Accumulate Money, Not Things

Having a lot of things just creates clutter

It’s very easy to make yourself feel better by buying little things here and there. The problem is, the feel-good feeling doesn't last. What you end up instead is with closets and rooms full of clutter and a whole lot less money.

Instead, try revamping some of the things that you have at home. A coat of paint on the bookshelf can turn it from boring to chic; same goes for a top; dye it and you’ll feel you’ve bought yourself a new piece of clothing!

Kids Eat for Free

Have a low-cost night out with your child

This definitely works better for smaller families, particularly when you're a single mum. Some local restaurants, clubs or RSL's encourage families to eat out on a Tuesday or Wednesday night by offering a free child's meal with every adult meal purchased. It's perfect if you're a mother of one. Buy yourself a cheap meal and your child eats for free. If you have two or three children, why not suggest a few family members or friends join you. You get to spend some quality time together, they'll pay for themselves and your children will get the free meals. Everybody is happy!

Holiday Entertainment for Free

Having fun doesn't have to cost you lots of money!

No matter where you live in Australia, there are always community events that cost nothing. Check out your local paper for what's happening in your neighbourhood on the weekend; pickup the weekend Telegraph or Herald to see what's happening in your city.

For only a few dollars, you can also pick up Timeout magazine, which lets you know what's happening all over Australia each month.

Ask for a Doggy-Bag!

Why not? It’s your food!

If you are out at a casual restaurant and you or your children can't finish your meal, don't be embarrassed to ask for a Doggy Bag. At the end of the day, you've paid for the meal, so you are entitled to do with it what you like. Some restaurants are very generous with their serves, so why not make the most of it and take home the leftovers for the next day. It's a very clever way to get two meals out of one and there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn't do it! Buon appetito!

Get Paperless Bills

It costs you less online

Did you know that many companies automatically charge you for a paper bill? Most of them don't tell you this; they simply incorporate the charge into their fees. Instead, it’s a good idea to request e-bills from your utility and telephone companies; they simply e-mail you the bill and you can always print it out if you need them for tax purposes. It may only be a couple of dollars that you save each month, but it all adds up!

Keep Your Tyres Inflated

Low tyres = higher costs!!

It's important to check your tyre pressure monthly. Keeping your tyres at the correct recommended pressure range (you can usually find the psi on the inside of your car door), will reduce the strain on your car's engine, therefore saving you petrol.

Most tyres lose about 1psi pressure per month simply by driving over uneven roads. If only two of your tyres are 2 psi down, your petrol consumption will increase by 2%, so it's worthwhile checking your tyres regularly if you want to save on petrol.

Re-Vamp your Home with Council Cleanups

What one person doesn't value, another person does!

Every council has a cleanup campaign, usually twice a year. It’s not only a great time for you to clear out your clutter and broken items, but it's a fantastic time of year to hop in your car and scour the neighbourhood. You'll be amazed at the items that people throw out, some of them in perfect condition; chairs, tables, garden pots, bookshelves, kids toys... The list is endless!

Often, all they need is a coat of paint, or a bit of a wipe down. Make sure you out there first thing in the morning or you'll miss out on the best items. There are professionals who run around in their trucks doing exactly the same thing, except they take the items and on-sell them in shops. So save the money and make the drive yourself. You may just end up finding something wonderful!

Perceived Value, Not Actual Value

An expensive looking gift is not necessarily expensive!

Don't feel guilty buying a book that is only $5, when it is worth $45. If the person you're giving the book to perceives it as expensive, that's all that matters. You’re gifting a full price book, but you've only had to pay a fraction of the price to do so. Everybody wins. So keep your eye out for books, gift cards, clothing and jewellery that you can always buy for a fraction of the price. Buy in advance and put it away in your special gift drawer.

Hook into Reward Points

At least you’re getting something extra for your dollar...

Look at your shopping patterns and see where you spend most of your dollars. Do you spend more money at Big W, Tandy, Dan Murphy’s or Dick Smith, which are all owned by Woolworths? Or, do you tend to shop at Kmart, Target, Officeworks, Bi-Lo, Liquorland, Vintage Cellars or Coles Express, which are all owned by Coles? Determine where you spend the bulk of your money and pick up one of their reward cards from within their supermarkets. They are free and you earn points for every dollar you spend, which means extra gifts or trips further down the track!

Make something old, new again.

Do toy swaps with friends! Kids get bored of their existing toys, but rather than buy new ones, just trade toys from other children. It’s a great way for everyone to get new stimulation for FREE!