Top ways to cut your expenses and increase your savings
Is the key to saving a home deposit as simple as giving up smashed avo toast for breakfast? Well not quite, but spending less does make a difference.
Start by understanding how you spend
It can be easy to lose track of how you’re spending money, especially due to cashless payments and credit cards.
A good place to start is to create a budget – these days many online banking systems include tools to categorise debits and make a budget – take advantage of them. Or download an app that helps you track your personal expenses on the go, like Pocketbook, MoneyBrilliant, Goodbudget, or MoneySmart’s budget planner.
Find savings in the essentials
Some costs can’t be avoided – but many everyday expenses can be reduced. For example you could:
Change your living situation - move in with your parents/relatives, or move into a cheaper rental or share house (short-term discomfort can pay off in the long term).
Implement tactics like meal planning, making grocery lists and buying in bulk to save money on food. Set aside a budget for eating out/take-away and stick to it.
Shop around to reduce your regular bills – regularly! You may get better value if you switch, or tell current providers you intend to switch. Seek discounts for taking out multiple policies with one insurer.
Use the car less: take public transport, carpool with colleagues, or try walking or cycling. You’d be amazed at how quickly it all adds up to savings.
Make sure you’re paying off debts or credit cards completely each month or as much as possible, to avoid the added expense of paying interest. Or, better yet, close them! And don’t be tempted by Buy Now/Pay Later.
Reduce common overspending
If you spend excessively on things like buying clothes, going out, or expensive hobbies, it may be unrealistic to cut the expense entirely. Set a weekly or monthly limit and reduce that limit over time.
A survey of more than 3000 people showed that 6 out of 10 Australians have a problem with overspending, so you’re not alone.
Another common way Aussies overspend is on holidays. Research has shown that a third of holidaymakers spent more on their trip than planned. Do your research and set a daily budget.
Costs that could be eliminated
Look for opportunities to eliminate costs. Are you getting value from your subscriptions? Cancel unused services. Update your internet or mobile plans if you’re always paying for excess data. If you’re not using your gym membership, get rid of it. Remember, every wasted dollar is money you could be saving towards your own home.
