[AD]  We’ve all got big plans for 2020.  From paying off debt to the holiday of a lifetime.  But life easily gets in the way and putting the money aside to achieve these goals can be hard.   That’s why I think we need all the help we can get.  Whether it is a website that gives you good advice (wink wink), motivational Instagram accounts or something a bit smarter.   What is out there to help you? Chip is a clever app that automatically puts money aside for you based on your spending habits, so you can save without feeling it!   Using AI to scan your transaction history, Chip moves the perfect amount, so you won’t even notice it’s gone!  Sign up now using our unique code, and you’ll get £10 as part ofour exclusive welcome offer*.   Why sign up? You mean other than the £10 that…

With 2020 just a couple of days away, many of us have started to think about our resolutions and goals.   If, like me, one of your goals for the New Year is work on those income streams and get the money flowing in then you might be on the lookout for new ways to make money.   This could be the time for you to get started on 20 Cogs and get yourself off to a good start by making a nice lump sum.   What is 20Cogs? 20Cogs pays you for signing up to competitions, offers, games or surveys.  It is similar to OhMyDosh but with a fun twist.   Rather than payout each time you complete an offer, you’ll get a big payout once you have completed 20 of them.  Hence 20 Cogs.   What sort of offers are there? Some are competitions or surveys.  Others are…

If recent years are anything to go by then the Boxing Day sales have already started.  Your inbox is probably full of temptation and your social media is likely the same.   After a month or two of Christmas related stress, you are only few hours away from the feeling of sleepy over-consumption and possibly mild tipsiness.  It is normally at this point that I load up my laptop and think about what to spend my money on.   To help you avoid falling for those ads that tell you what you should or shouldn’t buy, I’ve got a few ideas to help you get more for your money.   Do You Really Need It? I’d be a pretty terrible money blogger if I didn’t urge you to reflect on your financial situation first.  If Christmas caused you to overspend on your credit card, then perhaps the best (and ultimately…

With Christmas nearly here and the New Year just around the corner, many of us will turn our attention to 2020.  Like me, you’ll probably set yourself a money goal for next year.  It could be to save more, spend less or make more in the year ahead.   Whatever your goal, it is worth taking the time to prepare your finances for the New Year.  And there are some great ways to do this.   Set A Goal You may already have one, or you might have a vague idea.  Now is the time to fine-tune it and plan how you are going to achieve it.   “Save more money” is a terrible goal.  It’s not SMART!  You need to set yourself a challenge that is more clearly defined.  You might say “save at least £20 every month for the next year.”  Then you’ll be able to see if…

I’ll be honest!  I opened an account with Monese because they had a lovely little sign-up bonus running at the time.  That’s since changed (although there is still a bonus), but there are plenty of reasons to stay with Monese.   Let me talk you through the reasons why signing up with Monese is a great idea and what you stand to gain.   What is Monese? Monese is one of many mobile online bank accounts.  Download an app on to your phone and you’ll manage your accounts from there.   You’ll be able to do all the things you can do with any other bank account, like pay in money or withdraw it from a cash point.  You’ll get a card and you’ll be able to use this to spend in shops and restaurants or wherever you like really.   What are the requirements to open an account? Unlike…