Saving money is high on many people’s list this year, but not everyone has a plan in place to achieve their goal.

Whether you’re putting money away for an emergency fund or saving to buy your first home, it’s important to have something to work towards, as this will give you the motivation to put money away.

Here are just a few ways you can save or earn more money this year, so you can end 2016 with a healthier bank balance.

Budget

Making an extensive list of your incoming and outgoing money will show you exactly where your cash is going, how much you can put away, and how long it’ll take to reach your goal.

Ask for overtime

Rather than getting a second job, it’s often easier to see if you can get a bit of overtime in your current role. Just a few hours a week can soon add up.

Sign up for survey sites

They won’t earn you much, but survey sites are a nice way to earn a few extra pounds every now and then. You can usually do them on your laptop while watching TV.

Check your subscriptions

There are lots of different subscriptions you might be paying for on a monthly basis, and you may be able to save a lot of money by checking what subscriptions you have. You can then work out whether you need luxuries such as the gym and could look for cheaper alternatives.

Get cashback

Register for cashback sites, and every time you make a purchase through the site, you’ll get a small percentage back.

Try matched betting

If you’ve seen those adverts for free bingo and gambling bonuses you may be wondering whether you can take advantage of them. Sites such as Profit Accumulator provide matched betting tutorials and allow you to make money from home in your spare time through a simple system.

Sell unnecessary items

Old electronics, DVDs, and CDs can all be sold off easily online, and sites like eBay are great for making some extra cash. It feels good to de-clutter too.

Cut grocery bills

Carefully plan out your meals, and never shop on an empty stomach. You could also visit the supermarket close to closing time to pick up the cheapest deals.

Compare utility providers

Many people are on the wrong tariff for electricity, gas, or water, and providers rely on you being too busy to change. Research ways to cut your bills, and use online comparison sites to see whether switching tariff or even provider, could save you money each month.

Collect loyalty points

Supermarket loyalty points are redeemable for all sorts of things, from restaurant vouchers to days out, or you can save them for occasions such as Christmas.

There are plenty of easy ways to save money or to earn a little more, but it takes commitment and a bit of savvy. However, if you keep at it, you’ll be surprised how good it feels to be saving, and will soon get yourself out of the cycle of bad spending habits.