Finding money to save can often be a challenge. Start small and over time increase the amount of savings. Here are a number of different ways you can save $20 each week:

  1. Start using up food you have stored in your cupboards and freezer. Many of us are hoarders and we can be surprised what we have in our cupboards. If you try and build one of two meals a week around using up what we already have you should be able to save on your grocery bill.
  2. Cut down one takeaway dinner each week and cook instead.
  3. Turn off all electrical appliances when they are not in use. Even when appliances are in stand-by they use a lot of power. Turn off lights when you are not in the room. Try to use the clothes line whenever you can to save on using your dryer which is a big power user.
  4. Take your lunch each day or most days instead of buying it.
  5. Think twice about everything you buy to see if you really do need it.
  6. Car pool with a work colleague or friend.
  7. See if public transport is a cheaper option for you.
  8. Plan you weekly meals and shopping list in advance to reduce wastage.
  9. Use a shopping list and try to shop once a week at your supermarket and avoid quick shops at the local diary which are a lot more expensive.
  10. Occasionally cook twice as much and freeze what you don’t need so you have a meal available when you don’t feel like cooking or use for lunches the next day. This will help remove the temptation of takeaways.
  11. Shop smart. Look out for specials, discounts, coupon offers and sales. Buy at markets and cut price stores. Look for items with damaged packaging, clearance items and bargain bins.
  12. Buy in bulk. Be careful though to only buy what you know you will use.
  13. Buy in-house brands or plain packs which are almost always cheaper and are usually of similar quality.
  14. Become a gardener, even if it’s a small one, it all adds up. If you have extra you could swap with friends or family or also have a garden.
  15. Don’t shop when you are hungry or feeling down as you tend to spend more.
  16. Pay cash or leave your credit cards at home. Research suggests we spend 20% less when we pay cash instead of putting items on credit.
  17. Shop around for the best deal for bigger items
  18. Don’t be afraid to ask for a discount.
  19. Buy used whenever you can. Second hand goods can be significantly cheaper and are often as new.
  20. Borrow items that you only need occasionally or swap with friends or family.

There are many ways to save money. It’s just a matter of stopping and thinking before you spend. Give it a try and you maybe surprised on what you can save. It’s not about depriving yourself – it’s about being smarter about how you spend your hard earned dollars.