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34 yourfamily.co.zaMONEY SMART
TIPS AND TRICKS TO SAVE YOU A BUNDLE!
WAYS TO CURB
UNNECESSARY SPENDING
N
omatterwhatyourbudget,chancesareyou’reoverspendinghere
andthere.Itcanbehardtocutbackwhenitalreadyfeelsasifyou’re
stretchingyourfinancesastightlyaspossible–buthereare 10 waysto
curbunnecessaryspending:Go online to read
about making
this a no-spend
month.6
FIND AN APP
THAT WORKS
FOR YOU
Use a budgeting app
to help you keep better
track of your financial
ins and outs. An app
like 22seven can show
you how much you’re
spending and reveal
potentially problematic
habits that you aren’t
fully aware of.3
ONLY SHOP IN THE REAL WORLD
Online shopping can be disturbingly easy.
A couple of clicks and you’ve checked out a cart
without even really noticing the hefty price tag.
Unsubscribe from shopping apps and sites, and
remove your credit card information. Next time
you’re tempted to click and buy, you’ll have to re-
enter all your info anew, which might just give you
the time you need to rethink your purchase.2
SELL YOUR CLUTTER
Every now and again, most of us go through a Marie Kondo phase and
ruthlessly gather up anything that no longer ‘sparks joy’. For the larger part
of the year, though, unused clutter, clothing and bits and bobs lie piled in dark
cupboards and garages, doing nobody any good. Think of these problematic
heaps as little gold mines and you’ll soon be motivated to do a clear-out.
Gather up your goods, room by room, and plan a sale – whether at a car boot
market or via the Internet. You’ll be able to add the profits to your savings in
no time!10
1
FINISH IT UP
Whether it’s that giant bottle of hair conditioner you bought on a
sale, long-neglected pantry items that are still in date or the heap of
craft supplies in the study, there may be many half-used products lying
around your home. Before planning your next shopping trip, have a look
around and make a list of what you already have: you might already
have all the ingredients for a great dinner, or the glitter and coloured
pens your kids need for a looming school project. Besides saving
money, you’ll also be clearing out clutter.4
STICK TO SHOPPING LISTS
Wandering into Woolies on an empty
stomach can be dangerous: ‘I’m just popping
out to get some washing powder’ can
quickly devolve into a trolley filled with mini
doughnuts and chips (we’ve all been there).
The best thing to do is eat before you go
shopping and arm yourself with a list of what
you (truly) need. That way, you won’t forget
any essentials and will be able to avoid the
pastry aisle. You’ll also be more likely to stick
to the plan and avoid going rogue.5
DO IT YOURSELF
Instead of a sporadic shopping spree for new
home decor items, beauty products or baked treats,
explore the DIY options. You’ll be surprised what
you can put together for little or no money, using
things you already have at home. Visit the craft
section of Yourfamily.co.za and flip back through
our craft pages for tons of great ideas!