Money Saving Tips

• Turn off all appliances and lights around the house when not in use



• Get into the habit of using coupons when doing your shopping, but only buy the products that you would normally have purchased anyway. Buying a product just because you have a coupon is defeating the purpose.



• Buy in bulk items that you would use on a regular basis, like toilet paper etc.



• Memorise the price for the top 20 items you buy on a regular basis, like milk, bread, sugar etc. This way, you can tell at a glance if you spot a good deal on something, or alternatively, if the price has gone up.



• Depending on the arrangement you have with your phone company, make your calls during off-peak times.



• Have 'spend-less' days. Try to incorporate as many days during the month where you don't spend any money at all. Most of us buy small items each and every day (papers, Coke, snacks, etc.) that add up to significant spenditure over the course of a month. These items are normally 'wants' rather than 'needs', so have as many days where you decide not to spend any money at all. 'Save' 7 days this way and your salary only has to last 3 weeks instead of 4.
  
• Replace 100-watt bulbs with 60-watt bulbs.



• At the end of each evening, throw all your pocket change into a jar – and don’t forget to check the back of the sofa every so often.



• Each year evaluate the cost of your insurances etc, and shop around for a better rate. Normally your existing supplier will match any current offers in the market if you can prove the offer is genuine.



• Make sure you understand your banks fees, particularly when it comes to ATM’s and EFT-POS terminals. Make sure you don’t give them any reason to hit you with their traditionally exorbitant charges each month.



• Plan your weekly meals in advance and shop with a list. Of course, there are always going to be exceptions to the plan, but it helps to keep your grocery shopping as focused as possible.



• Consider using the library for your books, magazines etc. especially if you normally buy a lot of these items



• Resist the impulse to go heavy on the accelerator when driving. Efficient driving will save you a bundle over the course of the year, and you’re also doing your bit for the environment.



• Make sure you pay your bills on time. Not only will you avoid paying any late penalty fees, some companies also provide a discount for early payment.
  
• Keep curtains and blinds closed at night time, especially during winter, as this helps to keep the cold out. Make sure to have them open during the day to let the warmth shine in.



• Before the winter sets in, give your house the once over, checking doors and windows for leaks and draughts. The cost of sealing any problems will probably be paid for many times over from savings in your heating costs.



• Simple but effective – don’t leave the refrigerator door open. Each time it’s left open, up to 40% of the chilled air can be lost, which then needs to be replaced. The same is true for the oven, and the freezer.



• Run your dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers with full loads only.
  
  

Remember, each one of these items, in their own right, contribute just small savings at a time. But when added together, and taken over the course of a year, significant savings can be made.