SOME MONEY SAVING TIPS

Keep track of what you spend for a month. Review it to distinguish the essentials from the extras (needs vs. wants). A simple budget planner and a lot of other useful information can be found at http://www.understandingmoney.gov.au.

Combine insurances (car, house, etc) and ask for a discount for it.

Bundle telecommunications (Internet, phone, etc).

Combine utilities (gas, electricity) and ask for reduced rates. If you have broadband, consider VOIP – see http://www.engin.com.au or http://www.pennytel.com.

Look at having a prepaid mobile phone.

Turn off TV and read more. This reduces exposure to advertising. Get books & magazines from library or swap them with friends.

Swap toys, including computer games, with friends.

Agree to limit gift giving. Plan ahead and buy gifts in sales.

Make your own Christmas and birthday cards.

Take your lunch to work. Take your own coffee too. $4 per day = $1000 pa.

Drink tap water.

Plan your weekly menu around the specials catalogue.

Make a shopping list and try to stick to it. Before putting other items in the trolley, pause and ask yourself why you are buying that item.

For larger purchases, keep a list of items you are thinking of buying.

Wait 30 days before buying the item.

Avoid making “one item” visits to shops.

Don’t shop when you are hungry.

Try to shop without children. This reduces pressure to buy lollies etc.

Shop later in the day when more items are reduced.

Investigate which days have the most specials at your supermarket.

Shop for essentials straight after “pay day”.

When imperishable items or items that can be frozen are discounted, buy bulk and store.

Check for the best price per weight deals. Usually the larger the package the cheaper it is per gram or millilitre.

Ration junk food by eating fruit as snacks.

Eat fresh rather than processed food.

Buy fruit and vegetables in season. Change your diet with the seasons.

Grow some of your own fruit and vegetables.

Allow yourself $x for incidentals and stick to it. When it’s gone, it’s gone.

Cook several meals at once and freeze.

Make use of discount vouchers, books of movie tickets, “Entertainment Book” etc.

Buy pet food and other supplies in bulk (eg. from Lysterfield outlet).

Use shredded paper from work for pets’ bedding.

Fill your petrol tank on cheap days, even if it isn’t near empty.

Walk or ride instead of driving short distances.

Talk with friends, colleagues and neighbours about carpooling.

Shop at factory outlets, Op/Charity Shops and garage sales for toys, clothes etc.

See if clothes can be repaired rather than replaced.

Try to access second-hand school uniforms, books, etc directly from friends/neighbours at the same school.

Turn off lights when leaving a room. Use lower power lighting.

Set your heater thermostat to 20 degrees and wear a jumper. Close vents in rooms that are not in use.

Pay your credit card on time.

Replace your credit card with a debit card so you can pay-as-you-go.

Use lay-by rather than credit cards or personal loans.

Get a water-saving showerhead  ¢â‚¬“ free from many Councils.

Learn to negotiate. Go into the shop when it is not busy. Ask if they give a cash discount etc.

Keep your car serviced and its tyres at the right pressure.

Drive moderately – avoiding rapid acceleration and heavy braking.

Avoid paying others to do what you can do. Use your time to save your money.

Share some tools and appliances with friends or neighbours.

If you have a health card or seniors card, always ask if there is a discount.

Avoid hire purchase.