, looking to buy your first home and enjoy a beer, then you’re quids in! Workers Increase in personal tax allowance. It’s increasing to £10,800 next year and the next year will be increasing further to £11,000. 27 million people will benefit from this tax cut. If you are lucky enough to pay the higher rate of tax, then the threshold is increasing to £43,300 but...

After our post about personal finance accounts on twitter and who you should be following to get the latest in financial news and offers, we’re turning our attention to the best of the best when it comes to voucher sites. Bookmark a few of these so you have places to go if you’re looking for a cheap night out, day trip, or just to save money on your usual expenses. It’s also ideal for scoping out offers on big purchases you are planning such as TVs. Just make sure you don’t surf these sites too often and end up buying...

Source Every year, in the middle of March, an old bloke stands on the steps of somewhere posh waving a knackered old red suitcase and we all try and make sense of what he’s talking about. Well, here it is in a nutshell: get more money in and stop letting so much money out! That’s it! I want you to channel your very best George Osborne and face up to the ‘suck it up’ school of economics. No one is ever going to be popular taking forthright financial decisions. If you are the chancellor of your family then you’ll need...

If you’re feeling the pinch but still want to surprise your lovely mum this coming Mother’s Day, there are plenty of alternatives to shelling out on premium boxes of chocolates and bunches of flowers – and they might even win you more brownie points. Indulge in a little crafty DIY and you could end up with a gift that she appreciates even more than something you’ve chucked in the trolley on your way round the supermarket or picked up from a high street card shop. If you’re a mum yourself, it’s also a great time to get the kids involved...