Even the best-laid budget plans can do with a refresh every now and then to make sure we are making our incomes and saving go as far as possible.
This means reviewing bank statements and getting real about what we really spend our money on to see where we can make small changes that add up.
51% of households said they had seen the cost of their monthly bills rise over the past 12 months as online activity increased and we slipped into habits that changed the way we spend money.
Learning how to cut the cost of eating out, fixing finances and getting the most of food shops are all on the top of money-saving expert lists and are great places to start with an initial budget plan or a budget review.
Eight things to remove from your budget to save money
These tips are a good place to start with a 2021 household spending review.
Mobile Phone Data
Unlimited data plans are a very attractive option for web surfers who dread the possibility of a huge bill at the end of the month or running out of data on a commute home.
By the end of 2019, Ofcom’s interactive data showed mobile data use averaged at 3.6GB per month meaning the average person is paying more money for unlimited data they don't use.
When picking a mobile phone plan you can cut the cost by finding out how much data you use and having a look at the limited data plans.
It's likely you already pay for home broadband and your work office has wifi, so for most of the day, you are sorted for internet access- another reason to drop the cost and opt for a limited plan.
And by downloading your music or podcast before your commute you can limit mobile phone streaming and get by with a cheaper plan.
Take away food
Ordering a takeaway via a food delivery app can be up to 44% more expensive than dealing directly with a restaurant, according to research from consumer group Which?.
A survey found that six in 10 people were using takeaway apps pre-pandemic, compared to seven in 10 now and people were "frequently have(ing) problems with orders" involving "late arrival, cold food and missing items".
Which? looked at how much we spend and said the single most expensive order was a "£43.94 Deliveroo takeaway from a burrito and taco restaurant, which cost 44% (£12.29) more than ordering directly from the restaurant",
This brings into question how much we still need the lockdown habit that isn't always value for money.
Delivery charges
A quick look at the delivery charge options for online shopping could reveal a 'click and collect' free option.
This can save up to £4 on delivery charges and removes the temptation to spend more money to qualify for the free delivery that most online stores offer.
Becoming a member of a retail brand you use regularly is another way you can limit the amount of money you spend on delivery however it's important to remember that delivery will still cost you, it might just be more cost-effective.
Water bottles
The bottled water industry reported a decrease in value after five years of growth, but it is still a thriving market in the UK.
It's convenient and a healthier option than fizzy drinks and it could be to blame for the £1.50 supermarket charge on your bank statement.
Some restaurants charge more than £3.50 for a bottle of mineral water, so twice-monthly diners could save almost £100 a year by switching to tap.
New Clothes
Apps like Depop and Vinted allow you to buy 'as new' branded clothes for a fraction of the price.
It depends where you shop but the same can be said for second-hand clothes stores, charity shops and eBay.
A common tip is to look for a brand that you know your size in to avoid the pitfall of non-refundable purchases or get a take measure to find out your exact measurements.
Something you see in store for the full price will likely, be on Depop for in a few weeks for less money.
Subscription Services
This is another lockdown habit that sees hundreds of pounds spent on subscriptions that we no longer use.
Comparethemarket.com found that households are typically spending £265 a year on services they don’t need so this is a great place to start if you are reviewing your budget post lockdown.
Overdraft Payments
Most banks changed their overdraft fees when regulations changed in 2020.
While you won’t be penalised for going into an unarranged overdraft, you’ll now see charges of up to 39.9% EAR for going overdrawn.
Luckily, there are bank accounts that offer free authorised overdrafts up to a certain amount.
Which? Recommended Provider First Direct could be a good bet - it currently offers a £250 interest-free overdraft as part of its 1st Account.
M&S Bank’s current account has the same deal.
Branded Food
Buying supermarket basic and budget ranges can produce significant savings - and you may find that avoiding big brands doesn't mean compromising on taste.
Which? regularly put big brands, such as Heinz and Kellogg's, up against supermarket-own brands and find very little difference in taste.
Even substituting one or two items could make significant savings.
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