Living debt-free might put a strain on your everyday life, but there are many little things you could do to keep your monthly bill manageable. Here are five of them:

Make shopping lists and stick to them. Shops are full of tempting items, so it’s reasonable to go in with a clear idea of exactly what you need and resist the urge to make an impulsive buy. You’d be surprised how much you can save this way.

Stop buying gifts, make your own. A box of homemade biscuits or a handmade candle is much nicer than an impersonal item bought in the shopping mall. As well as being cheaper, a handmade gift is more special as you have the taken time to make it, which shows you really care about the one who will receive it.

Make minor repairs to your clothes instead of throwing them away. A missing button can be easily replaced and a hole in a pair of trousers can be stitched in a couple of minutes.

Buy reliable home appliances. If you need to purchase a new appliance, choose a manufacturer that has proved to be reliable over decades, don’t automatically reach for the cut-price item.

Forget about shopping therapy. Spending money just to wind down after a hard day’s work is not the best way to stay ahead of expenses in a period of rising cost of living. Instead, try out some meditation techniques or just rest for a while, instead of throwing money away on things you probably don’t need.

Not all of these tips are suitable for everyone, but employing just a few will have a healthy effect on your finances.