Sat Jan 07 2023 11:43:26 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) - QikTruck Media
These days, it can be hard for South Africans to make ends meet as the economic situation in the country becomes increasingly unstable. Rising inflation, an uncertain job market, and high taxes are just some of the challenges that many people face on a daily basis. At the same time, costs of goods, services, and consumer products seem to be shooting up everywhere. But don’t let those challenges stop you from finding ways to save money during tough times. Below are some ideas you can follow to help you keep more of your hard-earned money where it belongs.
Credit cards are convenient and can also help you save if used responsibly. Look out for cards with a lower interest rate and offers on goods and services. These can help you save on everyday expenses, especially if you always pay off your balance on or before the due date. Many credit card providers also offer rewards programmes, where you can accrue points that can be converted into discounts or free goods and services.
Shop around for specials and discounted items in regular stores as well as online sites. There are several websites in South Africa where you can purchase discount coupons for restaurants, retail stores and services. Look out for stores that offer loyalty programmes, as well as banks with client discounts. You can also sign up for newsletters that tell you about upcoming sales, specials, and discounts.
Many monthly service bills can easily be reduced if you look at the options available. It may be possible to switch to an alternative provider, or you may be able to negotiate a lower rate with your current provider. If you are taking out new insurance, check the rates of different providers and compare the coverage on offer. You can often obtain discounts if you pay your premiums annually.
It can be tempting to opt for take-out or delivery when you don’t feel like cooking, or when faced with limited kitchen facilities, but this can quickly add up. Plan ahead and make large batches of dishes that you can freeze in portions and enjoy in the days ahead. You don’t even have to cook everything from scratch. Opt for convenience foods that are available pre-cooked and just need to be reheated or popped into the microwave.
This is actually a great way to save on electricity bills. Turn off lights and electronics when not in use – this can really add up over the course of the year. The same goes for water – if you’re not actually using it, turn it off. Invest in a timer and set up automated electricity timers to turn off lights and gadgets that use electricity but aren’t in use.
Smoking and drinking can be costly habits. While they’re not just expensive, they can also be potentially dangerous to your health. There are many tools available, such as apps and stop smoking guides, that can help you quit smoking. You can also switch to lower-alcohol content drinks, or stick to a budget for whatever alcoholic beverages you choose to consume, to help you save money.
No matter how well you plan, things can always go wrong. Unexpected events can occur, and you might suddenly find yourself in need of additional money. Having an emergency fund that you can fall back on can help you avoid spending money unnecessarily. Automate your budget and have a percentage of your monthly income transferred to a dedicated savings account.
When it comes to saving money during tough times in South Africa, it is all about adapting to your situation and making the necessary adjustments to get you through. With a bit of planning, you can stay on track, with savings that will last you for the long haul.
At QikTruck we understand the various budgeting challenges that South African business owners face, particularly in times of economic difficulty. That’s why we provide an affordable and time-saving solution to freight and supply chain logistics. Our on-demand truck and driver hire services are tailored to meet your budget and operational needs, while allowing you to continue to save money and focus on your core business.
QikTruck is based on a similar idea to that of Uber – but this time, instead of cars, we offer cargo and freight transportation. We’re the perfect solution for businesses that have limited budgets but need efficient transportation of goods. Our reliable and comprehensive services are the perfect way to save on costly transportation fees.
For more information about how QikTruck can help with your budgeting goals and to get a free quote for our on-demand truck and driver hire services, please visit our website or contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you!