Practical money for real life in the UK

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Hi, I’m Dr Kalpana Govindaraasan, a UK mum and PhD scientist. I came to the UK in 2008 with £1,000, and we saved a £36,000 house deposit on one salary at a time. Here I share everything I’ve learned, step by step.

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Dr Kalpana Govindaraasan, founder of MoneySavvyUK
£1,000 → £36,000house deposit, saved on one salary at a time
£400saved on car insurance in about an hour
£560 a yearsaved by leaving Sky TV
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💷Cut your billsBroadband, energy, insurance and subscriptions 👪Family moneyBaby costs, maternity pay and kids eat free 💡Make extra moneySide hustles that fit around family life 👗Sell what you don’t useVinted and local selling, step by step 🧾Side hustle taxThe £1,000 trading allowance explained 🧮Free UK calculatorsTax, benefits, bills and saving 🎁Freebies and treatsUK birthday freebies that are really free 🏡Build your futureEmergency fund, ISAs and your first home

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My story, on MediumWe saved £36,000 on one salary. Here’s what we didn’t buyFrom £1,000 to our first home, through the 2008 crash. Saved £400How I saved £400 on car insurance by not auto-renewingAbout an hour of comparing, and when to do it. Saved £560 a yearHow I ditched Sky TV and didn’t miss itWe kept only the streaming we really used. Saved £180The script I used to cut my broadband billWhat to say, and when to switch instead. Made £180How I made £180 selling on local Facebook groupsDecluttering that paid, with 7 beginner tips. About £800 earnedHow I use cashback sites in the UKMake spending you’d do anyway pay you back.

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Family MoneyPractical guides to family budgeting, maternity pay, baby costs and days out. Build Your FuturePlan your emergency fund, explore ISAs and prepare for your first home.

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160% tax trapEarning near £100,000? 2Child Benefit taxWill you have to pay some back? 3Energy price capWhat your bill should be 4Emergency fundHow much you need to save 5Lifetime ISAYour 25% bonus for a first home 6Rent vs buyWhich costs less for you? 7Stamp DutyWhat you’ll pay on a home 8Subscription costWhat your subscriptions really cost a year

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Dr Kalpana Govindaraasan, founder of MoneySavvyUK

Behind MoneySavvyUK

Hi, I’m Dr Kalpana Govindaraasan

I’m a mum, a PhD scientist (materials chemistry, IIT Madras) and a former secondary science teacher. When we came to the UK in 2008, we had about £1,000. Then the financial crisis hit, and we lived on one salary at a time. Three years later, we bought our first home with a £36,000 deposit.

I’m not a financial adviser. I’m a scientist who checks the source, reads the small print and only tells you what I’ve checked. That’s what this site is for.

Read my story