“Saving is a commitment, not an amount!”
~ Todd Christensen
The cost of living is higher than many South Africans’ wallets will allow. Saving money is no longer a luxury but a necessary action. We have compiled 30 of the greatest savings tips geared at money conscious people like you.
This is part 1 of the massive 30 Savings Tips list.
If you like this article, don’t forget to Subscribe for Part 2.
1.Local is Lekker
South Africa has a wealth of fantastic local businesses. In the scope of saving money, shopping locally will allow you to ask for discounts. And of course, you’ll be supporting your local economy and community.
2.Forget Hollywood
Forgetting the trend setters overseas will save you a large amount of money. When you buy into the latest trends or marketing hype in your inbox, you’re usually buying impulsively. We can survive without having the “latest” items. Saving happens when you spend money on what you need, not what marketing makes you believe that you want.
3.Switch off and Take a Hike
South Africa is home to the most beautiful hiking trails. Many of them are free as well. Switching off the technology and spending time in nature costs very little and is an outing that the whole family can enjoy.
4.Thrift Shopping
There are many online thrift stores in South Africa, and tons of hidden gems to find and visit. Prices are usually a tenth of what you would pay for brand new items.
5.Thrift Selling
Thrift selling has become a big thing across the world. Facebook marketplace is a well-used platform to sell your unwanted goods. There are also thrift online stores that allow you to sell your goods as well such as: https://www.yaga.co.za
6.Student Discounts
If you’re studying and have a student card, there are so many ways to save. From shopping to entertainment. If you can think of it, there is most probably a student discount for it. Online apps such as Varity Vibe, https://varsityvibe.co.za/ have ongoing discounts and saving options.
7.Home-Bound Eating Rule
Let’s face it, takeout is great! However, it eats more out of your budget than you realise. Having takeout once a month as a treat is alright, but when it becomes a regular thing, it’s really only wasting money. There are so many great recipes that you can download and make at home for half the price of a takeout meal, and you can keep the leftovers for the next day.
8.Pay Yourself First
The general rule of thumb is to take ten percent of your salary and place it in a savings account, every single month. Before you even spend a single cent of your money. For some, this is not possible, and in that case, even putting away R50 (or any small change you have) until you can free up more money is extremely important. You never know when those savings will come in handy.
9.Buy in Bulk
Bulk shopping is important as it saves you a lot of money in the long term. Try to shop in the middle of the month because you will be able to buy at even further discounted prices. Get a friend to go shopping with you and you can share the bulk and split the cost to make a small budget go even further for the month.
10.Cash-in on Loyalty Cards
For every store there is more often than not a loyalty card or a loyalty app. Many of these apps and cards now work together when purchasing fuel as well. Do your research and make sure that you are cashing in on the free savings out there.
11.Use Shopping Catalogues
South Africa has a few catalogue websites that are updated daily such as www.latestspecials.co.za. Before you even step out of the house to go and shop, download the catalogues where you would like to go shop, this will save you both time and money.
12.Shop with a List
Do not go shopping without a list. A list allows you to buy everything that you need. And will help you stay away from purchasing extra goodies which you shouldn’t. It also helps to only take along the correct amount of money needed to purchase the items on your list.
13.Set Boundaries with the Kids
Every parent who loves their children understands how difficult it is to say no to your child. Especially when we think about how little they understand about finances. Instead of buying another toy, place the money into a university savings account for them. This will remove any guilt from you and allow you to set boundaries a little easier.
14.Let your Mind Rule Your Money
Money should be treated with logic, not with our emotions or with your stomach. Shopping when you are hungry should never happen. Having a snack in the car to nibble on before stepping into the store helps a lot and will prevent you from buying things which you do not need.
15.Turn off lights in the Day
Electricity price hikes have taught us to be more mindful of turning off the lights and appliances which aren’t used. Ensure you replace all lights with energy saving light bulbs.
We hope you enjoyed these tips and will use them to make your money stretch even further. Join us by subscribing here to get notified when the next 15 tips come out.
Debt repayments do not need to make you suffer financially. Help is available and by cutting down on the repayments you can free money up to focus on other important areas in your budget. Give a Debt Rescue consultant a call today to find a solution to any financial pressures.
For the last 12 years, Debt Rescue has been at the frontlines assisting over-indebted South Africans. Debt Rescue has managed to help thousands of consumers achieve financial freedom through the debt review process. Contact us now to see how you too can manage your debt affordably.