5 Key Ways to Save Yourself Money While Also Bettering Your Financial Standing
1 – Cut the Cord
If you have the most expensive paid TV package as well as the most expensive Internet service, cut the cord to the cable package and subscribe to one or two TV services – Netflix, Hulu. Or, if you want, get rid of the television altogether.
2 – Write a List Before You Shop, Price Compare and Meal Plan
When you need to grocery shop, be sure develop a weekly meal plan and then write what you need down on a list. A list keeps you from overspending on frivolous and junk food items. Be sure you go through your area’s weekly ads to find the best deals. And, check out the local money-saver stores for your items.
3 – Call Your Credit Card Company about Rates or Balance Transfers Or Quit Using The Cards
If your credit card interests are high, use the power you have to negotiate these rates. You have every right to negotiate the current interest rate and do a balance transfer to another card entirely. Also, leave your credit card at home if you have tendency to use them just to have a desire fulfilled. It’s best if it’s placed in your home, not in the wallet. But, if you’re concerned about emergencies, then apply the old adage, “Out of Sight, Out of Mind”.
4 – Cancel Memberships and Subscriptions You Don’t Use
Are you paying a membership for something you don’t use? If so, then consider closing them out to save yourself money. And, if you do and find you’re missing it, then you can sign up again for the membership. If you have a magazine subscription but find you don’t read it enough to warrant spending the cash, stop the subscription altogether. By eliminating what you don’t need or don’t use, you can save yourself a ton of money.
5 – Avoid Fast Food and Brown Bag Your Lunch
The largest money-wasting culprit is eating out. Therefore, one of the biggest ways people can save money is to stop eating out so much and bring their own lunch. It’s much cheaper to bring food from home along with being a healthier option. If you detest the idea of leftovers, spruce them up before you leave the house to give them a new flavor or look.
Again, these are just some of the many ways you can save money. The personal struggle to save money and better your financial status is a battle you must fight every day. However, with a little foresight and thinking ahead, you can rest easy that you’re taking the steps to a better financial future.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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83% Yes
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14.5% No
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2.5% Other - I'll share below
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.6% Second half of November
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43.6% 1st December
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17.8% A week before Christmas
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33% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.