Top 15 Money Saving Tips

When I ask people what their financial goals are, saving money is always in the top 3. But they also tell me that they don’t know how to do it or that they don’t have good ideas. Well, good news: I’ve done the work for you, and I look forward to challenging your thinking.

Now, wouldn’t you rather use some of the money for something else: pay off debt, save for a vacation, invest, etc.?

or 1. Decide what you want to save and transfer it from your main account as soon as you get paid

Somehow, you’ll make the rest work within your budget. I have been saving this way for the last 10 years and have only had to withdraw some of the money about 6 times. If you don’t have anything budgeted to save, start with a small amount. You’ll get hooked on saving soon enough and that amount will start to add up.

2. Write down your expenses, day by day.

Yes, it’s a bit annoying to do this, especially at first. But if you want to know where your money is going, it’s the fastest way to find out. And you’ll notice that after a week or two of accounting for your money, you automatically begin to correct your course. You suddenly realize that your daily 3:00 pm habit of Coca-Cola and a Bar One from the vending machine results in a substantial amount each month. I’m not saying you should never get something fun. Buy two packs of chocolate snacks at the grocery store to last you through the month, and you’ve saved tons of money.

or 3. Never go shopping on an empty stomach.

You’ll end up with a cart full of junk food that you normally wouldn’t have bought if you hadn’t been starving. When I heed this tip, I reduce my monthly grocery bill by about 30%!

or 4. Make a list of errands before leaving home

When you do this, you can plan your route and also make sure you do everything you need to do. Otherwise, it’s a case of “we forgot to pay for the phone” once you get back home. So you lose time and gas having to go back the same way.

or 5. Always, always, always use a shopping list

You can download one from my website. Use a fridge magnet and stick it to the front of your fridge. Then train your family to mark the item as soon as possible. near empty. What’s the point of adding toilet paper rolls to the list when you’ve just used the last one? It’s easy to get mugged by all the sale signs once you’re inside the store. A shopping list helps you focus. I am not saying that you are not allowed to be flexible. It’s just that with a shopping list, you make sure you definitely get everything you need.

or 6. Check the bottom shelves in stores

Stores pack all the more expensive items at eye level, so the next time you’re shopping for a salad dressing or whatever, don’t just grab the first thing you see. Compare prices on all brands, making sure to look at all items. It will take a bit of time the first time you do this, but once you get used to it, you’ll know.

or 7. Only buy enough fresh produce for your needs

You can just as easily get hooked on the “3 bags of tomatoes for R20” and “2 cucumbers for R10” signs. But if you stop to think about your needs, you will realize that you do not need 3 suitcases for only 2 people. I used to think they only sold them packaged like this until one day I brought a bag of tomatoes to the checkout and lo and behold, nothing special happened. They only charged me for one bag!

or 8. Try shopping for groceries online, especially if you are an undisciplined shopper.

We have good friends who have been shopping online for about 3 years. She swears they save at least 20% every month, and that’s after paying shipping costs. That’s because she completely eliminates all impulse purchases: food for a hungry stomach and cute things.

or 9. Never go shopping when you are angry or upset.

This is a variation of number 3 except for the fact that it is likely to feed your emotional hunger. All the ladies know what I’m talking about. You’re angry about something that happened at work, you go to the mall and end up buying lipstick, a bag, or clothes you don’t need. We all do, some of us just buy larger items than others.

or 10. Always pay your bills on time to avoid interest charges.

Remember that with credit cards, your purchases are interest-free for 45 days BUT if you are one day late, they not only charge you interest for the day; interest is charged from the date of purchase.

or 11. plan your meals

When you plan your meals by the week (like I do) or by the month, you’ll save money. Firstly, you can use all the food in the freezer before buying more, and secondly, you will know exactly what you need to buy in stores. I look in my freezer to make sure there’s enough food for the week. Then I make my list and go shopping. Then, on Sunday afternoon, I decide which meals we’ll eat on which days, and I put my meal planner on the side of the fridge. So it takes me a maximum of 30 minutes to get dinner on the table every night. See? Saving you time and money! Download your meal planner from my website.

or 12. eat more legumes

Legumes are things like lentils, beans, chickpeas, etc. They are a great source of protein and you can use them to replace meat in one or two meals a week. For example, use lentils as a thin substitute for your Bolognese sauce, or top your baked potatoes with a sauce of chickpeas, tomato, spinach, and cheese. Delicious! Not only will you save some of your meat money, but you’ll also be healthier.

or 13. Limit the amount of cleaning products you use

I use an all-purpose cleaner, toilet bowl sanitizer, dishwashing liquid, and all-purpose gel. I could combine the last two, but I have to confess that I am hooked on my brand of dishwashing liquid. I use the multipurpose gel to wash the car, clean windows and mirrors, as a shower spray, to clean carpets, etc. All you have to do is squeeze a generous amount into an empty spray bottle, fill with water, and shake to mix.

or 14. Find a free car wash

I’ve noticed that many gas stations offer a free “wash and go” if you spend a certain amount on gas. Look around you and start using these services.

or 15. Switch from cold fizzy drinks to water

You’ll save hundreds every month and… you’ll also be healthier and lose some weight.

And now, as a bonus… hire a financial advisor

Yes, initially there is an investment. But over time, the rewards will be HUGE. His coach will help speed up his progress and help him pay off his debt and save some money.

Happy saving! My wish for you is financial happiness!