Are you looking to buy your first home this year or invest in a second property?
It’s an exciting time, looking to spend your hard-earned cash on a new home or expand your current portfolio.
And you might be looking at ways that you can save some more dollars to make your dreams a reality.
Here are our top tips:
1. Have a written budget
The easiest way to cut your costs is to know where you are spending your money. Have a budget that includes all your bills and a budget for spending on eating out, activities, etc and try and stick to the budget where you can.
2. Get your partner on board
Get your partner on board and ensure that you are both communicating and agreeing about your financial priorities is important.
3. Reduce your vices
Do you smoke? Drink? Have an addiction to coffee? Whatever your vice, make a conscious effort to cut back. Healthy and wealthy – a double benefit!
4. Learn how to cope with stress without spending
Buying things can be an easy way to relieve stress, but it’s not always good for your wallet or your mental state. Find a healthy and sustainable way to alleviate stress and both your mind and your wallet will thank you.
5. Say no and don’t feel pressured to do what everyone else is doing
Don’t feel pressured by friends, kids or colleagues into spending money you don’t have. It’s okay to say “no” now and then!
6. Stick to one shop a week
Doing one large shop rather than several small ones cut down on impulse buys, takeaway and wastage. Plan and write a weekly meal menu so you can get all the ingredients you need at once.
7. Leftovers
Cook more substantial portions of your meals and freeze them to use as leftovers. Pizzas, bolognaise sauce, curries, lasagne and soup all freeze well and can also be handy lunch options.
8. Use a shopping list app
Before heading to the supermarket for your weekly shop, make sure you make a list of all the items you need and will use that week. Planning is key.
9. Have a coffee at home
Making your coffee at home could save you $5 or more per day that you can put straight into your housing saving fund.
10. Taking a cut lunch to work
Packing your lunch or snacks a few times a week could save you a whole lot of cash. You will also be more inclined to make healthier choices when you prepare your own lunch and could cut back on your calorie intake.