The cost of raising children in Australia is rising, with some of the biggest expenses including housing, food, clothing and household services. If those figures are tripled, quadrupled or more - depending on how large your family is - dedication to saving money is a top priority, as every little bit really does help.
Booming regional areas offer great opportunities for investing in a cheaper family home.
Consider the costs of where you currently live
There’s no doubt that living in regional areas usually offers better bang for your buck when it comes to renting or owning a home and general living expenses. If it’s a possibility for you to move to a regional area that’s currently booming, you also stand a great chance of investing in a family house that steadily rises in value over time, with a lower entry point than properties closer to or in major cities.
Shopping second-hand helps your family finances and the environment.
Change your mindset about second-hand goods
The old stigma surrounding second-hand shopping is practically gone.
It’s always nice to get new stuff, however, ‘new’ to you doesn’t have to mean regular shop-bought items. It’s possible to find whatever you need on social media market places, where sellers desperate to get rid of clutter will drop goods in near-perfect condition to your door, like fridges, couches, tables, beds and decor.
These days, many Op Shops have fantastic quality control and you’re likely to find barely worn, modern clothes for a few dollars. The old stigma surrounding second-hand shopping is practically gone and, in fact, reversed, as you’re also helping the environment by reusing materials.
Shop around to decrease your grocery bills
It’s just so easy to pop into the biggest, closest supermarket to stock up for the week, but it’s almost never the cheapest option. With a few adjustments, it’s easy to slash at least $100 off your grocery bill per week, or more. Shopping online is the perfect solution if you can’t resist picking up unnecessary items while browsing.
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Do your body and your budget a favour by cutting down on packaged foods, soft drinks and takeaway. Bulk fruit and veggies from local markets are generally a bargain, the local butcher is likely cheaper and discount stores offer great prices on cleaning products and toiletries that, if you compare the ingredients, are often exactly the same as big brand names.
Get better deals for household services
In terms of electricity bills, phone plans and other household services, don’t get stuck in the trap of sticking with the same old company out of ease. Call each and every service provider you use and ask for a better deal, or reach out to new ones to see what they can offer. Remember that companies want your business, so it’s very likely you’ll be successful in cutting your service costs when you shop around.
The money-saving opportunities of reconsidering where you live, buying second-hand and shopping around until you find the best prices might take time and effort at first. However, these money-saving changes have the potential to significantly boost your family’s financial health.