Finance

Struggling to make those savings last? ING’S TIM NEWMAN reveals how to plan like a pro

Save $1000 in a flash! Free holiday fun

BOOK TRIPS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

Going away for the school holidays? Book as far ahead as possible. Travel search engines such as Kayak show you need to book for popular domestic destinations such as the Gold Coast about two months in advance to save at least $50 on flights. APPROX SAVINGS $50 per person ($200 for a family of four)

USE DEAL SITES

If you’re a particular parent of leisure who enjoys winding down from a busy week with the kids, instead of paying full price for a massage or spa session, you could save about $80 even when treating yourself to a delightful pamper package on deal sites such as Groupon. APPROX SAVINGS $80 per deal

DO YOUR GROCERY SHOPPING ONLINE

As simple as this may sound, it’s often an easier way to monitor your budget as you fill your cart so you’re not surprised by the end amount. You can save simply by monitoring ng your cart closely and removing ng the items you really don’t need. APPROX SAVINGS $30 per week ek

SPRING CLEAN YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONS

You may love their favourite shows on Foxtel, Netflix, Stan and Hayu, but maybe it’s time to cut down your TV time. Try having a maximum of two subscriptions – and more quality family time without screens. APPROX SAVINGS $50 per month

DO MORE THINGS FOR FREE

Fam Family activities don’t need to cost a bomb. Pack a picnic and get outdoors for a day a at the beach or park. M Museums and art galleries ar are also educational and a gre great way to enjoy something diff different at relatively low cost. APPROX APP SAVINGS $80 per week

PUT YOUR GYM MEMBERSHIP ON HOLD

The average gym membership costs $57.40 per month, which means if you’re not pumping iron often the only thing perspiring is your wallet. Most gyms will let you put your membership on hold for a few weeks. Instead, try cycling with the kids on the weekend, kicking a football in the park or enjoying walks. APPROX SAVINGS $15 per week

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF HAPPY HOUR

Keen to catch up with your colleagues for an after-work drink or two on Fridays? Keep your wallet happy during happy hour by scoping your local bar and pub scene. Apps like The Happiest Hour tell you when and where the best happy hours are. APPROX SAVINGS $8 per drink (or more)

KEEP A CLOSER EYE ON ENERGY USE

It’s all too easy to knock-up a hefty electricity, gas or water bill, especially in the cooler months when it can be tempting to have the heater on all day long! Instead, do as much as you can to heat and cool your home without using electricity – like sealing doors, rugging up or opening the window! Flicking appliances off at the switch and doing clothes washing during off-peak periods will also save you some extra coin. APPROX SAVINGS $30 per month

HOST A SUNDAY POTLUCK DINNER WITH FRIENDS

A great way to save some extra cash (and spend more time with the in-laws) is to host a Sunday potluck dinner. Invite your close friends, family or even your neighbours over for a “bring-adish” dinner this Sunday. Catch up over yummy food and drinks while sidestepping expensive restaurant bills. APPROX SAVINGS $50 per week

USE SET-ANDFORGET BANKING

Setting up auto-payments that fall within your pay cycle means you can pay bills and add to savings accounts automatically. Do your research and investigate tools such as ING’S Everyday Round Up, which rounds your purchases up to a whole dollar amount and puts the spare change in your savings. It’s a great way to save while you spend! APPROX SAVINGS $70 per month