Save Money by Reducing Expenses

There are many different ways to reduce everyday expenses. With the price of petrol increasing and home loan interest rates on the rise households have to watch very closely what they spend their money on and how to save a few dollars on a daily basis.

If you have suggestions or tips on how readers can save some money, please send them to admin@achievesuccess.com.au. You may add to the tips below or create a new section (minimum 4 tips required).

Saving on Children Expenses
$ Avoid buying brand clothing for your children
$ Use second hand stores to buy clothing
$ Avoid taking the children grocery shopping with you as you tend to buy more
$ impulse items when they are there
$ Limit the number of out-of-school activities your children do
$ Use a budget for birthday and Christmas presents
$ Involve the kids in cooking and help them to make their own snacks and
$ party treats.
$ Take your children to the library or a museum during the school holidays
$ instead of an expensive day trip.
$ Join or set up a baby-sitting club where you share looking after each others
$ kids rather than paying for a baby-sitter.
$ Use the kids sections and competitions in newspapers to entertain your
$ children cheaply.
$ Send your child to the local government school to get a great start in life,
$ without the unreasonable cost.
$ Teach your children about money especially savings and buying at an early
$ age.
$ Use pocket money to reward effort. This enables them to control their own
$ earnings.
$ Share the drop off and pick up from school with local parents.

Saving on Baby Expenses
$ Let your baby enjoy lots of nappy-off time during summer. Nappies are
$ expensive.
$ Use face washers (buy 10 of the same colour!) instead of expensive baby
$ wipes. Wash them out and reuse.
$ Do a bulk cook once a week and store / freeze baby meals for use
$ throughout the week
$ Buy nappies by the box, when they are on special. You can save $10 a box if $ you buy at the right time.
$ Use a day-care centre that provides all the babies food and nappy needs.

Saving on Household Expenses
$ Buy and use energy-efficient light bulbs.
$ Use rechargeable batteries for TV remote controls and children’s toys.
$ Fully load your washing machine and dishwasher prior to turning on.
$ Always dry your clothes naturally.
$ On hot days, turn the air-conditioner onto 23 degrees. You don’t need it any
$ cooler!
$ Limit your use of high-energy appliances like hair dryers and clothes dryers.
$ Save petrol by planning your travel for the day.
$ Install water saving showerheads in your shower.
$ Fix any leaking taps around the house as soon as you notice the leak.
$ Plan your food for the week ahead and only buy what you need as part of the $ plan.
$ Buy home brands as they are just as good as named brands.
$ Buy fruit and vegetables at your local market.

Save Money on Entertaining
$ Ask everyone who is coming to dinner to bring their own signature dish.
$ Check supermarket catalogues and buy items on special from your shopping $ list.
$ Use fresh flowers from the garden to design a nice table centrepiece.
$ If guests offer to bring some food, invite them to bring a dessert or nibbles.
$ Light some candles and set some music up in the background to create an
$ atmosphere.
$ Use free recipes from the internet rather than buying expensive cookbooks.
$ Rather than going to the movies, have a movie night at home with a couple
$ of DVDs.
$ Instead of soft drink or juice, use a jug of chilled water with a few lemon slices $ and ice blocks.
$ Attend free shows at the local shopping centre during each school holiday.
$ Organise the family to play a board game together rather than going out.

Cutting Pet Expenses $ If you would like to buy a pet, check out the local RSPCA or the local animal shelter. $ If you go away on holidays, organise a house sitter to save on kennel costs. $ Wash and care for your own animals, especially dogs. $ Make your own toys for your pets. Eg a tennis ball in a sock is great. $ Cook your own pet meals. Dogs love home brand pasta mixed with some$ vegetables. $ Recycle your children’s old plush toys to entertain your pets. $ Give your dog a bone every week. The bone will clean their teeth and help$ prevent diseases.