After all that shopping for presents and festive foods and drinks, your wallet is bound to be feeling the pinch. But that’s okay. Christmas is old news now, which makes today the perfect time to get your finances in check and start saving some of your hard-earned money.

Here are eight simple ways to save every day, and make your bank account feel healthier. Best of all, they’re all dead easy to stick to.

1. Pay with cash

Leave your credit cards at home when you head to the shops to keep yourself from spending more than necessary. When you only have cash in your pocket, you’ll be limited to how much you can spend. Plus, it will help you keep track of your buying habits. Just keep your cards at home for emergencies and not in your wallet.

You might like: Is it worth paying for a financial advisor?

2. Clean out the house and have a yard sale

A yard sale is a great way to free up some cash. You’ve probably received an array of new and wonderful things over Christmas, and will therefore have some old items sitting around that you no longer need. Not only will they be taking up space in your home, but they may be more valuable than you think. Go through your entire house and pull out anything you no longer need or use. Then either hop online or set up a garage sale, and turn those unwanted items into dollars.

3. Write a weekly meal menu and go shopping with a list

It’s easy to be tempted to stuff your trolley full of delicious snacks when you go grocery shopping, but your bank balance won’t thank you for it. Always know what meals you are going to cook and eat for the following week and write a shopping list before you leave the house. Stick to the list to help you avoid making impulse buys and purchasing food you might waste. Oh – and cut down on eating out.

4. Reduce your vices

Say no to smoking and having that extra drink in the pub. Cigarettes and alcohol are both expensive, so you can save big when you cut back. Consider your New Year’s resolutions too, like partying less or reducing the amount of takeaway meals and coffees you buy throughout the week. Find some will power to ensure a wealthier and healthier year ahead.

5. Review your banks, utilities companies and insurance providers

That’s what comparison sites are for. Shop around to see if you can get a better deal from insurance and utility providers elsewhere. You can also benefit from doing some research on new banking offers and attractive interest rates from your local banks. Put the difference in cost into a savings account to help build your wealth.

6. Cancel memberships you don’t use

Got a gym membership that you’ve only ever used twice? Cancel it. There’s nothing smart about paying for memberships you never use, or even ones that you rarely use. If you have a change of heart in a few months, there is nothing to stop you from renewing. Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty for cancelling. It’s your life and your money.

7. Visit the library

Why would anyone buy hundreds of books and DVDs when you can borrow them for free? Libraries make it easy and cost-free for you to read a wide selection of books, both classic and recent, as well as watch a variety of movies. Plus, you’ll have less clutter in the house and more pennies in your piggy bank.

8. Use the 30-day rule

Dreaming of buying a flashy sports car, or that new TV with all the bells and whistles? There’s nothing to stop you – but as always, it’s best to stick to the 30-day rule. Wait a month and see if you still want it as badly as you did previously. If you do, by all means, buy it. Not so sure now? Then don’t part with your cash. It’s a great way to save money on impulse buys and stop you overspending on unnecessary luxuries.

If you want more advice from financial planning experts in your region, check out the listings at Yellow Pages today.