SAVE $400 A MONTH
COST CRUNCHING GUIDE
SOME might tell you living on the Gold Coast means spending more or going without, but that isn’t always the case. With the Bulletin’s ultimate guide to saving money across the Coast, you’ll be trim and terrific (with a fantastic lawn) in no time. Our reporter Brianna Morris-Grant has researched everything from gym memberships to lawn mowing and petrol to cheap feeds, rounding up total savings of just over $396 a month. Hairdresser Joanna Flegler knows how hard it can be to choose between doing what you want and sticking to your budget. That’s why she decided to give customers the best possible deals at her Red Mo salons, meaning they can get massive discounts from the $32 price tag. They’ve even started a rewards program which lets customers take $10 off their haircut, something Ms Flegler said could take some of the financial burden off paying. “We have families … I’ve got three kids myself so I know what it’s like having to get all their hair cut,” she said. “We want to reward people who come in regularly.” According to AJ Wilson, founder of money-saving blog Savings Guide, saving money is all about dedication and focus. “Looking out for deals and always hunting down a cheaper alternative is the key to saving money,” Mr Wilson said. “Some may sacrifice the daily coffee to save, however the true savings lie in becoming engaged with your expenses and always looking for the best possible deal before parting with your money.”
FREE DENTAL CHECK-UP
Cost: $231
Our deal: Free! For many, dental appointments are a dreaded expense, especially when they’ve got families and everyone needs attention. Never fear though, because at the Griffith University Dental Clinic they offer free check-ups for children and adults. They also have free follow-up treatments for children aged between four and 16 years old, and discounted rates for adults. And if you’re worried about leaving your teeth to a student, don’t be. All treatments are done under supervision from experienced professionals. Rest easy knowing you’ve just saved yourself upwards of $200.
CRAZY FOOD SPECIALS
Being on a budget doesn’t mean you have to eat bread and water. Keep an eye out for specials on different nights of the week and plan ahead if you want to eat out. Enjoy even the finer foods by visiting somewhere like Burgster in Palm Beach, where you can get $1 oysters every Friday from 3-5pm. Then on Saturday morning – or any morning at all – cut the price of that big breakfast by a third at Beach Cafe in Labrador. They offer a “Budget Brekkie” option of two eggs, bacon and toast for just $4.50.
BROWSE GOLD COAST OP SHOPS
Op shops aren’t just sad, dusty little places you use to get rid of your old clothes anymore. They’re hip, they’re trendy and they’re a great way to find the latest fashions without sacrificing your wallet. Whether you’re looking for some recycled haute couture or just want something fun and quirky to add to your wardrobe, the Gold Coast has hundreds of places to pick from. One of the best places to go is Her Wardrobe’s Gold Coast Fashion Market, which – despite its name – offers something for everybody at a fraction of the usual cost. Look your best without paying $70 for that nice pair of jeans.
CHEAPEST CAR WASH
Average: $35-40
Our deal: $25
Savings: $10
The cheapest place on the Gold Coast is Dux Car Care in Nerang, which offers regular washes starting at just $25. But a handwash at home can always do the job.
CUT BACK ON THE CAR
Cost: $70 for fuel
Our deal: $4 on average for an hour
Savings: $67
In times like these, when fuel is a massive expense, it can be cheaper to ditch the car altogether for a few weeks until those prices come back down. If that’s what you want to do, why not try public transport or a bike? You might have noticed those bright orange bikes all around the Gold Coast – these Mobike bikes are available for everyone to use. Just download the Mobike app, find your bike and go! At a couple of dollars for 30 minutes, it’s way cheaper than the $70 a full tank of petrol costs, and it’s better for you too.
CHEAP HAIRCUTS
Cost: $40-60
Our deal: $10
Savings: $30+
If you’ve got longer hair or a lot of heads that need haircuts, finding an affordable hairdresser can be a nightmare. For the absolute cheapest, check out the Gold Coast School of Hairdressing in Southport for a $10 cut, but you can also keep an eye out for different deals on offer. Red Mo in Runaway Bay, Australia Fair, Arundel and Robina start their haircuts at around $32 but have plenty of discounts and specials to keep that price going down for regulars.
HANDYMAN DEALS
Average: $50
Our deal: $45
Savings: $5
There are plenty of odd jobs and little things we can’t do ourselves around the house, but you don’t want to break the bank hiring a handyman to sort it out. I know a handyman services all over the Gold Coast, with prices starting at $45. It might not seem like a big price cut but those $5 notes can add up to some great savings.
CHEAPEST LAWN MOWING
Average: $70
Our deal: $35
Savings: $35
Gardening is one of those things most of us need to deal with, but it’s all about shopping around to get the best price. Cut Price Lawns is one of the cheapest places on the Gold Coast, with prices for mowing and whipper snipping starting at $35. They’ll even dispose of the cut grass!