Simple, everyday money saving tips – part 2
One of the first steps to saving money comes from cutting expenses. Here we outline some simple, everyday money saving tips that everyone can try for transport, bills, and non-essentials.
One of the first steps to saving money comes from cutting expenses. This can give you the breathing room you need to get rid of debt and start saving.
Another crucial step is to ensure that you spend your money on things that bring you lasting value, and ensure that you give it some thought before making a purchase. Thinking about what you are buying and whether it will bring lasting value can eliminate many ad-hoc purchases that can waste money.
There are many areas of your daily life where you can make savings, such as food, bills, transport, entertainment and more. In last month’s newsletter we outlined some simple, everyday money saving tips in relation to food, household essentials, clothing and entertainment, you can read that here. This month we discuss tips in relation to transport, bills, and non-essentials.
Transport
Use petrol apps
To find the cheapest petrol in your area, try using a petrol app. There are several available and will tell you which service stations currently have the lowest fuel prices.
Take public transportation
If you live in a city, you can save a lot of money on fuel, car wear and tear and car parking by using public transportation instead of driving.
Change your own cars oil and air filter
These simple car maintenance tasks can easily be done yourself with simple tools. Your car manual and/or YouTube will tell and show you everything you need to know to do this, saving you mechanic fees.
Car pool
If you work nearby your neighbours, family or friends, why not try car-pooling, taking it in turns to drive to work. This will cut down on petrol costs, vehicle wear and tear and is better for the environment.
Bills and utilities
Home loan rate
It’s always worth a phone call to your bank to ask for a discount on your home loan interest rate. Australia has never before seen such low rates on home loans, so you never know what your bank will offer you. Otherwise you could shop around for a better deal elsewhere.
Shop around for your insurance
The cost of car and home insurances can vary quite significantly. It’s definitely worth shopping around for your best overall deal. Just be sure to check the relevant Product Disclosure Statement to make sure the products suit your needs.
Review your utilities
It could pay dividends to compare your energy or gas plan against what’s on offer on the market, to help ensure it’s competitive.
Become energy-wise
Becoming more energy-wise can see you make cuts in your utility bills. For example, turn off all power points at the wall when items are not in use, swap hot water washes for cold water, change your light bulbs to the more energy-efficient ones. Even things like checking the air seals in your home windows and doors, will prevent cool air from escaping your home in the summer and keeps warm air inside during the winter, reducing your heating and cooling costs.
Get your bills online
Some utility suppliers charge fees for paper statements. Therefore, going paperless and getting your statements online / emailed to you could save you a bit of money. There may also be exemptions from the paper statement fees, so it is worth checking this too.
Non-essentials
Use your local library
Save money on entertainment by borrowing instead of buying. Books, eBooks, magazines, audiobooks and DVDs are all available for free to enjoy at public libraries in Australia. Normally if you want to borrow items from your local library you will need to be a member, so take along your photo ID for proof of your identity and address, if you are not.
Propagate plants
Why buy new plants when you could propagate your own, for virtually no cost. You can also take some vegetables and replant the scraps/ends with roots instead of buying seedlings. These include sweet potatoes, potatoes, some herbs, leeks, spring onions and garlic. You can find online tutorials to learn more about this.
Swapping plants with your neighbours is another great way to expand your garden.
Stop collecting, and start selling.
Rather than accumulating more and more belongings, why not consider reducing your possessions, consider aiming for a small number of possessions that you really love and use. Start by selling off some of your unused stuff, you could even make some money.
Buy used
Whenever you’re considering buying non-perishable items such as furniture, appliances, fitness equipment and the like, consider looking for a used option first. There are many online options for people selling their unwanted goods at bargain prices.
Cancel unused subscriptions and memberships
If you have any subscriptions or memberships that you don’t use, such as a magazine subscription, a gym membership or a streaming service, then save yourself the money by cancelling it. If you can’t recall any, a good way to check is by going through your bank or credit card statements.
Shop around online
As mentioned above with shopping online for the best price with clothing, the same applies to many purchases, such as holidays, hotel accommodation, flights and so much more. You can also sign up online to get discount codes and vouchers, all of which can help you save money.
Join your local ‘Buy Nothing’ group
The ‘Buy Nothing’ groups (on social media) are part of the Buy Nothing Project where local people post anything that they would like to give away, lend, or share among other locals. Also you can ask for anything you’d like to receive for free or borrow. This is a gifting economy, not a buy or sell and a great way to save money and also clear out your unwanted items yourself.
Other
Special entitlements
If you’re a pensioner or hold a Health Care Card or Seniors Card, make sure you find out what benefits you can get through your local, state and federal governments or businesses. You may be able to get concessions on transport, motor vehicle registrations, rates, utilities, medications and medical supplies, animal registrations, events and movie tickets. Don’t ever hesitate to ask a business or service if they offer a discount based on you having one of these cards.
References:
www.canstar.com.au/savings-accounts/frugal-living-tips/
www.mumlyfe.com.au/readers-tell-us-their-best-money-saving-tips-for-families/