1: Do an honest expense report for yourself. Where are you spending too much? Seeing it on paper can be a trigger to change a habit.

2: Automate your savings. This is a trick many financially savvy people know about. Before you spend a single cent, put away at least 10 per cent of your income into a savings account. Name it something cool like “Dream Home” or “Bucket List Concert” to remind you why you are stashing cash away each month.

3: Limit the entertainment overdose. Eating and drinking out are the reason this old catch phrase was coined: “To have too much month left at the end of the money.” Only commit to things you can afford and don’t say yes to things just because you are invited.

4: The “no spending” day. Pick a day. Don’t spend a thing. Repeat each week.

5: Remember, less is more. Do you need all those subscriptions? Netflix, Lightbox, Spotify, YouTube? What can you cull? Need that gym membership if you only go once a week … or once a month?

And one bonus…

6: Give!

Paradoxically, being generous makes us feel abundant and, like having a savings strategy, forces us to adopt a more disciplined approach to money. Plus, the universe rewards us by giving us more!

If you are drawing a line in the sand today and saying, “Right, I need to make a change”, that is great! It’s a huge first step.

We can help you take the next step by helping you analyse what’s going on and where positive changes can take place. For more info talk to us in the office, online or over the phones.

Simon O’Neill is a Registered Financial Adviser with Velocity Financial. No investment decision should be taken based on the information in this blog alone. A disclosure statement is available free of charge upon request.