Tips for Saving Money

1.   Every evening check your wallet for loose change and put it in a piggy bank or draw.  You will be surprised how quickly it mounts up. 

 2.   Open a new bank account that pays interest on your savings and then ask your employer to deduct an amount from your wages to be put into the new account. It easier to save the money if you don't actually get it in the first place.  It can be a small amount at first and when you are feeling confident you can boost the amount up a little bit. 

 3.   You can ask you employer to take a few dollars more income tax out of your wages so that the few dollars will mount up over the year and you will receive a tax refund at the end of the financial year.  When you receive your tax refund put it straight into your savings.  

4.   If you are paying high interest on your credit card payments every month, look around for a new card that well pay out the other card and offers a plan that allows you to pay no interest for 18 months on the amount owing.

5.   Write a weekly menu and do one large shop every week instead of going to the supermarket three or four times per week.  It reduces the chances of you being exposed to impulse buying and you will have more time to prepare meals.

6.   Make sure you are not hungry when you go shopping, you are more likely to buy unneccesary snacks and take away food if you are hungry.

7.    Cut down on purchasing your lunch and your children's school lunches every day.  You can make healthier and cheaper meals that you made at home.  You will be shocked how much money you will save over a month. 

8.   If you like to take a bottle of water with you every day, rather than purchasing a bottle from the shops each day just buy a water bottle and fill it up at home to take with you. 

9.   Washing your own car is an easy way to save money.  It is good exercise, it can be a lot of fun and it costs you nothing.

10. Driving to work can become very costly when you add up the cost of fuel and parking fees.  If public transport is available, it is much cheaper and it also gives you time to wind down after a busy day at work.  

11. Rather than buying items with your credit card, try working with a certain amount of cash each week and attempt to make it last.  It is surprising how this method gives you much more respect for the value of your money. 

12. If you do decide you need to purchase an item, rather than using a credit card, try using lay-by to avoid increasing your credit card debt. 

13. Use your local library for free books, ebooks, magazines and DVD’s.  Most libraries also have free Wi Fi.