Aug
So I’ve just filled up my car and it came to a whopping R1000. That’s about three times more than when I bought the car, eight years ago.
And apart from the rising petrol price, the bad news just seems to be piling up – interest rates are climbing, electricity costs are rocketing and some grocery staples are being hard hit by the war in Ukraine.
Who ever knew that Ukraine and Russia are major suppliers of wheat, vegetable oil, and corn worldwide?
While we may feel pretty powerless with all of this, ringing in some changes on the home front can minimise the impact on our monthly budget:
1. Groceries
This probably eats up most of your monthly budget, so it’s a good place to start. Many of us have items that rattle around in the deep freeze or pantry indefinitely.
Use these before you replenish. If there are specials on items you regularly use, buy in bulk and buy unbranded items as far as possible (if the price is cheaper – always check!). Cut down your physical shopping to every two weeks or switch to online shopping and prepare a shopping list.
Try to avoid frozen or canned items – always buy fresh and buy what’s in season. Blanch and freeze your own fresh veggies.
2. Clutter
Ever heard of Swedish Death Cleaning? It’s a method of decluttering and organizing your home, so it’s not a burden on your loved ones when you die.
We don’t have to wait until we’re 65 to tackle this one. Most homes contain a treasure trove of items that haven’t been used for years. Start at one end and be ruthless.
Only keep items that you’ve used in the past six months and really you want to keep. If there are sentimental items that you just can’t part with, keep these to a minimum.
As for the rest – sell it and generate some handy cash.
3. Revamp old clothes
Do you know what’s in your wardrobe or is it stuffed so full that you can’t even find the hidden gems that you’ve forgotten about? It’s so easy with clothing accounts – we buy, we pay, we buy, we pay and this becomes an endless cycle.
How about breaking it? Pay off your clothing accounts and revamp what you have.
There are loads of ideas on the internet around repurposing old garments, and by buying less, you’ll also be part of the sustainable fashion movement, saving the planet, one garment at a time.
4. Electricity saving
Switch off lights and appliances when not in use and make sure that you buy energy-saving appliances when you need to replace them.
Install energy-saving light bulbs which may seem more expensive initially, but they will save you money in the long run. TVs and appliances still guzzle power when they’re in standby mode, so installing smart plugs will ensure that they’re switched off when not in use.
Smart plugs can be set to switch off appliances such as TVs and sound systems entirely as opposed to putting them onto standby mode which uses power.
Geysers are also a major culprit, making up around 30% of your electricity consumption. Turn your geyser temperature down to around 60 degrees which can be more reliable than switching it on and off, or install a timer to do so. Or cover your geyser with a thermal blanket that will avoid loss of heat.
If you put your mind to it, there are lots of little ways to save money. We just tend to fall into the same patterns of behavior, which will only change when we make an effort. What money-saving tips work for you gents?
MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS >This article was written by Sylvia Walker, financial planner, speaker and author of smartwoman. www.sylviawalker.co.za
good tips for cutting costs and saving. Things are so expensive and this give excellent advice
Cutting cost in tight times
Saving electricity, switch off unused appliances.
Revamping old clothes, turning old jeans into shorts
Gota save wherever we can, every little bit helps! Thanks for the tips…
The one about making grocery list and shopping online is so vital because that minimize and restricts you from unplanned purchases. I recently tried it with Checkers 60mins way, I tapped myself on the shoulder!
I agree with this one 100%
My money-saving tip is DO NOT go to shops unnecessary but when you have to make a list and stick to it. Times are really tough with all the price hikes we are all feeling the effects. Thanks for these useful tips.
Being a hustle a dad and a partner it really gets hectic, food is ridiculously expensive I can’t even get to make a decent grocery for my self
Thank you for the article
#Manbox
Cost of living is very painful of lately , while we having to cut costs on many things ,
Thanks for the tip
This is easily the most difficult period to have to cut costs to beyond the bone. For meals I now cook using mostly vegetables and we supplement this with fruit. Meat is a once a week luxury. Unfortunately we still have the daily travel costs for work purposes. Due to safety considerations it is no longer an option to walk back home after work while scoring the health benefit of exercise.
Great article! I cant believe the amount of money I spend on petrol! In June already I spent R3500 just for petrol. and yes that means this month I’m going to spend even more. As for the price of a grocery basket??????? I really do not know now. But thanks to this article, I will implement the tips received.
This is profound. Companies must encourage working from home too to save fuel. Times are hard and we need to work together to beat this.