I wont lie – I love money and I love saving it! I also love being able to buy something when I see a good deal and that’s when my savings come to the fore.
Once you have your budgeting under control it’s fairly easy to begin squirrelling a little money away each week. After a while you’ll have savings accumulating and the habit of saving will be much more satisfying than the habit of spending or wasting your money. It does take a bit of time but it will happen if you don’t give up!
Keeping your hard earned money for yourself and not giving it away to others unnecessarily, in the form of mindless spending, will become second nature to you. Everyone’s spending habits are different so it’s up to you to look at your own spending habits and be responsible for the wasted money and also the saved money! As well as physically spending your money there are other ways you might be losing it – consider these below.
Here are 3 quick tips to get you started saving more easily:
1. Some banks offer basic bank accounts with:
- No account keeping fees
- No minimum deposit amounts
- Free monthly statements
- No overdrawn fees
This is an easy way to save money, some banks are greedy when it comes to fees. Do you have too many accounts? Do you know how much in fees you are paying each month? The Australian Bankers’ Association can easily help you find the banks that offer fee free accounts – Affordable Banking website.
2. Do you have credit card debt? How much interest are paying? How long will it take to pay this debt off? Check here for more tips Paying down this debt is the absolute best way to start saving your money, look for the lowest interest and don’t be fooled by all the bells and whistles. Credit card debt is a financial stumbling block and can impede saving progress throughout your whole life if you ignore it.
To work out how much you owe and how quickly you can pay down your debts – use the calculator below for each of your debts
3. Are you paying more for things than you need to? Companies are out to make money, from you, so make sure you are only paying for what you need or want. Consider your electricity/gas account, Pay TV, Internet/phone plans, food/entertainment spending etc.
We found that the guys at WhistleOut have come up with a great website that takes a lot of the frustration away and lets you find the perfect plans.
Another website that we found easy to use was youcompare.com.au This site also lets you compare plans for Broadband, Gas and Electricity, Health and Life Insurance, Pay TV and even home loans. Look around for other deals and be savvy!
A little time to sort out the above money leaks can save you hundreds of dollars, if not more, and that money can go towards the things you want in life – so get checking!
If you’re interested in more money ideas then try these articles.
- A good friend, for your finances
- Financial Stress
- 21 Instant Money Saving Ideas
- Teaching Kids Firm Financial Footing
- So you think you have nothing left to save? Not true – here’s where it is.
- Budgeting,Teaching Kids About It
- How to Live within your means, even as they change
- 12 Tips for Kids to Save Money
- The 50-20-30 Rule
- Change Your Finances in 30 Days -The 30 Day Rule
- How to Live within your means, even as they change
- Stop avoiding money and start making it!
- 10 Things I Know Now and Wish I Knew When I Was Younger on Being Financially Free.
- The 50-20-30 Rule
- 10 Tips for Financial Flourishing
- Make it on 50% or less!
- What Would You Do With An Extra $2000
- Become Great at Saving
- 15 steps to becoming an investor
- Planning Superannuation – How much will I need?
- Financial Stress
- Keeping Emotions Out of Your Purse
- So you think you have nothing left to save? Not true – here’s where it is.
- Ditching the Debt and Maintaining Debt Freedom!
- Teaching Kids During Times of Financial Crisis
- Charting Your Progress Financially
- How to Live within your means, even as they change
- How To Be Financially Savvy
- 7 signs you’re money complacent
- Top Budgeting Mistakes
