Overhaulin'

saving money, just cant seem to save!!?

Im having trouble saving and was wondering if anyone has any tips on cutting back costs, saving more or even good websites to direct me to. i bought myself a house 6 months ago and knew thered be more costs involved but interest rates are rising and each fortnight i seem to put less in my savings and then end up using it, even breaking into whatever was there. my mortgage payments have increased by nearly 60 a fortnight in the 6 months which doesnt sound much but does effect me. not to mention contents insurance, car repayments, water, rates, etc. i try to not overspend and sometimes splash out for a treat (new top or dinner out). how do i save more? my pay is pretty good for someone my age and im living comfortably but cant find ways to reduce costs as most costs are more necessaries - like costs of daily living. ideas? thanks :)

Public Comments

1. try to learn about investing. even though you are not saving, you might be spending on your home as an investment. if you have friends, you could begin sharing meals, and costs - likewise for nearly anything you spend on - you might be able to find others that can cooperate and reduce your overall input without reducing your share. buying cooperatives, famer's markets, etc. good luck
2. You have to start thinking S-M-A-R-T. What kind of cutbacks can you make? For example: I drink bottled water. Now at $1 a bottle on something that covers over 65% of our planet is not smart. So I bought one of those water filters that screw into your faucet. I have bottles that I refil over and over again. I take them to work. Do you have a lot of small appliances around that house that are always on? I cut my electronic bill almost in half by unplugging all the clock radios and night lights. I also bought some of those florescent bulbs that look a lot like a regular bulb. These things use 80% less electricity than regular bulbs. You would be surprised, but these small things add up. I know I was spending money on the water filter and energy efficient bulbs but these things will pay for themselves in a month providing they pertain to you. If you really need the money right away start cutting back on your food costs. Romain noodles cost a dime and they taste just as good as campbells chicken noodle that costs $130 a can. Ok no chicken in romain noodles, but you are probably just missing about 4 tiny pieces of chicken. Put a brick inside your toilet 'chamber'. You will use a little lesser water each time you flush..Before you know it you will be ahead. And remember you have to start thinking S-M-A-R-T! Yours truly seahorsehawrey.