Three habit-stacking techniques to help you save & shop better

“HABIT-STACKING” has become a popular way to make positive changes to your life without too much effort. The idea is that you bolt-on a productive action to something that you already do every day. Three habit-stacking techniques to help you save and shop better Credit: Getty Use the trick to help get in control of your finances . . . CHECK YOUR BANK ACCOUNT: People who check their balance daily tend to save more and stick to financial resolutions, according to Starling Bank research. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! Monitoring your account regularly means you are more likely to spot subscriptions that need cancelling, which could instantly put money back in your pocket. To use the habit-stacking technique, think about a time you could log on and look at your balance alongside or after an existing daily action. For example, it could be after you have eaten your breakfast. Once you do it a few times, it will feel as routine a part of your day as the existing action. SAVE MORE: If you want to build up a rainy-day fund, get into the habit of adding £1-£5 to your savings account each time you carry out a certain action. You could make it a little fun and quirky, such as putting away £1 through your phone every time you are waiting for the kettle to boil. Most read in Money Or £5 every Monday morning before you walk into the office. WAIT WISELY: If you are prone to impulse online purchases, try getting into a small habit before pressing buy. This ritual can act as a pause and help you consider fully whether you really do want to make the purchase. It could be always waiting at least an hour to add an item to your cart before going ahead with the transaction. Or perhaps make a rule that you must list something on Vinted first, to make way — and partly pay — for your new item. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability. Deal of the day Save £93.97 on Sodastream’s sparkling water maker Credit: sodastream.co.uk. PUT the fizz in your homemade drinks with Sodastream’s sparkling water maker, down from £193.96 to £99.99 at sodastream. co.uk. SAVE: £93.97 Cheap treat Tesco Finest limited-edition mascarpone, honey and pesto dip is £2.80 Credit: Tesco ELEVATE your snacks with Tesco Finest limited-edition mascarpone, honey and pesto dip, £2.80. What’s new? Zizzi is celebrating lasagne today with 50 per cent off the dish Credit: Zizzi ZIZZI is celebrating National Lasagne Day today with 50 per cent off the dish, taking it down to £9.38*. Also, the first 30 diners in each of its 133 restaurants will bag a free lasagne. *Price may vary by location Top swap Wash away make-up and daily grime with Garnier micellar cleansing water hyaluron, £9.99 from Boots Credit: Boots Or try out Primark’s PS… micellar water with hyaluronic acid, for £2.50 Credit: Primark WASH away make-up and daily grime with Garnier micellar cleansing water hyaluron, £9.99 from Boots. Or try out Primark’s PS… micellar water with hyaluronic acid, for £2.50. SAVE: £7.49 Little helper Santander has boosted its £180 current account-switching incentive by adding a £45 Amazon voucher Credit: Santander YOU can certainly bank on this deal. Santander has boosted its £180 current account-switching incentive by adding a £45 Amazon voucher until the offer expires on Friday. T&Cs apply Shop & save Save £1.40 on Piz Buin sun lotion SPF 30 at lookfantastic.com Credit: Lookfantastic.com PROTECT your skin with Piz Buin sun lotion SPF 30, down from £7 to £5.60 at lookfantastic.com. SAVE: £1.40 Hot right now UNTIL Friday new customers at Morrisons online save £15 off an order of £60, as well as £12 off the next three orders, when signing up with code newhere15. PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning! Comment now