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10 Ways to Save Money You Never Considered

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by Emilie Keijzer (subscribe)
Writing just for the fun of it! from Perth, Western Australia
Published August 15th 2011
1. Do your own taxes

Doing your own taxes online is a huge money saver. One visit to the tax office can cost you up to $200, which is a large chunk out of your tax check! Taking the time to go online and teach yourself how to calculate your own taxes will save you a lot of money, and a trip into town.

It's not as hard as it looks either. Many sites offer detailed instructions on how to combine your group certificates and how to claim the most money you possibly can during tax time.

2. Give up a vice

Everyone knows smoking and alcohol can have adverse health effects. One argument that rarely comes up is how much it costs to maintain these habits. The money you save from quitting these vices can total to much more than $100 a week. They aren't the sole bad habits that can cost you either. Speeding and overeating also add up to higher fuel and grocery bills. Practising a little self control can get you your financial goals a lot sooner than you think!

3. Give up the vending machines

It may seem like just $2 here or $3 there, but add up all your purchases from a vending machine and you could be spending $20 a week on food you dont really need. Taking a piece of fruit from home is a much healthier and cheaper way to get a snack during your day. The change you save could be added to a piggy bank, and soon enough you will have enough for those shoes you have had your eye on.

4. Shop online

Ebay provokes many thoughts about shopping addictions and recieving products that aren't what you expect. However, it also reminds us of cheap buys, which is why its a classic way to save money. Everyday household items, gifts or specialty products can all be found on ebay for a cheaper price than in the stores around Perth.

Be careful though, always add the shipping costs when comparing the price. I recommend looking for items that advertise free shipping. I also think its a good idea to carefully study the item description, that way you always know you are getting what you asked for.

Ebay is a great way to save money

5. Buy full term registration

When it comes time to pay your car registration, go for the year long registration. It's spending a bigger lump sum, but when you compare the two options, you really are saving money. The same goes for other bills that we come across every now and again, like our license renewals. 4 years of piece of mind is always better than 1! So save yourself some money and go for the longer option, in the end the pros far outweigh the cons.

6. Install energy saving lightbulbs

It seems like spending money to save money is a paradox, but installing energy saving lightbulbs does actually save you more than you realise . Consider the fact that you are using your lights every day, possibly every morning and every night. Energy saving lightbulbs not only use less energy, but also last longer than your average lightbulb. With movements towards making them
complusery, there has never been a better time to make the switch.

7. Utilize shopping rewards programs

I don't know about you, but I used to look at shopping rewards programs that only offer 1 point per $5 spent as a waste of time. But a little change in thinking proved me wrong. If you shop at a certain store regularly, then why not rack up some points buying your everyday items from Coles, Woolworths or IGA, among other stores? These points eventually add up to enough to get you a reward that you dont have to pay for. Basically, it's something for nothing.

Be careful to only buy items you would normally buy regardless, otherwise you are spending MORE than you would usually spend and not saving money at all.

8. Home cleaning products

If you look at your weekly grocery reciept, you will notice that a lot of the cost comes from household cleaning products such as bleach. Maybe its time you considered usitilizing the ingredients that you can find stashed at the bottom of your pantry. White vinegar is effective on mold and bacteria, baking soda deoderizes rooms and lemon juice cleans grease. Definately worth considering when your average cleaner costs from $7 upwards.

9. Change your own oil

Changing your own oil might seem like a job fit only for a mechanic, but if you learn to do it yourself, you can save around $30 each time. I went online to see what information can be found, and there are dozens of sites offering instructions on how to perform this simple job. Just buy the oil from a discount
auto store and follow the simple instructions. Easy!

10. Install solar panels

Although you are spending a decent amount, the installation of a solar panels system in your house gives you incredible savings in the long term. You can save anywhere between a third to more than half of your monthly electricity bill, and despite the huge early cost to install, the savings last a lifetime.
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Why? To save money and reach your financial goals
When: All year round
Where: From home
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Comments
Eat out less frequently too. In fact, eat less!
By anse - reader
Friday, 19th of August @ 06:32 am
That is another great option too! not only does it make you healthier but you also save money. Good idea, thanks Howan!
By Anonymous
Friday, 19th of August @ 01:34 pm
I also found shopping weekly an easier way to save money buying fresh food is cheap aswell as buying all my meat at the butchers rather than at the supermarket saved me at least $50 a week plus shopping regularly your only buying what you need instead of stocking up on items you dont really need!
By rogue4 - reader
Tuesday, 23rd of August @ 03:55 am
Thats another great idea, and it prevents wasted food as well. thanks for the comment!
By Emilie Keijzer - senior reviewer
Tuesday, 23rd of August @ 01:34 pm
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