28 ways to SAVE MONEY
If the summer holidays have left your wallet worse for wear, stash cash every day with our helpful tips!
1 BACK OFF THE BARISTA
Takeaway coffee costs around $5 a cup these days. Brew your daily cuppa at home to save around $35 a week. That adds up to around $1820 a year.
2 REPLACE YOUR BULBS WITH LEDS
Power can be a huge cost to households, so why not switch out your regular lightbulbs for LEDs? This simple swap can save more than $100 per year.
3 PLAN YOUR MEALS
Write a list of what you’ll need, rather than wandering the aisles, and only buy what’s on the list – you’ll be amazed at the savings when you’re not browsing.
4 DON’T SHOP HUNGRY
Make sure you’ve eaten
5 SELL, SELL, SELL
If you have an old couch or a table you don’t use, don’t dump it. Try selling it on Facebook Marketplace or TradeMe. before you head to the supermarket so you won’t be tempted to buy snack foods you don’t need!
6 BE APPLIANCE SMART
If you need to replace a large appliance such as a fridge-freezer, purchase an energy-efficient model. If you’re running a powersucking appliance such as an old fridge or freezer in the garage, consider whether you really need it. The typical running cost for an extra large fridge/freezer? A whopping $536 every year.
7 TAKE YOUR CREDIT CARD OFF YOUR ONLINE ACCOUNTS
It’s harder to shop and spend big online when you have to enter your details every time!
8 USE CASH
Seems obvious but if you spend what you have rather than what you could owe on a credit card, you’ll naturally reduce debt. It’s also a
physical reminder of how much cash you’re really splashing!
9 GO MEAT-FREE FOR A DAY
Even going vege for one day a week can save big when it comes to grocery bills. Meat, fish and poultry are expensive items, so use them sparingly to save.
10 STOP SCROLLING
Stop those impulse online buys and save money. Have a 24-hour rule for purchases – if you still want it 24 hours or one week later, then you can buy it.
11 OPEN A ROUNDUP ACCOUNT
Each time you make a purchase using a linked EFTPOS or Debit card, the amount withdrawn is rounded up to a set figure, often the nearest dollar, with the difference being transferred to your savings account. It’s saving without thinking!
12 LOVE YOUR LEFTOVERS
The estimated value of food waste per New Zealand household is about $1520 per year – get creative and make the most of your leftovers. Keep your bread – the most wasted food – in the freezer to get the most bang for your buck.
13 PUMP UP YOUR CAR TYRES
Under-inflated tyres can actually mean your car has to use more fuel. Inflate them to the right air pressure to save.
14 HAVE A NOSPEND DAY!
Take coffee to work, bring your lunch too – and if you’re out with friends or the kids, brings snacks and head to the beach instead of the movies. Put the money you would have spent into your savings account and you’re winning already!
15 BE CONSCIOUS OF YOUR CHOICES
Ask yourself some questions around your purchases: Do I really need this? Is there a cheaper way to get it? Do I need it now? Can I really afford it today?
16 BUY USED
One person’s trash is another person’s treasure, and buying second-hand furniture, clothing and other items avoids them becoming landfill.
17 TURN APPLIANCES OFF WHEN NOT IN USE
If it’s on standby, it’s using power. Check your coffee machines, TVs and monitors, and switch them off when not in use.
18 SEPARATE YOUR BANANAS & LEARN HOW TO STORE FOOD
Did you know that keeping the bunch apart can slow down the browning process and keep them yellow and fresh for longer? Read up on how to store fruit and vege for longer with less waste.
19 START A CHANGE JAR
It sounds old-school, but simply by emptying your pockets regularly or scrounging in your handbag for coins, you can actually save hundreds of dollars. Take coins to the bank to deposit into your savings.
20 JOIN UP FOR REWARDS PROGRAMMES
You’ll be amazed by how much you can save on everyday items.
21 JOIN A LIBRARY
Renting books from your local library can save you big bucks if you’re an avid reader.
22 WASH LESS
Don’t pop the washing machine on for a few items – use it only when full, and on a cold wash to save big on your electricity consumption and bill.
23 GO VIRTUAL
Remember those online gym and fitness classes in lockdown? Revisit them and save on gym memberships.
24 MAKE USE OF CHEAP MOVIE TICKETS
Join the club at your local cinema and reap the rewards. All Cinebuzz members at Event get cheap tickets on Tuesdays, for example.
25 CLEAN YOUR CAR’S AIR FILTER
A clean air filter can save you money in fuel.
26 DITCH THE SUBSCRIPTIONS
Examine your subscribtions – everything from memerships and streaming services to software programmes. Unsubscribe from those you don’t use.
27 QUIT SMOKING
On average, a packa-day smoker will spend more than $13,800 year on their habit. And don’t even mention the health benefits of not smoking...
28 START A BUDGET BINDER
Write down what you spend, when you spend and how you spend – and revisit it to see where you can save. You’ll be surprised.