The idea of saving money can be daunting, and sometimes it’s hard to know where to start.
Let’s look at a few of the best money lessons that you can start implementing right away to make a big difference to your finances.
Saving in the Kitchen
Shopping smart in the supermarket is an easy way to quickly end up with more money in your pocket at the end of each week.
Step one, make a list and stick to it! You’ll end up with a lot less waste. We all know the dangers of hungry shopping!
Another good supermarket money lesson is to buy in bulk and cook for the future. Bulk up on low-cost items like pasta and rice dishes to not just make delicious dinners but healthy and price-conscious lunches as well!
Lastly, try to shop alone. If you have children asking for extra treats for their lunch box or a partner who’s looking for a cheeky supermarket snack, then it can be easy for the extra items to get out of hand.
Once again, the best advice is to stick to the list!
Clothes Shopping
We all want to look good, but there are many ways to look professional and fashionable without breaking the bank with just a few money lessons.
First of all, don’t turn your nose up at thrift shopping. Take the time to do the rounds of your local thrift shop, and you might be surprised at what you find.
It is also important to remember that just because something is on sale, it doesn’t mean that you’re saving money – if you buy special offers without needing them, you’ll end up spending more overall.
Finally, a good money lesson, not to mention an environmentally conscious one, is to make sure that you keep the clothes that you already own in good shape.
Check the tags on how to most reliably wash your clothes, and don’t forget to set the washing machine to gentle wash when possible.
Travel Costs
Whether it’s getting to work, school drop off or a trip to the shops there is a lot of travelling that we do which costs in petrol and fees.
A good way to save money and take the edge off of the petrol cost is the rideshare. If you have a colleague that lives close to you, take turns driving each other into work and halve your petrol costs for the working week.
If you are driving, make sure to keep your vehicle well maintained. Little things like making sure that your tyres are pumped up and the motor oil that your using is correct can help massively to increase fuel efficiency.
And, lastly when and where you can – ditch the car. Investing in a bicycle is not only great for your health and the environment, but for your bank account too!
These are practical general tips that will help you save money. For personalised recommendations for your finances, contact 1300 983 861 for a no-obligation conversation.