Save money this Janu-worry to help you through to payday
Here are some money saving tips that you can try out not only during the tough times but throughout the whole year.
Wow! It’s the first month of 2020 and time to get back to reality.
No matter how well you plan or budget, Janu-worry hits everyone hard. So why not try some money-saving tips this month.
You can add these to the list of New Year’s resolutions and keep on saving for the rest of the year as well.
1. Plan your meals. Make a list of the meals you want to make at the beginning of the week. Not only will this help you save time in preparing meals beforehand but you also do not waste groceries. Only buy what you will need for your meals. This also stops you from grabbing a take-away on nights that you do not know what to cook.
2. Plan your grocery shopping. First off, make sure you shop with a grocery list and stick to it. Why not try no name brands? They taste just as good and are cheaper. And if you are really adventurous, why not grow your own fruits and veg and save that way.
3. Drink more water. Drinking more water improves your health, and cuts costs as you won’t be buying expensive sodas.
4. Be careful with gym subscriptions. It is the beginning of the year and usually that means ‘new year, new you’. Many decide to become active and get fit as their New Year’s resolutions. But be careful about committing yourself to a one-year gym contract which you will have to pay every month, even if you don’t have time to exercise. Rather look for places where you can pay on a month-to-month basis or work out at home.
5. Buy in bulk. By buying your household cleaning products and non-perishables in bulk, you can save a lot. Toilet paper, laundry detergent, dish-washing soap, even toothpaste and body wash, can be bought in bulk. Look out for specials and then buy in bulk.
6. Prioritise your debt. Do not put off paying loans or credit cards. This can make the interest stack up. Pay off your debt as soon as possible. The sooner you pay off your debt, the sooner that money is your own again.
7. Track your spending. Start watching what you spend your money on. By tracking your spending you might notice that those small R20 purchases add up to a lot of money quickly. Determine what you spend your money on and see what is a need and what is a want. You may be able to save a lot of money.
8. Avoid shopping malls. When you and the family are looking for some entertainment, try to avoid shopping malls or restaurants. Here in Krugersdorp you can find something to do almost every weekend. Check out the News’ events diary to find out what is happening during the next week.
9. Save water and electricity. There are loads of ways that you can save on water and electricity. Some of them are to use grey water for your garden, use energy-saving light bulbs, unplug appliances and turn off lights when you don’t use them.
10. Pack a lunch for work. When the stress of work gets too much, most people turn to something to eat. Why not pack lunch at home? That way when you get the munchies at work, you won’t go out and buy something.
