Sometimes we just need to pull our belts in immediately… we might get a big unexpected bill, or Christmas is coming up and there isn’t much surplus cash, a member of your family could have been ill, there are a number of reasons.  Here is how you can save money today, right night!!!!  Let me know if you have more to add to the list!

1.  Think before you Bin!

Don’t throw out your old egg cartons, milk containers, or plastic cups etc.  Save them for a rainy day and they can be used for craft activities for the kids.  Craft items can be really expensive to buy – and often items at home are just as good.

2.  Put off a Haircut and Colour for a Week

If you put off a haircut for a week or two (if you can) every time – you will save the cost of two haircuts and colours a year – it could save you more than $300!!!

3.  Extend your Food Shopping By a Day

Very similar to the haircut suggestion.  If you put off your food shopping by a single day every week – after seven weeks you will have the equivalent of a week’s shop in surplus in your account – this would be perfect to use for something special for Christmas or even better, add it to your mortgage! Just an example – if you shop weekly – and say you went on a Monday this week – stretch it out 8 days until Tuesday next week, then Wednesday the week after etc. That extra one day will add up so fast!!!

4.  Have a Progressive Dinner

Got a special birthday or occasion coming up?  Rather than going out to an expensive restaurant – why not have a progressive dinner!  It’s great fun to do and can save a fortune.  If you all wanted to have a drink or two, make sure the local Maxi Taxi knows about what’s going on! So if you have a friend that makes wonderful entrees, have entrees at their house etc.  Try and end the evening with dessert at your own home – and serve up the birthday cake.

5.  Start a Money Box

Either wash out a two litre bottle – or invest in a cheap money box (the $2 stores quite often have them) and start putting all your extra change or even your gold coins in the money box EVERY TIME.  Decide beforehand what the money is to be spent on – and write it on the bottle or tin for inspiration.  You would be surprised how quickly it adds up!!!

6.  Clean out your Junk

Get a few neighbours together and have a garage sale at the same time.  It saves on costs – plus you have more hands to help, and a larger selection to choose from for your customers.  Remember that someones trash is another persons treasure!

7.  Plan your Travelling

Try and get all your errands done in the car on the one day if you can – or even the one trip.  If your in and out all the time, not only are their petrol costs, but wear and tear on your vehicle.

8.  Use Less

Use a third less dishwashing powder, washing up liquid, washing powder, shampoo, toothpaste etc – just use less.  Quite often you get just as good a result!  Another great tip is to tip your empty shampoo and conditioner bottles upside down – you would be surprised how many washes you can get out of an empty bottle!

9.  Use Generic Brands

Rice is rice, sugar is sugar – does it matter that it doesn’t have a brand name!  Generic brands are quite often up to 40% cheaper than their overpriced counterparts.  Find a generic brand that you know and trust – and stick to it!  The savings are substantial!

10.  Stock up on Staples

Having a well stocked pantry meals you never go hungry!  If the supermarket is having a sale on an item that you use regularly, that will last and that you have the room for – stock up!  Items like tinned tomatoes are a perfect example!  Please check out our free downloadable Staples List – Click Here!