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How do you cut the cost of living?

The latest news from Cafestudy

Posted by: Caféstudy

7th May 2014 02:58pm

With the budget looming and the high chance that we will have less money than before, how will you cut your everyday spending?

We asked you what you thought, and received an interesting response. Instead of making outright cuts, you will look for cheaper ways of buying the same things. Modifying instead of changing your shopping habits and finding creative ways to keep the same lifestyle. In other words, smart shopping. In the words of Hartmut; “you do not have to cut out anything, only modify your actions to save.”

Examples of smart shopping and creative cutbacks given by you include obvious changes such as taking advantage of specials and buying in bulk, but also saving through less obvious ways, for example, Janine, who works out the best day and time to shop at supermarkets in order to take advantage of reduced prices at certain times. “Be aware of the cycle and you can really save,” she advises.

Other ideas include choosing to shop at Aldi, or shopping around at local shops or markets, and buying cheaper brands where possible. More specific advice from SStC - “meeting friends out for a coffee, have it at each other’s homes instead.” Shop around for things like car and home insurance. Continue to eat out once a week, but choose cheaper deals or weeknight offers instead. It is clear that you would prefer to spend more time and effort in achieving the same lifestyle and buying the same things, than make actual cuts.

Some of you clearly see a silver lining in the budget cloud and say you would turn a drop in income into an opportunity to reap health benefits, for example by stopping smoking or cutting down on alcohol. Margie declares “I intend to cut my intake of wine to save money. Also my health will probably benefit as well.” A few of you with adult children still at home talked about charging them rent and insisting they start contributing to household expenses.

In summary, according to you, being faced with the prospect of cutting your spending does not mean cutting anything out. It just means adapting to the circumstances and shopping smarter.

aunni
  • 3rd Jun 2014 10:17pm

NEED TO STOP WASTING FOOD AND BUY NON BRANDED STUFF INSTEAD OF BRANDED TO WEAR NORMALLY AT HOME


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