Ten everyday swaps to save over £100 a month

When money’s tight, small changes can make a big difference. And the good news is, you don’t have to give up everything you enjoy to start saving. By switching a few habits, brands or bills, you could free up over £100 a month without feeling like you're missing out.

Here are 10 simple everyday swaps that could leave you with more money in your pocket by the end of the month.

1. Swap branded groceries for supermarket own brands – save £30+ a month

Big-name products can be pricey. Switching to supermarket own brands could cut your food bill by over £30 a month. Most own-label cereals, pasta, cleaning products and loo roll are pretty similar to the brands you’ve heard of, but often come without the big price tag.

A good way to start is by doing the “Downshift Challenge”: each week, try swapping one branded item for the supermarket’s version and see what you think. You might be surprised. You can also use Trolley.co.uk to compare prices and make sure you're getting the best deal every time you shop.

2. Swap takeaways for fakeaways – save £20+ a month

Getting a takeaway once a week, could be costing you £40–£50 a month. Instead, try making your own fakeaway at home. It’s cheaper, often healthier and can still feel like a treat.

Websites like BBC Good Food and Mob have brilliant step-by-step recipes for all your favourites - from pizza and curries to burgers and loaded fries. Batch-cooking fakeaway meals and freezing leftovers means you’ll always have something quick, tasty and affordable to reach for on those lazy nights.

3. Swap takeaway coffees for a brew at home – save £15+ a month

Grabbing a takeaway coffee two or three times a week adds up to £15–£20 a month, or over £200 a year. Instead, make your favourite coffee at home and bring it with you in a reusable cup.

There are some great travel mugs out there, and supermarket ground coffee or instant sachets can still feel like a little luxury. Plus, some high street chains give you a discount if you bring your own cup. If you’re really keen, try popping the money you would’ve spent on coffee into a savings pot each time. You’ll be surprised how quickly it builds up.

4. Swap multiple streaming services for one at a time – save £10+ a month

With Netflix, Disney+, Prime, NOW TV and more, it’s easy to sign up to several streaming platforms and then forget you’re paying for them. But if you’re not using them all regularly, it’s money down the drain. Rotating your subscriptions by using one service for a month or two, then switching, can save you £10 or more each month.

Don’t forget that free services like BBC iPlayer, ITVX and Channel 4 On Demand also offer loads of quality shows. If you’re worried about forgetting to cancel a subscription, set a reminder in your calendar or phone.

5. Swap branded cleaning products for homemade alternatives – save £5+ a month

Most shop-bought cleaning sprays are expensive and come in separate bottles for every room or job. But you can make your own all-purpose cleaner for pennies using white vinegar, water and a few drops of washing-up liquid or essential oil.

It works on windows, kitchen counters, bathroom tiles and more. You’ll save money, reduce waste, and cut down on plastic too. Need help getting started? Cleanipedia has loads of tips and recipes for budget-friendly home cleaning.

6. Swap branded toiletries for own-label versions – save £10+ a month

Switching from big-name toiletries to supermarket or discount brands could save you around £10 a month. And you won’t notice much difference.

Supermarkets like Aldi (with their award-winning Lacura range) and stores like Savers and Home Bargains sell great-quality products at a fraction of the cost. Even better, you can often find multi-use products that cover two jobs in one, like 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner or moisturisers with built-in SPF.

7. Swap bottled water for a refillable bottle – save £10+ a month

Buying bottled water every day quickly adds up. £1 here and there can easily become £10 or more a month. But the UK has some of the safest drinking water in the world, so it makes sense to switch to a refillable bottle.

If you’re not keen on the taste of tap water, a filter jug or filtered bottle is a one-off investment that can make a big difference. You can also use the Refill app to find places near you to fill up for free while you’re out and about.

8. Swap the tumble dryer for a clothes airer – save £7+ a month

Tumble dryers are one of the most expensive appliances to run, especially in colder months. Drying clothes on an indoor airer or line drying outdoors whenever possible could save you over £80 a year or around £7 a month.

If you’re drying indoors, pop the airer in a well-ventilated room near a radiator or sunny window. You can also use a dehumidifier to help reduce moisture and speed things up. For extra efficiency, use the highest spin setting on your washing machine so clothes come out less damp.

9. Swap nights out for nights in – save £15+ a month

Whether it’s dinner, drinks or a cinema trip, even one night out a month can cost £30 or more. Swapping just one of those nights for a cosy night in with friends can save you at least £15.

You could host a movie night, board game evening, or do a bring-your-own drinks night. You’ll still have fun and a good catch-up, just without the big bill at the end.

10. Swap full-price shopping for cashback and discount apps – save £10+ a month

Before you buy anything online (or in-store) it’s worth checking for cashback, vouchers or discount codes. Using apps like JamDoughnut, Airtime Rewards and Shopmium could save you £10 or more each month, depending on what you buy.

It takes just a few minutes to sign up and start earning money back on your everyday spending. Even if the savings seem small at first, they build up over time. Think of it as money for nothing.