How to save money at work

You may think you don't really spend anything while you're at work, but think again.

From buying lunches to travel costs there are a number of ways you end up spending while you should be earning.

Here are a few tips on how you can cut costs during the working day.

Share saving schemes

Plenty of large companies offer tax efficient share saving schemes that employees can take part in. The most popular one is SAYE (Save As You Earn). This is a monthly savings scheme that allows you to buy shares in your company. You could save around £500 a month in the scheme which can run for between three and five years. The interest and any final bonuses are tax free.

Season ticket loans

Paying to commute to and from work is a cost that you can't really avoid, but there are ways you can make it more manageable. Some companies offer a season ticket loan where the price of your travel is deducted on a monthly basis from your wages. This way you don't have to fork out in one lump sum and you can spread the cost over the course of the year.

Pay rise

It may be an awkward conversation to have but it could be hugely beneficial to you and your finances to ask for a pay rise. Take a look at job sites and find out what other, similar roles are offering when it comes to wages. Then, speak to HR and find out how they calculate pay rises. Find a good time to talk to your manager and make sure you outline how you go over and above your job description, and make your case for why you deserve a pay rise.