How to Save Money: Practical Tips to Grow Your Savings
- Tori Lynn Crowther
- Sep 13, 2025
- 5 min read
How to Save Money: Practical Tips to Grow Your Savings
Saving money doesn’t have to feel like a battle or a constant juggling act. With the right strategies, anyone can take control of their finances, reduce stress, and build a safety net for the future. Whether you’re a dog walker, freelancer, or just someone who wants to be smarter with money, these tips will help you save more and spend more wisely.
1. Track Your Spending – Know Where Every Pound Goes
Before you can save, you need to know exactly where your money is going. Start by tracking every expense for a month. Use a budgeting app like YNAB, Money Dashboard, or even a simple spreadsheet. Don’t just track the big bills—small daily expenses like coffee, snacks, or parking add up surprisingly fast. Do you really need that new phone, or 3 tv subscriptions?
Pro tip: Categorise your spending into essentials (bills, rent, groceries) and non-essentials (eating out, subscriptions, impulse purchases). This helps you see where you can realistically make cuts.
2. Create a Realistic Budget
Once you know your spending patterns, make a budget. Assign your income to categories: essentials, savings, debt repayment, and discretionary spending. Treat your savings like a fixed “bill” that must be paid each month.
Budgeting tips for variable income:
If your income fluctuates (common for dog walkers, freelancers, or seasonal work), base your budget on your lowest expected monthly income.
Any extra money earned above that can go into savings, investments, or extra debt repayment.
Keep a rolling buffer account for months when income dips.
3. Cut Costs Without Feeling Deprived
You don’t need to give up all the things you enjoy—just be strategic. Here are some ways to cut costs:
Subscriptions: Cancel unused streaming services, apps, or magazines.
Energy bills: Compare providers, switch to cheaper tariffs, or install energy-saving devices.
Groceries: Meal plan, shop with a list, and use loyalty schemes or cashback apps.
Transport: Walk, cycle, or car-share where possible.
Even small changes—like brewing coffee at home or packing lunch instead of buying it daily—can save hundreds per year.
4. Automate Your Savings
Set up a direct debit to move money into savings the day after you get paid. This removes temptation and turns saving into a habit rather than an afterthought.
Tips for maximizing savings:
Open a high-interest savings account to make your money grow.
Consider regular investment accounts if your emergency fund is already in place.
Use separate accounts for different goals: one for emergency funds, one for short-term goals, one for long-term investments.
5. Shop Smart and Avoid Impulse Purchases
Being intentional about your spending can make a huge difference. Try these strategies:
Plan purchases: Write a list before shopping—online or in-store—and stick to it.
Delay big buys: Wait 24–48 hours before making non-essential purchases. Often the urge fades.
Bulk buying: For items you use regularly, buying in bulk can save money over time.
Cashback and rewards: Use cashback apps, loyalty cards, or reward schemes—but don’t overspend just to earn rewards.
6. Build an Emergency Fund
Unexpected expenses—like a vet bill, car repair, or a sick day without pay—can quickly derail your finances. An emergency fund of 3–6 months’ essential expenses can give you security and peace of mind. Don't buy that costa coffee until you have it saved!
Tips to build it quickly:
Start small: even £20–£50 a week adds up over time.
Use windfalls wisely: tax refunds, bonuses, or side hustle income can all go straight into your emergency fund.
Keep the fund separate from your main account to reduce temptation.
7. Manage Debt Strategically
If you have debt, it can feel like it’s working against your savings goals. Try these approaches:
Pay off high-interest debt first (like credit cards) to reduce overall costs.
Consider consolidation if you have multiple debts with high interest.
Avoid accumulating new debt while building your savings.
8. Make Saving Part of Your Lifestyle
Saving money is easier when it becomes part of your daily habits. Try these ideas:
Meal prep: Reduces food waste and saves money on takeaway.
DIY where possible: Small home or pet care tasks can be cheaper than hiring out.
Second-hand purchases: Clothes, equipment, or furniture can be found in great condition for less.
9. Grow Your Income
Saving is important, but earning more can accelerate your financial goals. For dog walkers, self-employed people, or freelancers:
Upsell services: Offer premium walks, training sessions, or dog care add-ons.
Referral programmes: Encourage clients to refer friends for rewards.
Diversify income: Sell dog products, run workshops, or offer online advice.
10. Set Clear Goals and Celebrate Wins
Having a target makes saving easier and more motivating. Examples:
£1,000 emergency fund
A holiday fund
Upgrading your equipment or vehicle
Investing for the future
Track progress visually—a chart, jar, or app—and celebrate milestones. Even small wins reinforce good habits and keep you motivated.
Final Thoughts
Saving money isn’t about restriction—it’s about freedom. It’s about having options, reducing stress, and building security for yourself and your family. Start with small steps, stay consistent, and focus on both short-term wins and long-term goals. Over time, your savings will grow, giving you confidence, independence, and peace of mind.
About Tori Lynn C. & The Dog House
Welcome to The Dog House — my cosy corner of the TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub. I’m Tori Lynn C., the founder of TLC Dog Walking Limited, mentor to professional dog walkers, and lifelong advocate for dogs and the people who care for them. Before building my own dog walking company, I worked as a dog trainer and held corporate roles at Pizza Hut’s Head Office in London and at PricewaterhouseCoopers, based at Embankment Place. Business, structure, and people management have been part of my life for a very long time.
With full time, hands-on experience in the dog industry since 2007, my mission is to guide you through the realities of running a successful, sustainable dog walking business — from client care and safety to wellbeing, confidence, and professional growth.
The Dog House is where I share the honest, behind-the-scenes conversations we all need: the tricky moments, the funny bits, the business lessons, and the mindset work that keeps us thriving rather than merely surviving. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, you’ll always find support, guidance, and a friendly nudge forward here.
You’re never alone in this journey — you’re part of a community of canine crusaders.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for general information and educational purposes only. It is intended to support pet care professionals in understanding common legal considerations when operating a dog walking or pet care business in the UK.
This content does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice from a qualified solicitor or legal professional. Laws, regulations and local authority requirements may change over time and can vary depending on location and individual circumstances.
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date at the time of publication, no guarantees are made regarding completeness or applicability to your specific situation.
By using this website, you acknowledge that:
✓ You are responsible for ensuring your own business complies with all relevant UK laws and local authority rules
✓ You should seek professional legal advice before drafting, using or relying on any contract or legal document
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If you are unsure about any legal obligations, contractual terms or liabilities, it is strongly recommended that you consult a solicitor experienced in small business or consumer law.
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