These could be the ways to cut your expenses and increase your savings
Is the key to saving a home deposit as simple as giving up smashed avocado toast and a cup of coffee for breakfast? Well not quite, but spending less does make a difference.
On top of a budget, a savings plan and strategies such as a high-interest savings account, an effective way to save is to reduce or eliminate expenses.
Start by understanding your spend
It can be easy to lose track of how you’re spending money, especially due to cashless payments and credit cards.
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 ASIC’s TrackMySPEND or even you can start writing on your note book.
Find savings in the essentials
Some costs can’t be avoided – but many everyday expenses can be reduced. For example, you could:
- Move into a cheaper rental or share house or with family and friends (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.
- Switching your bills like phone, electricity to different providers could reduce your credit score but don’t hesitate to negotiate discount rates with existing providers.
- Use the car less: take public transport; carpool with colleagues; or try walking or riding. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it all adds up to savings.
- Or you can join our 52 weeks savings challenge, where we are planning to save at least $20k ( inbox us on Facebook )
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.
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 1000 Australians showed that 73 per cent have a problem with overspending. In particular, people tend to go overboard Christmas rolls around.
To reduce gift expenses, be like Santa: make a list (and a budget). Buy only planned items within your allocated budget – then stop! Ask your family for support; it’s easier to put a cap on gift values if everyone else does too, you can do same in Dashain, Tihar, Teej or other festivals.
Another common way Australians overspend is on holidays. CommBank 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. Cancel unused services. Update your internet or mobile plans if you’re always paying for excess data, close credit cards if you’re not using much but still paying late fees and charges.
Ask yourself: are you really using that gym membership, Netflix, Stan? Are you getting value from your subscriptions? Remember, every wasted dollar is money you could be spending on your own home.
Some of our clients have contacted us when they had $6,000 in their savings account. some took around 8 months to get 10%+ deposit where some even took 2 years but many of them have already moved their home and some are planning to finalise a property soon. You situation could be same as this or different, inbox us your scenario, we can discuss, make a plan and move forward.
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Source & information from MFAA
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