Some advice if you do need to save, as I realise my last post probably wasn't helpful:
- Switch brands when possible - i.e go for cheaper options, or maybe do some (or all, if possible) of your shopping at Lidl/Aldi if you don't already. If not, then get a Tesco club card and save that way. It can be good for phone contracts too as you can use the points you rack up to lower your bill for some months.
- Phone contracts - don't free the need to upgrade your phone when your contract is up. Also, depending on how much data/minutes/text you use per month, you could get a contract that offers some flexibility. I think some will allow you to change your tariff now and then if you're not using all of the data/minutes/text, so it could save a few quid each month.
- Gym - I think its worth keeping if you use it regularly. Maybe see if there are any cheaper gyms in your area? If not, maybe join a running group (might be cheaper or free?) or there are lots of websites that have at home programmes for free (and all you really need are dumbbells and a mat for most) - FitnessBlender is really good, and they do have some programmes you can buy which are only around £10 each (and once you buy it, its not a subscription so its just a one-off payment). I think the BodyPump/Combat classes are also available online for a subscription each month (but at a much cheaper cost than the gym), and you get unlimited use.
- Might not be an option, but if you have any old childhood toys/memorabilia hanging about, then it might be worth checking that out and selling some on Ebay. I had a lot of old Gameboy games, Pokemon cards etc that I was surprised were worth a bit a few years ago.
- Buy secondhand - Mostly for things like clothing. You don't necessarily have to go to charity shops, but Depop and Ebay are good. Also I think having a 'one in one out' approach is good, so if you do want a new piece, you can sell something else and use the money you make to go towards it.
As for holidays/nights out, etc, I wouldn't completely give them up! I think its important to have a life, but maybe set yourself a budget of how much you'd be willing to spend (could be per month each?). I'd also say try to find bargains, like maybe do cinemas on the day its the cheapest (or see if you can get 2 for 1). Or for gigs - pick the cheapest tickets, or lesser-known artists/smaller venues (or a local festival, so you can see a lot of artists but get your moneys worth, and that could kind of count as a holiday too). For holidays - I'd say try to go at the cheapest times of the year (so not during the summer), and maybe use a site like STAtravel where they're more targeted at backpackers/budget holidays?