Every Day Money Saving Tips

[donthurrycurry]

From Last Penny

I was surprised but happy to see that most of these already apply to my life (except for the buying quality clothes vs. cheap disposables, but this is gradually changing now that I'm thrifting too. Ann Taylor for $4 FTW.

Grocery Shopping

• Shop at discount stores - Pak N Save, The Warehouse Extra, cash 'n carries such as Moore Wilson's
• Look for advertised specials and buy in bulk eg New World coupons, Foodtown Wine Sales
• Buy fresh produce from orchards or growers - you can often achieve savings of up to 50%
• Buy fresh produce seasonally.
• Be flexible. If broccoli is $3.00 per head, substitute cauliflower, silver beet etc.
• Check prices and buy what is on special.

 

Clothes Shopping

• Do you really need to hit the shops all the time? Do you really need all those clothes in your closet?
• A pair of black pants is a pair of black pants. Period. You don't need ten pairs of them -you need two maximum. Go for quality, not quantity.
• Do not buy loads of cheap stuff made from nasty polyester in China. Invest in quality classic pieces that will last you for at least a couple of years.
• We think girls who are proud of their 'shoes obsession' are silly. GIve yourself a slap and think of the long term plan, not instant gratification of shoes that will be out of fashion next season.
• Have you checked out the secondhand and consignment shops? You can get quality garments in great condition for a fraction of the cost.
• Try 'clothes swap evenings' with your girlfriends.

 

Household Management

• Save $$ and the environment by conserving power, water and gas. Turn off lights when you leave the room, have dripping taps fixed, take shorter showers
• Keep ingredients for quick easy meals in your pantry or freezer to reduce the temptation to grab a takeaway when you are short of time.
• Insulate your home - the initial cost will pay itself back in power and gas savings.
• Insulate your hot water cylinder with a cover, readily available from outlets such as Placemakers or Bunnings.
• Know the location of power and gas mains and water tobys.
• Grow your own fresh herbs - you can put them in pots on your windowsill, balcony or in your garden. Parsley (italian and plain), rosemary and thyme are all easy to grow well. Basil and coriander do well in direct sunlight. Much cheaper, fresher and tastier than $3.99 per pack at New World!