8 easy-to-follow money saving hacks

Feeling a bit low on cash? These eight unexpected money-saving hacks could save you a buck, or two, or three…

1

Do an app purge

There’s an app for everything. But they don’t all need to be on your mobile device, especially those for takeaways and shopping! Though they’re super convenient, having them (literally) at your fingertips could create a big dent in your bank account.  

Instead, log on to their websites. The extra step will, in most cases, make it a little more challenging to follow through with your (probably unnecessary) purchase. So, take our advice and delete them. Your wallet will thank you for it. 

2

Avoid the autosave trap

Safely storing your credit information on websites you visit often might allow for a smooth transaction, but the autosave feature can lead to overspending. Think of it this way: You’re in bed with nothing to do, so, you decide to check out what your favourite online retailer has on offer.  

 Several items catch your eye and make their way to your basket, and you’re ready to complete your transaction. But not having your credit card information on hand forces you to get out of bed and gives you even just a moment to rethink the purchase you’re about to make. It might be all the time you need to change your mind. 

3

Opt to collect

Online shopping is the modern version of hitting the mall, except way less effort! Armed with nothing but a credit card and the willingness to spend all your hard-earned money, you don’t even have to leave your house thanks to nifty delivery options. But don’t be too quick to disregard the cost of delivery. Though the amounts may seem insignificant, but when added together you’ll probably find you have enough cash to purchase a new summer sandal or put towards that rainy-day fund. 

4

Try Carpooling

Let’s be honest: no one likes overcrowded taxis and buses. And while many may opt for Ubers or to make use of private cars, travel costs could rack up a huge bill at the end of the month. We suggest carpooling. A few people journeying together in a single car, typically from the same area and travelling to a similar destination, would significantly cut costs for all. 

5

Downsize your wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe, in a nutshell, means downsizing your closet to only a few pieces which you can mix and match to create various outfits. This leaves no room for extra items, and for your pocket it means less money wasted on clothes that you don’t need. 

PRO TIP

You’ve heard the phrase quality over quantity, right? Apply this rule when investing in more expensive, high-quality items. These wardrobe essentials may cost a bit more, but they last longer, saving you heaps of cash in the long run. 

6

Exchange it

Most people have bought items of clothing or home decor that made them super excited at the time of purchase. But soon after, their style changed, or it no longer fits the way it first did. And maybe that same item has been swooned over by a friend.  

 So why not trade it for something else or have them buy it from you. This will allow you to fill your wardrobe (or home) with something that truly brings you joy or affords you the chance to purchase something else you need. 

7

Apply the two-day rule

Many of us have fallen down the rabbit hole of online shopping, in most cases purchasing items that we don’t need. But as a rule, save items in your wish list or place them in your online shopping basket and leave them there for at least two days. If you still desire those items in 48 hours, then make the purchase. But beware of emotional or impulse spending…  

8

Go multi-use

The days of single-use items are gone! Well, at least we hope so. But if not, it’s time to relook how you use certain items. For example, instead of buying many different cleaning products, just get one multipurpose cleaner.  

 There’s no need for items with just one purpose, and it’s also a great money saver. The same rule could apply for other things, such as the orange mesh packaging your vegetables come in. Instead of disposing it after you store your onions, how about you bundle it up and use it to scrub your pots?