I save £6,000 a year on my bills – here’s how you can too

A MONEY-SAVVY mum-of-one said sticking to strict spending rules has helped her save more than £6,000 a year - but insists she still treats herself to little luxuries.

Ami Pilkington, 29, said putting a ban on impulse purchases and buying second hand where possible had helped her save tens of thousands of pounds over the years.

Self-employed Ami, said her money-savvy ways had even helped her buy her first home with her partner Sam, 35, in Bristol when she was just 23.

Ami said: "I juggled four different jobs working as a barmaid, a shop assistant, a cleaner and a part-time auditor while I studied at university.

"I chose to work while my friends were out partying. But the decision meant Sam and I could save the deposit needed on our first home which mattered more to me."

From doing her own DIY to meal-planning and couponing, Ami saves thousands by using simple money and budgeting tips.

Her tips will be welcome to anyone struggling to make savings in the cost of living crisis.

Millions of households are struggling with the cost of essentials as the price of everything from groceries to energy bills and petrol rockets.

Ami, who sells for a living, said becoming a mum to her son Arthur in 2021 made her more determined to always make the most of her money.

It comes as research released exclusively to The Sun by the telecoms provider shows that a third of Brits admit to lacking confidence when it comes to getting value for money.

Joanna Carman, Director at Plusnet, said: “It's great to see people have their own secret formulas for getting good value. It's not just about going for the cheapest option, it's about quality products or services you can count on."

Some 47% of people surveyed said they regret buying a cheap product or service that didn't last and meant they had to spend more money replacing at a later date.

Ami said one of the key lessons she's learned is that price isn't always the most important aspect to saving in the long-run.

She said: "Becoming a business owner taught me that it’s always better to invest in products I can rely on that will stand the test of time."

Ami bans herself from impulse purchases and operates a strict “one-in-one out” policy meaning if she wants to upgrade an item, she must sell the old one first.

Ami revealed to The Sun how she saves £6,000 a year by following six of her own spending rules:

1. If you don't need it, don't buy it

You should always question whether you really need something or if you just want it, said Ami.

And that doesn't just apply to a new jumper or pair of shoes.

Ami said she applies the same rule to her household bills - for example considering how much mobile phone data you really need in your package, and what speed internet you need at home.

Using comparison sites is an easy way to compare deals and make sure you're not overpaying for add-ons you don't really need.

Ami estimates that she save around £204 a year with a no impulse-spending rule, and making sure she really needs what she's buying.

When it comes to food shopping, Ami saves £2,208 a year by careful meal planning and batch cooking.