Times have been tough for the South African people recently, with people all over the country struggling to make ends meet.
Fortunately, there are ways to trim spending and save money, making it easier for families to stay afloat. Here are five ways to make the most of what you have and keep money in your pocket even during tough times.
1. Trim Your Utility Payments
One of the first places to look for savings is your monthly utility payments. Some of the easiest ways to reduce costs are simple changes that aren’t difficult or time-consuming. Consider setting air conditioners to 82 or higher during the warm summer months and 68 or lower during the cool winter months. Shifting the setting by just a few degrees can make a big difference over the course of the year. Unplugging appliances when not in use, and turning off the lights when you leave a room for even a short period of time can also add up to better savings.
2. Cut Back On Groceries & Cook at Home
Limiting restaurant meals is one of the quickest ways to reduce spending. Eating out is typically more expensive and less healthy than the meals you can make at home, so aim to prepare meals in your own kitchen as often as possible. For tips on becoming a successful home chef, try reading this article from Goodhousekeeping.
If possible, plan meals for the week ahead and make a list for grocery shopping. Opt for store-brand items and use coupons, if available. Meal prepping can also come in handy and save you time and money in the long run.
3. Track Your Spending Habits
Are you spending more than you’d like to? How much is your car insurance costing you? When was the last time you reviewed your bills? Becoming aware of your spending habits and understanding where your money goes each month is key to saving money.
One of the most effective ways to keep track of what you're spending is budgeting. To get started, try downloading a budgeting app such as MoneySmart's budget planner.
4. Sell Unused Items & Carefully Compare Prices
Do you have items stashed away in your closet that you don’t use or need anymore? If so, you could sell them online or at a local flea market for a nice little extra cash flow.
When purchasing new items, be sure to compare prices before you buy. Also be sure to look for coupons, coupons codes, and rebate programs that can help you reduce the cost of your purchases even further. Similarly, it is also a good idea to investigate online stores for lower prices.
5. Save on Transportation
If you are looking to save on your daily transportation costs, check out discounted online car rental services or look for carpooling options with your neighbors and colleagues. You may also want to consider cycling or walking when possible, as these are good for your health and wallet. The money you save by using less fuel can really add up over the course of the year.
QikTruck: Goods Transportation Savings
Savings on goods transportation costs is an essential part of managing finances in tough times. With QikTruck, South African entrepreneurs can save big on the cost of transporting goods. There’s no need to hire full-time staff or worry about the expenses that come with it. QikTruck offers short-term delivery solutions with transparent pricing, giving customers the freedom to choose the best option for their budget.
Whether you need to move a single item or a full truckload, QikTruck is the perfect solution for entrepreneurs looking for cost effective transportation solutions. With their efficient and reliable drivers and up-to-date tracking technology, you can always be sure your consignment gets to its destination on time.
In this time of economic uncertainty, finding those areas in which to trim costs is essential. By following the tips in this article, and investing in billing savings solutions such as QikTruck, South African households can have the resources they need to take action and make the most of their financial resources.