Top ways to save money:
If you are not using your gym membership or any other membership that bills you by the month, freeze it. Give yourself a reality check by calculating how much your unused membership is costing you.
Also, if you are going on holiday, don’t forget to put a hold on your mail, newspapers, etc. It will save you money, and it’s also more secure.
2. Be Prepared
It’s important to have everything you need with you when you leave the house to avoid those little unexpected expenses that pop up during the day. For example forgetting to take your workout towel to the gym might mean a $3 hire fee. Alternatively, forgetting to pack lunch for work might mean spending $10 to $20 a lunch that you didn’t need (and which probably contains more calories than the one you would have made at home).
How to avoid forgetting to pack items:
- pack your bagwhen you’re not in a hurry.
- have a mental checklist (or an actual list) of the items needed. Lists are daggy, but they work.
- Decide forgetting your towel was a sign that you should skip the gym and watch Desperate Housewives on TV whilst eating chocolate (thus saving $3, but gaining 1 kilo).
3. Last minute menaces
Buying things last minute are almost always more expensive. Think of how much more it costs you to buy something from the corner shop versus a supermarket. A simple strategy to avoid convenience store rip offs is to have a replacement item on standby before your toothpaste, shampoo or other everyday item runs out.
4. “I’m a woman with a lot of baggage”
Budget airlines can be expensive if you break their rules. Going over baggage limits can be an easy way to spend money without even realising it. Whilst you’re excited to be going on a holiday, you probably didn’t factor in the $50 fine that you will incur for those extra 10 kilos.
How to avoid this happening again:
- Wear your heaviest clothes to the airport. Layering is fashionable and frugal!
- Make sure you know your baggage limit. Then, weigh your suitcase before arriving at the airport. You can buy portable digital luggage scales.
- Watch Airways, the dramatic Australian TV show that films the check-in counters of Tiger Airways, before you start packing. You’ll be putting those heavy objects back as you imagine the heavy fine…
