The Spending Ban Tag with TSB

When TSB recently contacted me about a spending ban challenge, I was more than up for it as I'm one of those people who spends money completely unnecessarily. Whether its eating lunch out instead of bringing a homemade meal, buying a morning coffee or 'treating' myself more than I should whilst browsing online, over the course of a few weeks, it soon adds up. I'm also one of those people who thinks I'm rich on pay day, gets all spendy and then spends the latter half of the month complaining that I'm skint. Not good!

With this being said, I was excited to take on TSB's challenge and cut one thing out of my life that I normally spend a lot of money on to see what a difference it could make to my bank balance. I thought long and hard about what this could be and in the end I decided on taxis. Yep, taxis, of all things. As someone who doesn't drive (I really need to pull my finger out and pass my test) the temptation to have some extra time in bed and get a taxi to work instead of using public transport is very strong. However, a taxi from my flat to my work isn't cheap - it costs between £8 and £10 a time and I've been known to get up to 4 taxis a week sometimes. I know, shocking. That works out at £40 a week and £160 a month. I don't even want to know what that adds up to over a year but you get the point.

Over the past couple of weeks, I've gone tee total on taxis and have given myself the rule that I'm only allowed to get one if I have a good reason to. For example, if I'm going home to the lakes for the weekend and need to take a suitcase to work, I'll allow myself to get a tax instead of trying to cart a heavy suitcase on and off public transport. However, sleeping in, being lazy and wanting an extra 30 minutes in bed definitely don't fall into the 'good reason' category. 

I've already saved so much money just by cutting taxis out these past couple of weeks and I certainly intend to keep it up. My boyfriend and I are wanting to get our own house as soon as we can so all of our extra money needs to go into savings for a mortgage, not on taxis to work. We were recently discussing setting up an account we can put money into whilst saving and a Cash ISA from TSB is a great option as you don't pay any tax on the interest you earn which is a big plus. You can find out more on the TSB Isa page.

Myself and TSB now challenge you to go on a week-long spending ban and see how much you save! What do you spend money on that you don't really need to? 

I'd love to hear about your unnecessary spending in the comments below!

collaboration with TSB*

Time to Get Fit | Nike Dual Fusion Trainers

Hi Everyone! So if you read my 'New Years Resolutions' blog post, you will know that one of them is to start going to the gym. I'm always a bit wary of going to the gym but that is going to change if I want to get fit, healthy and toned. I'm sure the majority of people make a new years resolution to 'get fit' or 'use the gym' as January is the time when we all feel guilty for stuffing our faces a tad too much over the festive season. However, this time, I intend to stick to it. I'm feeling quite motivated to go this year and I think the reason for that is my new trainers. I know it sounds ridiculous but having something nice and comfortable to wear on my feet makes the whole process of going into a gym full of strangers that little bit less daunting.

A few months ago I made an attempt at going to the gym but as I didn't have a job at the time and couldn't afford any decent trainers, I always felt too self conscious to go in my tatty old shoes. I know its sad, but its a fact of life, everyone wants to fit in and the gym is one of those places we are at our most vulnerable wearing no makeup, sweating and being 'on show' to the other gym-goers. Maybe its just me and my self-concious ways but I personally felt uncomfortable.

 With this being said, I decided I needed to get some new gym wear so I would feel comfortable and confident going to the gym. I bought a pair of nike pants, a couple of vest tops with built in support (always a good idea girls) and then some Reebok 'tone up' trainers. Now my plan was to go to the gym in my new gear three times a week and finally be happy with my body. However, plans changed and I ended up going to Australia for five months. I decided to take my gym gear with me and work out while I was there but after two or three attempts over there, I decided I would rather spend quality time with my family who I don't see very often instead of being stuck in a gym. When it came to the end of my time in Australia, I packed and was convinced I hadn't forgot anything. However, what had I left behind? Only my brand new £65.00 bloomin trainers. I didn't expect my dad to post them over as shipping would cost a fortune so I set about looking for a new pair. 

I'd always had my eye on trainers with a colourful sole. I have no idea why, maybe its the 'girly girl' inside me but I always thought they looked great when I saw other people wearing them. So as you can imagine, I was absolutely thrilled when I was contacted by XLS Medical asking me if I'd like to try these Nike 'Dual Fusion' trainers. I immediately said yes as they were exactly what I'd been looking for. Not only were they a great brand but they had pink soles, yipee! When they arrived for me in the post I was overjoyed at how lovely they are and I cannot wait to start wearing them to the gym this year. Paired with my black nike pants and a vest I think they will look great. I'm hoping they will also give me the confidence to finally go to the gym regularly and not care what anyone else thinks. After all, everyone in a gym are there for the same reasons - to get fit and healthy!

If you like the look of these trainers, they are available for £52.00 in the Debenhams sale here.

Do you go to a gym? Do you ever feel uncomfortable?

Lots of Love,