Millennial Saving Habits And How To Improve Them

*A Collaborative Post with Shepherds Friendly*

Despite the bad press that millennials often receive for regularly spending money on dining out and entertainment, they are in fact some of the best savers within the country with 59% putting money away at least once a month. Admittedly funds are generally saved towards short term goals like a holiday in preference of a home or retirement, but it's possible that this is due to the general cost of living being higher and these longer term goals appearing less obtainable in today's society.

The above infographic shares some important stats about the saving habits of millennials (those aged 18-34) and Generation X (those aged 35-54). Although many are saving money frequently which is great to see there's still a big percentage that aren't regularly popping the pounds away, if at all, which of course is a little concerning.

There are a few tips included which can certainly help you to save but being someone who puts funds away every pay day, without fail, and sets yearly targets, I have a few suggestions of my own which should have a positive impact on your bank (or ISA) balance.

Putting Hill's Pet Food To The Test

*Sponsored post in collaboration with Hill's Pet Nutrition*

It's not long until puppies and other pets become a big part of the family and Spartan is no exception. It feels like only yesterday we were collecting him as a tiny bundle of fur and bringing him home for the first time, but he is now fast approaching his 8th birthday and I don't really remember life without him.

If we are travelling I always seek out pet friendly accommodation so that he can join us and he often comes along for day trips to the beach, fishing and beyond.
I even refer to him as my third baby at times as he really is quite a pampered pooch!

Ensuring he has a good diet, like the rest of the family, is vital for his health and wellbeing and selecting products that meet the nutritional requirements for his age is essential. We were offered the Hill's Science Plan food for Spartan to try, specifically the Canine Mature Adult 7+ Active Longevity bag, and after reading about the brand in Good Housekeeping I was happy to accept on his behalf.

Men’s Warmer Weather Clothing Trends for Spring/Summer 2019

With the warmer weather finally upon us and here to stay (fingers crossed), it's a great time to think about updating your wardrobe for the new season. Generally I will purchase a few keys pieces which I can mix and match, whilst clinging on to a couple of old favourite items, whilst the Mini Mes tend to opt for trusty jeans, funky print tees and some new footwear. It's usually the man in my life I really struggle to buy for! 

This year however I've been investigating the catwalk trends for men and hopefully these ideas will give you some fashion inspiration too. Most items you can pick up fairly cheaply and quickly from large retailers, like Jacamo, and they're practical to wear for everyday family life as well.

Costume Inspiration for World Book Day 2018

World Book Day, the time many children look forward to at school as they get to dress up and

celebrate their favourite books and characters! Celebrated in 100 countries around the world for

over 20 years, this year World Book day is scheduled for Thursday, March 1st. In other countries the

event is fittingly celebrated on April 23rd, William Shakespeare's birthday.

Paddington Bear

After the release of the second Paddington Bear film, the love of the book series was rekindled for

children, with many wanting to read the beloved books either for he first time or again. Paddington

bear is an easy to recreate costume for your little one this World Book day, as all you really need is a

red hat, a blue coat, red wellies and a suitcase if you want to be detailed. If you’re looking to create a

costume on a budget, then as far as cheap fancy dress costumes go Paddington is a great choice, as

not only can you create a great costume but you can achieve it without going over-board on the

pennies. Your little one can even get creative and make their own Paddington bear face mask, or you

could use face paint to add a little bear nose. No doubt once their ready your little one will look

adorable and be pleased with their effortless costume!

Feel Good With Heart

The music you listen to can have such a big impact on your everyday mood. I have the radio on during the commute to and from school each day and I opt for tunes over the TV when working from home. Music is a big part of my life and I therefore choose to listen to Heart, the UK's biggest commercial radio brand, which provides feel good music to keep me smiling from dawn til dusk. If I pop out of the house I even leave it on for the dog to keep him company too! It's the happy soundtrack to our day.

Heart have created their #HeartFeelGoodChallenge this year which has inspired me to do something fun and active based on a favourite song of mine to boost my mood even further. Each time 'Shape of You' by Ed Sheeran is played it brings back some lovely memories of meeting my boyfriend for the first time, as it was released around the same time we met, and it reminds me of my admiration for his physique. Being in the military he is in very good shape and he is incredibly fit. The song lyrics 'I'm in love with your body' have since encouraged me to focus on myself a little bit more, in terms of my health and fitness, this January and I've been trying hard to love my own shape as much as I love his.