Barclays has shared a message for all customers attending weddings this summer, offering advice to help minimise the impact on their bank accounts. The bank took to social media to highlight that summer is often the busiest time for social events and special occasions.
Barclays Employee Shares Tips on Facebook
In a Facebook post, a Barclays employee offered practical advice for the busy wedding season. He said: "Does your calendar look like this? Weddings everywhere, all at once, which is great for your social life, but slightly less great for your bank account. Before you RSVP yes, you're cordially invited to check out this amazing list of saving options."
Outfit Tips
He advised: "First up, outfits. You don't need a new one every time. Remember, you can re-wear something. No one's keeping track. Unless you turn up in a wedding dress, then maybe they are."
Destination Stag or Hen Dos
"And then there's the destination stag or hen do. You can love your friends and still not love the price of their trip. Just be honest and suggest something a bit more budget-friendly that you can do with them another time."
Dealing with a Busy Social Calendar
"And finally, if it's starting to feel like a lot, maybe just stop being so popular," he added.
Barclays Website Highlights Money-Saving Challenges
The Barclays website also promotes money-saving challenges for customers looking to boost their savings ahead of special occasions. One straightforward method is the £5 challenge.
The bank explained: "Try setting aside £5 for your savings every time you buy something that costs more than £20. This might seem a bit challenging, but finding that extra fiver is a good way to get into the habit of making sensible savings."
For example, customers could buy a slightly cheaper alternative, opt for a cheaper delivery option when buying online, or cut back on something else that day to complete the challenge for that purchase.
Setting Personal Ground Rules
Customers can also set their own rules to curb unnecessary spending. Barclays said: "Setting some ground rules helps you curb unnecessary spending."
Examples include setting a daily or weekly limit on spending for nights out or lunches, taking cash instead of cards to avoid impulse spending, substituting supermarket own-brand groceries for big brands, or setting spending limits for clothes and shoes. "Just keep track of the savings you make this way and you'll start to see how worthwhile your rules are," the bank added.
