Saving. We’ve all been there. Whether it’s out of necessity cause you’re a ‘povo’ uni student, or because you’re saving your but off for something in particular (like in my case- getting out and exploring the world). You know what it’s like to scrape the bottom of the barrel. Here are some of my tips that I’ve discovered so far to save without being a complete scab.

1. Learn to love rice crackers and peanut butter (or perhaps vegemite if your that way inclined). As much as I love to eat out sometimes it’s necessary to bring your lunch with you. I must admit, being a teacher does make it easier to food prep and BYO (I have no other choice). Plan to have lunch prepared. If you’re missing the novelty of eating out, take your rice crackers to the beach and make a picnic of it.
2. Do the massive lunch prep. I’m somewhat of a freak in this case. I can eat the same meal every school day for a whole term. I will prepare these on the weekend then have easy lunches throughout the week. I find that cooking the same thing saves me time and money. I don’t have to think about what I’m making and I can buy everything in bulk. While we are talking about bulk it is also worth mentioning that it is worthwhile to invest in some ‘keep fresh’ containers or baggies. And it’s time to make friends with your freezer so that you can make sure your not wasting any leftovers. Waste not!
3. Elect 3 meals a week. A lot of my tips have to do with food… probably because I love eating. Anyway, I found that I was eating out way to much so I decided that I would choose three meals a week max that I could eat out, roughly one breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sometimes I don’t even eat out that often, but I find setting those limits helps.
4. Start buying second hand. I have given myself the challenge to go six months of only buying second hand clothes. There are some exceptions to the rule such as underwear, socks and such but the rest has to be second hand. This can actually be super fun! It’s like a treasure hunt. Your always on the lookout at different op shops, garage sales and even gumtree for a gem that is your style AND your size. And can I say it is so exciting ‘when the slipper fits’. More to come later about my second hand expedition.
5. Use cash. Something my housemate recommended was drawing out the spending money you have budgeted at the beginning of the week. This is an awesome way to stay accountable. You have to decide what works best for you. Some might draw out all spending money. I personally just draw out my food allowance for groceries and eating out (again because food is my biggest temptation).
6. If it aint broke, don’t replace it. I realised that often I would find myself wanting to buy things simply because I was bored. I’ve really been challenged to just keep using things until they break and legit need replacing.
7. STAY AWAY FROM THE SHOPS! If you haven’t seen it you can’t want it. So stay away from the shops at all costs. Try to do other activities like having people over to watch movies. Art and craft afternoons or ‘Crafternoons’. Walk on the beach. Board games. Whatever it takes!
8. NEVER BUY WATER! We’ve all heard the scouts’ motto; ‘Always be prepared’, and they might be on to something. Always take water with you everywhere. The reason is simple; stay hydrated and save money. If you have a bottle of water with you then you won’t buy water and won’t be as likely to buy other beverages.

AND 9. BE A WEIRD COUPON LADY. Yes, we know flashing your coupons isn’t exactly the coolest but it will save you the dosh. Those ladies that save their receipts and collect the coupons know what’s what. Find the deals for restaurants and cafes. My latest finds are; two for one Mexican at Montezuma’s on a Tuesday night and ‘happy hour’ at The Yard which offers half price coffee. You still get to go out but for the fraction of the price.

Know when and where to skimp and when and where not to. My general rule of thumb is that if your saving prevents you from being a generous person, or makes others feel uncomfortable, then maybe it’s time to reconsider. I think it’s important to still be outward focused in your saving. It doesn’t mean you need to splash the cash around like your some kind of sugar daddy. It just means be aware and be intentional. Plan to shout someone coffee rather than dinner or have them over and cook for them.