6 Ways To Save Money This Week

The cost of living is always going up, and it gets harder to find ways to save – so we’ve targeted six areas of your life where you can ease the pressure on your budget starting right now

1. Plan Your Meals

The cost of food can cause a heavy drain on your wallet, but there are some quick and easy steps you can take to reduce the pressure.

• Planning your meals (all meals) in advance can help you avoid buying items you don’t need. It will also ensure you get the most out of fresh produce without ending up with soggy lettuce or bruised bananas at the end of the week.

• Save a few dollars by making your kid’s lunches. Let them help – they’ll have some fun and it will help you to.

• Shop at wholesale supermarkets – many shops offer huge discounts on bulk items. If you have some items you know you need only some of, you can always split the pack with a friend or neighbour.

2. Grow a Garden

Grow a herb garden – and if you feel up to it, start a vegie garden too. You don’t need a lot of space, just a small area for your pots. Not only will it start saving you money, your food will taste better and you’ll feel a sense of pride knowing you grew what’s now on your plate. Growing your own food is also a great way to teach your kids about the process of making food and understanding where it comes form.

3. Save on Bills

• Get to know which day of the week your local petrol station offers cheaper prices, and use a voucher if possible

• Save on your heating and electric bills – pull out extra blankets, repair any draughts and turn appliances off at the powerpoint. Teach your kids about financial and environmental implications by deducting a small fee from there allowance if they leave a ight on in an empty room.

4. Save on Beauty and Hygiene

What exactly is the price of beauty? Chances are your bank statement would tell you it’s quite high. The best way to slow down the spend in this area of your life is to start at home. Creating DIY face creams, foot treatments, lip balm and other everyday products will give an instant boost to your bank account, or at least slow down the spending. Try colouring your hair at home, it can be tricky, so make sure you understand all the dos and don’ts , or even try alternating months between home DIY and your stylist if you’d like to dip your toe in to start.

5. Save on Entertainment

There are a few simple ways that you can keep some bills in your wallet when it comes to family entertainment – you just have to think outside the box a little. How about… forgoing the daily paper a few days this week and reading your news online… try entertaining the kids by taking them to the park (with a packed lunch) and avoid shopping centres where costs will continually add up, and if the weather is bad, try dropping your kids at the library instead of the cinema.

6. Save on Pets

There are endless ways to save on the costs of your pets. You don’t need to spend loads on store-bought toys and treats – try creating some homemade ones instead.

Tip: Save your change – next time you pay cash for something and get some coins back – keep them! Have a container on the top of your fridge to place your change in. At the end of a week or month period you’ll be surprised by how much is in there, and you’ll be able to use it to pay for other items.

Source www.readersdigest.com.au