Tuesday, March 21, 2006

How To: Save Money - 10 Tips.

1. Plan your budget.

2. Put aside a regular percentage in savings account ie: 5% and don’t touch this account – in fact forget about it.

3. Always pay your bills according to priority and in advance or on time.

4. Separate designated funds ie: Bills; Petrol/Gas; Groceries; School fees; Gifts. Separate sealed envelopes work well for cash payments.

5. Have a coin jar - one of those big drinking water bottles works great. Put in all your loose change.

6. Limit eating out and takeaways.

7. Invest in a big freezer. Buy in bulk and cook in bulk and freeze meals. Saves the temptation to order in when you are tired.

8. Do your grocery shopping with a list and stick to it. Portion out meat and other foods, Kids lunch items etc when you get home. Limit daily intake.

9. When on a particular errand, only take the amount you need for that purpose.

10. Before you buy, always go ‘window-shopping’ a few times, without any money with you or, if you can, try it before you buy it. (Rent it; Borrow it from a friend; Sample it; Try it on.)