By: Mirage Ratnayake
Some the best way that we can save money on during the hard time. Here is some of the simple tips:
1. Cook meals in advance. This saves on unnecessary takeaway when you can’t be bothered or don’t have enough time to cook.
2. Switch your mobile phone plan to reduce your bills.
3. Make calls from a landline phone, it is a fraction of the price of using a mobile. Or use a payphone, it only costs 50c for a local call.
4. Save and use your petrol discount receipts. Every little bit helps.
5. Fill up your car on Tuesdays, you’ll find most service stations are cheaper on that day.
6. Take advantage of early bird specials on public transport.
7. Try strawberrynet.com for your perfume needs. A 100ml bottle of Ralph Lauren Romance costs about $75 and $10 for shipping while it retails at $160. Shipping is free for all make-up products to Australia.
8. When buying wine, opt for cleanskins. Not only are they cheaper, but they taste better than most “cheaper” wines.
9. Use a toy library – you not only save money but the kids won’t get sick of the same toys.
10. Save on books and magazines by using your local library. You can also borrow CDs and DVDs.
11. Carpool for any occasion, whether it is going to work or out to dinner with friends. It saves on petrol and is also better for the environment.
12. Don’t limit yourself to shopping at one supermarket. Check out the savings in competing supermarket catalogues and pick up the items at the cheapest.
13. To market to market: buy your fresh vegetables and meat at a local market.
14. Take shorter showers. It will reduce your water bill and also help with the water shortage.
15. Quit (or at least cut down) smoking. It’s better for your purse and, more importantly, better for your health.
16. For special occasions, hire outfits instead of buying. You will not only save money but also look trendy.
17. With Christmas approaching, consider making presents and cards – it saves money and is more personal.
18. Save as much gift wrapping paper as you can – that way you can use it again.
19. Use direct debits wherever possible – the bills won’t keep piling up and they are paid for before you can spend that money.
20. Rent movies instead of going to the cinema. It costs about $15 to go to the movies, and only $7 to rent one.
21. Alternatively, if going to the cinema, go on Tuesday – it’s only about $10.
22. Set a budget and stick to it, you will fi nd it will help you manage and save your earnings.
23. Try to get rid of your credit cards – it only creates debt and allows you to spend money which you don’t have.
24.Use the internet: try websites such as wotif.com to save money on accommodation when travelling.
25. Instead of buying expensive beauty products, use items in your own cupboards such as olive oil and salt as exfoliates for your body.
26. Live at home as long as possible – it is cheaper and you could save more to buy a property than if you were renting.
27. Instead of going out, invite people over where everybody brings something. It cuts out the cost of an expensive night out but still creates a fun environment with your friends.
28. Pay your bills or fines early or on time, that way you avoid paying late fees.
29. Shop at factory outlets. You can still fi nd your favourite brands, but at a fraction of the price, especially for socks and underwear.
30. Make, don’t buy, your baby’s food.
31.Saving money does not have to be boring. There are many free exhibitions and activities available.
32. Try to make your clothes or alter them yourself. Investing in a sewing machine could help you save in the long run.
33. If you don’t need it, then don’t buy it. A daily $2.50 coffee equals more than $900 a year. Take a water bottle with you to quench your thirst.
34. Buy generic brands. Generic sugar can save an average family about $25 a year.
35. Write down every cent you spend for a month. See where you’re breaking your budget.
36. Check the pantry and refrigerator before shopping, then stick to a list.
37.Take a packed lunch to work. Doing this three days a week will save about $700 a year.
38. Buy treats in bulk. Chocolate, chips and lollies are cheaper from supermarkets than elsewhere.
39. Cook, don’t buy. Baking muffins is cheaper than buying one daily, or in a supermarket pack. One muffin costs about $3 and it costs about $3 for a packet-mix for 12. For larger families, even making your own bread will help you save.
40.Use low-flow showerheads to save cash and water.
41. Wash laundry in cold water and hang on the line. Not using a clothes dryer can save almost $90 a year.
42. If possible, walk or use public transport to save on parking fees, petrol and cab fares.
43. Collect coupons from local papers or mail-outs, and use for takeaway food. Some shops honour coupons from rivals.
44. Scrap under-used gym memberships and jog instead. Parks have bars for exercises.
45. When ordering goods online, check if friends want to buy goods from the same website. Often delivery is a fl at-rate, cheaper to split with friends.
46. Turn off appliances at the wall.
47. Lower heating and wear an extra jumper instead.
48. Buy clothes that do not require dry-cleaning.
49. Grow your own vegetables – not only are they cheaper but they are fresher.
50. Every pay day, put some money into savings, even if it’s only $5 a week.