Value: How to Get the Most Out of Your Money

When you hear the word “value,” you probably think of getting more for less. In finance that means stretching every pound, dollar or euro so it works harder for you. Below you’ll find quick, hands‑on tips that cover everything from saving a few bucks each week to pulling equity from your home.

Everyday Savings That Add Up

Start with a tiny habit: set aside $20 a week. In a year that’s $1,040, and with even a modest interest rate you’ll see extra cash in your account. Use a simple spreadsheet or a free budgeting app, tick the box each Sunday, and watch the pile grow. The key is consistency, not big jumps.

Next, check out high‑interest savings accounts. In 2025 many banks in the UK and Australia offer rates above 3%. Even a 0.5% lift over a standard account can mean a few extra pounds on a £5,000 balance. Look for accounts with no fees and easy access – the extra interest beats paying a charge.

Making Your Bigger Assets Work

Home equity is a goldmine if you understand the rules. You don’t have to pay back equity like a loan, but you do owe interest on any cash you pull out. Before you tap your home’s value, calculate the loan‑to‑value (LTV) ratio. Lenders typically want you under 80% LTV, meaning you keep at least 20% of the home's worth untouched.

Remortgaging can lower your mortgage rate dramatically. The rule of thumb: if you can shave at least 0.5% off the interest, the savings usually outrun the fees. Use an online calculator, plug in your current rate, and compare the total cost over the next five years.

Investing doesn’t have to be scary. The “Warren Buffett 70/30 rule” suggests keeping 70% in low‑risk assets (like bonds or cash) and 30% in growth stocks. That mix gives you steady income while still letting a slice of your portfolio chase higher returns. If you’re curious about dividend stocks, look for companies with a payout ratio under 60% and a history of raising dividends each year.

Cryptocurrency can fit into that 30% slice, but keep the amount tiny – $20 or $100 tops for beginners. The price can swing wildly, so treat it as a learning experiment, not a retirement plan.

Lastly, don’t overlook tax‑advantaged accounts. In the UK, ISAs still exist in 2025 and let you earn interest tax‑free up to £20,000 a year. Even if you’re not a UK resident, some banks let you open a “non‑resident ISA” – check the eligibility rules before you apply.

Bottom line: value comes from small, repeatable actions and smart big‑ticket decisions. Set a weekly savings habit, hunt for higher‑interest accounts, use equity wisely, and balance your investments. Follow these steps and you’ll see your money stretch farther than you expected.