Trying to save money in this day and age is a Rubik’s Cube-level task—doing so requires a lot of discipline and sticktoitiveness. You have to be intentional about every choice you make because nearly every choice affects your bank account.
Whether you’re a Gen Z-er or millennial just getting their start in the world or a Boomer looking to leave an inheritance, saving money is crucial. It’s essential to save up for vacations, retirement, college, or just to have a nest egg to fall back on. Keep reading to get some tips to help you reach your saving goals.
Get Health Insurance
If you’re uninsured, then the first thing you need to do is find some cheap health insurance. Trips to the doctor’s office are expensive enough. If you end up having to deal with a major illness, it could break your bank. Health insurance is one of those things that you pay for now but saves you money when you actually use it. Find cheap health insurance and save with iSelect so you can take control of your health and your finances.
Buy Used
Saving money is a challenge, but one of the easiest ways to save is to buy used. Just because somebody else decided they didn’t need something anymore doesn’t mean that it won’t do you any good. Used cars, electronics, and furniture can last a long time if they’ve been properly cared for. If you look hard enough, you can find plenty of used goods that’ll be like new to you.
Used cars cost thousands of dollars less than new vehicles and hold their value. So if you buy a used car and then decide to sell it, you’ll get closer to what you spent than with a new car. If you go to an auction, you can find repo cars for sale for a fraction of your typical used car.
Drive Less
Gas prices are higher than the ceilings in the Sistine Chapel and have impacted the cost of everything from morning commutes to international flights. In a month’s time, you may spend as much money on fuel as you do on your car payment.
One of the best ways to save a lot of money is to drive less. Take advantage of the warm Australian climate and walk or bike to work. Not only will you save time and money on gas, but you’ll get into better shape. The extra exercise will have you feeling like a young joey all over again.
Learn Light Auto Maintenance
Auto repairs aren’t cheap by any stretch of the imagination. If you learn to do minor work on your own car, then you’ll cut down trips to the mechanic.
Doing small things like changing your own tires, oil, spark plugs, belts, and the alternator will save thousands of dollars over time. You may not ever be able to build your own vehicle from the ground up, but at least you can learn to service one on your own.
Have a Plan When You Go Grocery Shopping
One of the places where mass amounts of wasted money go for vacation is the grocery store. Grocery shopping while you’re hungry, not having a list, and wandering the aisles cause compulsive spending. Going to the grocery store with a set agenda will save you time and money in the grocery store.
One of the simplest ways to save money on groceries is to eat before you go shopping. When you’re hungry, everything in the freezer and snack aisles looks appetizing. Also, having a grocery list keeps you focused on what you need and averts your attention away from those distracting pastries and TV dinners.
As you can see, saving money isn’t something you do—it’s a way of life. You’ll have to make some sacrifices, but your bank account will thank you.
