What Is The Best Skill That You Have Learnt to Save Money?

L[Deactivated] on 06/05/2017 - 13:31

G'day,

What Is The Best Skill That You Have Learnt to Save Money?

My friend Jono taught me how to service my car, which saves a lot of money and time.

If browsing OzBargain counts as a skill then that also saves me a lot of money. However, it also takes a lot of money to buy stuff.

I'm interested to know of other skills that fellow OzBargainers have that save them money. It could be anything from cooking your meals instead of eating out, to cutting your hair, or anything else.

Thanks for all the deals and I look forward to reading what you think.

Have a good one,
Jeric

Education & Work

Comments

  • altomic on 06/05/2017 - 15:05
    +10

    don't buy crappy sugar filled crap at the supermarket. (good for your health and good for your wallet)

    • [Deactivated] on 06/05/2017 - 15:11

      Thanks Altomic

    • ihbh on 06/05/2017 - 15:11
      +3

      Yep, stick mostly to the edges of the supermarket.

      • Pippenn2K on 07/05/2017 - 06:15
        +8

        Toilet paper and fruit

        • gwong on 07/05/2017 - 18:39

          Or don't go to the supermarket every time- just go to a fruit & veg shop with occasional trips to the supermarket.

    • jacross on 09/05/2017 - 09:41

      Yeah, buy the awesome sugar filled crap instead!

    • sn00ze on 11/05/2017 - 10:14
      -1

      but the crappy, processed sugar/salt/fat filled food is dirt cheap…

  • foxmulder on 06/05/2017 - 15:14
    +16

    I learnt on how to do my own tax, company activity statement, and recently company tax. It wasn't that hard but lots of reading on taxing.

    • [Deactivated] on 06/05/2017 - 15:21

      That is a great skill to have! Cheers Foxmulder

    • altomic on 06/05/2017 - 16:09
      +16

      it wasn't as taxing as you thought it would be?

      • Diji1 on 06/05/2017 - 17:20
        +3

        comedy gold!

        • Kangal on 08/05/2017 - 14:01

          Same tax, just shifted away from monetary to a stress/frustration instead.

  • [Deactivated] on 06/05/2017 - 15:21
    +8

    What Is The Best Skill That You Have Learnt to Save Money?

    SPEND MONEY ON USEFUL THINGS ONLY!

    • [Deactivated] on 06/05/2017 - 15:24
      +2

      Appreciate the ENTHUSIASM! haha cheers Tuzii

    • FeRGan on 07/05/2017 - 14:28
      +3

      I would add that you should sell things that you don't value or use much.

  • PJC on 06/05/2017 - 15:21
    +25

    Check the receipt before leaving a supermarket. It's good discipline and many times I have ended up with something for free. Even twice at ALDI, and their errors are rare.

    • [Deactivated] on 06/05/2017 - 15:24
      +2

      Really smart! Thanks PJC

    • PJC on 07/05/2017 - 23:04
      +1

      Member DisabledUser65922 (originally RealFamilyMan) offers numerous creative tips on saving money at https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/69388
      A consummate master of effective frugality.

      • db87 on 08/05/2017 - 06:20
        +1

        Definitely. From small to large receipts. I've been stung a few times, but due to good discipline (and basic arithmetic as said in earlier posts), I've managed to twig fairly quickly that something wasn't right.

        I'll extend on that and say in this day and age, check your bank account transactions at least once a week. An extension to that alone (which even I'm not a fan of), get a financial planner app/software package that tracks spending, etc. Laboursome until you find a good routine, but has been worth it for us, and we were already good savers.

        Just seeing what you're spending money on that you could have avoided is usually enough to prevent you doing it again in the future.

        • [Deactivated] on 08/05/2017 - 07:36

          Any software recommendations?

        • db87 on 08/05/2017 - 08:43

          @yourpalcliffy:

          Part of our broker/planner package includes a Web based software called etracker - www.etracka.com

          I'm in no way affiliated, and laboursome as it is, it is a very powerful piece of software that I've to be able to fully explore.

          Back to my point though, I can definitely say it makes a difference breaking up all of your expenses and visually being able to see them in a spreadsheet.

          The above software takes it that next step further and spits it out with expenses, income, home loan interest rate, target projections, etc etc.

        • Brainwhacker on 11/05/2017 - 07:53

          @db87: you can try pocketbook as well

  • PJC on 06/05/2017 - 15:26
    +13

    Be patient with eBay auctions. I really don't mind "losing" at auctions because eventually I get the lowest price.

    • [Deactivated] on 06/05/2017 - 15:26
      +1

      Another good call! Please keep sharing

    • Savas on 06/05/2017 - 16:35
      +1

      I only recently worked out how to revoke a bid, that's saved me lots of times.

      • PJC on 06/05/2017 - 16:41

        Be patient. There are no shortages.

      • Freighter on 07/05/2017 - 12:24
        +2

        How do you revoke a bid?

        • Savas on 07/05/2017 - 12:50

          It's been awhile, but it's something like this. Once you fill out the form its revoked instantly and no questions asked.

        • sparkles on 07/05/2017 - 22:03
          +1

          @Savas: I was of the understanding if you are a serial bid revoker, they'll eventually ban you. It can be used as a unfair tool to determine others bidders maximums.

        • Savas on 07/05/2017 - 22:27

          @sparkles: Yeah I think that's true, actually I think I've only used it twice so I wouldn't know.

    • Aussie Smurfette on 07/05/2017 - 10:17
      +6

      I use an auction sniper on EBay, enter the amount I want to pay and if I don't win, I was only willing to pay that amount anyway. And always add .01c , the amount of auctions I win by 1c is astounding.

      • db87 on 08/05/2017 - 06:22

        This! It should be in eBay 101!

        My family and friends are rookies in this area, and get caught up in the thrill of the auction.

      • ethann on 08/05/2017 - 16:26

        @Aussie Smurfette: Thanks for sharing! BTW what auction sniper did you use? I haven't used any before and happy to try this!

      • ragdollbaby on 09/05/2017 - 09:59

        Me too. But now I make it 2c to beat any other 1c-er ;)

      • ItsMeAgro on 11/05/2017 - 10:32

        Ha, fool! Your extra cent will never defeat my extra 2 cents!

        (Seriously though I get a bit carried away and tend to bid $106.67 instead of $100 to beat every chump who might cleverly bid 100.01, 100.50, 100.51, 101.01…)

  • PJC on 06/05/2017 - 15:55
    +9

    When house insurance renewal approaches get a few alternative quotes. There is no loyalty in insurance - postcode determines price - and the least you will achieve is confirmation you are with the right company for another year.

    • [Deactivated] on 06/05/2017 - 16:59
      +2

      Thanks PJC - I guess the same would apply to all kinds of insurance

      • ItsMeAgro on 11/05/2017 - 10:36
        +1

        Doubly so for green slips. Almost every year switching has been at least $50 cheaper (in the 15 years I've owned cars). It only takes minutes to fill out the gov greenslip comparison (careful, use the real .gov.au one, not the commercial one pretending to be it).

        The real moneysaver was that time I had zero points on my licence and saved over $200, though, so I guess "driving under the speed limit 100% of the time" counts as a money saving skill.

  • Diji1 on 06/05/2017 - 17:18
    +1

    Stop spending money.

    • buckerooni on 06/05/2017 - 18:58

      geeze, imagine the money you'd save if you were dead?

    • Marcsie on 06/05/2017 - 19:01

      Like stop eating ? lol

      • [Deactivated] on 07/05/2017 - 12:56

        You need to eat to live but you don't need clothes to live. Be a nudist!

  • buckerooni on 06/05/2017 - 18:57
    +15

    PJC as the right idea, insurance is a great place to play the field.

    Along the same lines the best and easiest skill I have learned is to negotiate price. Depending on the item/service I will say 'I am not prepared to spend more than $x for that'. Don't ask for 'can u give me a discount' or 'what is your best price', they will give you some pissy amount off (i.e. 5%) and you have nowhere to go. It's not about finding bargains, it's about negotiating the best price for the things you want.

    This skill applies to every part of your spending life. For the time it takes to negotiate compared to the saving, it's incredibly efficient. i.e. even a 2 min negotiation saving $5 is an hourly rate of $150 ($5 x 60/2) - pretty good and adds up over time!

    • PJC on 06/05/2017 - 20:35
      +1

      Yes, the phrase "best price" is counter-productive because it obligates the seller to defend his reply.

    • [Deactivated] on 07/05/2017 - 00:37
      +1

      Great call thanks Buckerooni! It's helpful to know how to negotiate

  • Marcsie on 06/05/2017 - 19:00
    +13

    Work heaps of overtime if available so you don't have time to spend the money :)

    • [Deactivated] on 07/05/2017 - 00:38

      Hahah thanks Marcsie! Two birds one stone :)

    • retiredfeline on 07/05/2017 - 00:40
      +5

      If married, lose all the money paying the divorce lawyer later. :)

      • Marcsie on 07/05/2017 - 13:58
        -1

        Be safe so you just marry to yourself :)

        • SeVeN11 on 07/05/2017 - 23:12

          You mean marry your right hand?

        • Marcsie on 08/05/2017 - 10:34

          @SeVeN11: or both hands, haha :)

  • Tuftsdude on 07/05/2017 - 02:35
    +4

    Budget. I.e. I'm getting $2000 this fortnight, I put $1000 in savings and DON'T touch it unless there is a medical emergency, etc and use the other $1000 by splitting it for rent, electricity, holiday money, etc.

    • [Deactivated] on 08/05/2017 - 00:02

      Cheers Tuftsdude - smart idea

  • ChillBro on 07/05/2017 - 02:39
    +4

    Saving money before discovering OzBargain - buying groceries that are on special, buying giftcards when they're discounted, keeping an eye out on eBay/Gumtree for things you need.

    Saving money after discovery OzBargain - fighting urges to purchase junk that has been posted on OzBargain.

    • [Deactivated] on 08/05/2017 - 00:02

      Haha tah ChillBro

  • Coatesy on 07/05/2017 - 03:02
    +8

    Read Mr Money Moustache

    • bl1027 on 07/05/2017 - 10:42
      +1

      Hello fellow Mustachian!

      • Coatesy on 08/05/2017 - 10:17

        I figure there must be plenty of us on here :)

        • jacross on 09/05/2017 - 14:52
          +1

          There are dozens of us! Dozens!

    • [Deactivated] on 08/05/2017 - 00:04

      Thanks Coatesy - I hadn't heard of it before

  • Tasmaniac on 07/05/2017 - 03:30
    +2

    Learning how to pimp da hoes.

  • [Deactivated] on 07/05/2017 - 05:34
    +1

    Don't buy fidget spinner, or whatever the current craze is.

  • cybapete on 07/05/2017 - 06:48
    +2

    set up a second bank account and get a certain amount paid into it automatically (in my case it's $50 a week) this is the emergency fund let it grow and DON'T TOUCH IT

    • [Deactivated] on 08/05/2017 - 00:04

      Cheers Cybapete

  • garetz on 07/05/2017 - 06:56
    +12

    Do not keep up with the jonses. It's the biggest financial mistake you can make.
    Also when buying something, ask yourself " Do i really need this", you will be surprised how often you say no not really.

    • [Deactivated] on 08/05/2017 - 00:06

      Asked myself this about the Logitech X50 today…
      Decided to just use my iPhone SE's speaker instead
      Thank you!

    • ItsMeAgro on 11/05/2017 - 10:42

      Truth.

      If you live in a major Australian city, all of the tips in this thread put together and done to the extreme won't save you a tenth of what simply buying a slightly smaller/older place or in a slightly worse suburb will save you.

      Move to somewhere fancy when your mortgage is paid off, kids, all the people who laughed will be looking pretty sober then…

      • ItsMeAgro on 11/05/2017 - 10:42

        You never know for sure, but the way things are looking renting until the bubble bursts might save you a few hundred grand too…

  • catichau on 07/05/2017 - 07:29
    +12

    I have learnt to:
    cut, colour, and pretty much do anything required to hair styles which are in fashion
    make kids birthday cakes
    do our own accounts/accounting ,and manage our money well
    grow own vegies
    cook
    shopping- pretty much only buy food which is reduced to clear, or on special
    holidays- we have approx 6 holidays a year (domestic and international) as well as many weekends away, i have learnt how and where to get last minute specials, we probably spend less on our yearly travel than most do on one trip

    hubby has learnt to:
    tile, build decks, fences, paint houses, install kitchens, bathrooms, pretty much any other home renno required
    plumber
    mechanic- most jobs he can fix. maintain vehicles
    mower repairman
    we pay for hardly anything!
    our best thing we have learnt is that google(and the library-pre-google) is your best friend, everything you ever want to learn or do is availbale at your fingertips!

    • bl1027 on 07/05/2017 - 10:41
      +3

      Agree with this!

      By changing my attitude from 'who can I pay to do this?'(outsourcing) to 'how can I do this myself?'(insourcing), I have saved a lot of money and learnt new skills.

      When I renovated my house, I was getting quotes of around $4000 to paint my house and $5000 to sand and polish floor boards. Instead, I watched a few YouTube videos and did everything myself. Yes, I made a few errors but on the whole, it turned out great. The materials and tools only cost me $1000, saving me $10,000.

    • twoface41face on 07/05/2017 - 12:08
      +3

      That's all very awesome. Can you renewal the secret of how you book your last minute holidays?

    • [Deactivated] on 07/05/2017 - 13:01
      +1

      I googled how to do electrical work and heart transplant surgery ! Last time I threw the heart from a window while being axed on my back and it worked. /s

      https://youtu.be/5otcFMIRo28

    • [Deactivated] on 08/05/2017 - 00:08

      Thanks Catichau - inspiring to see how much you can do by yourself

    • poppit88 on 08/05/2017 - 00:56
      +1

      Sooooo- how and were do you get these last minute travel deals? Please tell. Pretty please.

  • Pumpkin_rrr on 07/05/2017 - 07:29
    +2

    1) Quick drinking whisky! Trust me, I am working very hard at this.
    2) Buy good-quality secondhand stuff, rather than brandnwew shiny new low-quality stuff. Especially true for furniture.
    3) Think hard before putting things into the bins. That beautiful Japanese takeaway container becomes scone tray while preparing, glass jar turned into flower pots…
    4) Do not use disposable stuff. Terrible quality as it's so flimsy food will spill, and cost too much money. Get melanine or simply use ordinary dinner plates. Your guests will appreciate it.
    5) Get a spouse/boy/girlfriend who shares the same value!

    • PJC on 07/05/2017 - 09:22
      +4

      1) Quick drinking whisky! Trust me, I am working very hard at this.

      What speed are you aiming for?

      • Mr Haj on 09/05/2017 - 16:14
        +2

        100Mbps

    • [Deactivated] on 08/05/2017 - 00:09

      Thanks Pumpkin_rrr - will miss the whisky though

  • Freitag on 07/05/2017 - 07:53
    +8

    Contentment.

    • [Deactivated] on 08/05/2017 - 00:10

      That's very true thanks Freitag!

  • beatNeng on 07/05/2017 - 09:05
    +18

    I think food is definitely where significant savings can be made:

    • Start to compare the unit pricing of the products you frequently buy (you could make a spreadsheet). Over time I've developed a mental list of what products I tend to buy from where. Go shopping with coles/woolies tabs open on phone and compare unit pricing while at ALDI. ALDI's prices seem to adjust quite frequently even on the fresh fruit/veg staples so you don't want to get caught out.

    • Grow your own herbs. Most are very easy and low maintenance and very cost effective. I felt the most uneconomical grocery items I used to purchase were the various herbs from supermarkets. I currently have thyme, sage, basil, rosemary on the go and they're very much 'set and forget'.

    • Start to use local asian supermarket and understand the unit pricing there. Random items will probably be more expensive (coconut milk for example) however in my experience the bulk spices and sauces (often available in larger volume than regular supermarkets) are much cheaper than the limited range at coles/ww.

    • If you like buying take-away foods, challenge yourself to find a recipe and make your favourite product at home yourself. There are many food blogs that market themselves on showing you how to make take away foods from home. This is then healthier (as you know 100% what is in it) and significantly more cost effective. Examples I've done are soy-sauce fried rice, butter chicken, thai green curry (including making the green curry paste).

    Other life suggestions:

    • Watch the Netflix documentary Minimalism. Read their book 'Everything that remains'. Redefine your entire life's viewpoint on material possessions and how you define success in life. Keep only the items in your life that add value. Ask yourself before every purchase if it will add meaning/value to your life.

    • Remember that advertising is never going to provide you with a good deal/save money. Their goal is always to exploit you into spending money. Block all ads in your browser. Cut away commercial radio/TV. Advertisements are never going to locate actual good deals. That is why we have OzBargain.

    • [Deactivated] on 08/05/2017 - 00:15

      Cheers for the great post Aximus! I feel inspired to cook my own chicken wings now and embrace minimalism

  • The Wololo Wombat on 07/05/2017 - 09:19
    +14

    1: Have an attitude that says "there is always a way to get a discount on everything! Then, have the tenacity and patience to then search for ways to obtain discounts!

    2: Buy the cheapest car your ego will allow

    3: Invest your savings (I invest in properties that are <$250k)

    4: Entertainment Book

    5: Learn a little about taxation laws; they're like treasure maps!

    6: Don't project your worth/status through your material possessions

    7: Don't let your identity and happiness be linked to the things you have!

    • Oz-Bogan on 07/05/2017 - 15:35
      +6

      Shhhhhhhh! You're giving away all our secrets. If everyone does this we'll all be poorer. There's not that much money to go around.
      But I'll add one more golden rule……Don't borrow money on a depreciating asset.

      • The Wololo Wombat on 07/05/2017 - 16:17

        I have no idea why this is bold by the way!

        • Oz-Bogan on 07/05/2017 - 17:43
          +2

          I do.
          Did you cut & paste it from somewhere??

        • The Wololo Wombat on 07/05/2017 - 20:37

          @Local: Hahaha. Nope.

        • The Wololo Wombat on 07/05/2017 - 20:37

          @The Wololo Wombat: I think it automatically does it when you make a numbered list

        • ItsMeAgro on 11/05/2017 - 10:45
          +1

          I have no idea why this is bold by the way!

          Ozbargain's formatting function has a truth-detection highlighting algorithm

    • tajid on 07/05/2017 - 23:07

      Why entertainment book?

      • The Wololo Wombat on 08/05/2017 - 10:46

        25% off (or buy one get one free) at so many restaurants!

        I've also been able to double up with the Citibank Dining program and get a free bottle of wine.

        I remember I took one girl on a date, with wine, entree, mains, dessert etc at a really nice restaurant in Brisbane and it only cost me around $40 a head (would've been more like $75pp without it!) She never knewwwwww MWAHAHAHAAHAHA.

        • tajid on 08/05/2017 - 11:05
          +2

          Is she your mrs now? if not maybe she knew? hahahha

    • [Deactivated] on 08/05/2017 - 00:17
      +2

      Thanks The Wololo Wombat - good ideas. Reminds me of my first car - a $200 Holden back in the day. Super fun to drive but sadly Frankenstein is no longer with us.

  • DrDollar on 07/05/2017 - 09:33
    +3

    Buy based on need and practicality rather than wants/aesthetics.

    Budget!

    Every so often, review ongoing expenses and see if there is anything that might now be considered a bit over-priced (EG an old phone plan). See whether a better deal now exists.

    Cook your own food!

    Wait to buy tech stuff until a 20% off eBay coupon is released. Generally good deals even when the prices bump up.

    Get rid of your credit card or lower the limit so it is only ever used to get you by and be paid off before you incur interest.

    • [Deactivated] on 08/05/2017 - 00:19

      Tah DrDollar

  • OzzyOzbourne on 07/05/2017 - 10:05
    +6

    Shave my own head

    • [Deactivated] on 08/05/2017 - 00:18

      Good idea - have done this on occasion. Thanks OzzyOzbourne

      • db87 on 08/05/2017 - 06:40

        I could definitely see this saving money. Since coming into a higher paying job, I've started to treat myself every month to a fresh haircut at a not-too-cheap salon, and I'm starting to add up the costs quite a bit. If it wasn't for putting so much effort into a certain hair style, I'd happily revert to just shaving my head again. Easily a $40-80/month saving.

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