Tips & Tricks; Saving For Your Trip

Everyone finds it hard to save. I think humans are inherently bad at not spending their money. We spend a lot of money on things we don't need and somehow convince ourselves that we do need them.

I once read an interesting article in the Australian magazine Womankind (http://www.womankindmag.com- an amazing read!!!!) that talked about the distraction brought on by consumerism. That our consumerist society have a way of making us think we need certain material things and therefore distracting us from our main money goal and making us short sighted, ignoring our long term needs.

For example if you're saving to build a house you know that in the long term saving money is going to benefit your life because it will give you a house of your very own. However the consumerist trick plays on the fact that our brains sometimes struggle with long term goals as they are aren't immediately rewarding. If you see a new outfit or new car seat covers or something small like that, your brain automatically thinks it would give you satisfaction and make you feel good, but the feeling after you buy it doesn't last very long as you maybe wear the outfit once then get tired of it and appreciate the new car seat covers for a day and then forget they're there. When you purchase these items you might feel happy and rewarded for a fleeting moment but it doesn't give you long term happiness. Our brains sometimes can't see that if we hold out on these small, short lived bursts of "happiness" to spend our time and money on say a holiday, a new house or anything that will benefit your life in the long term, we will be more permanently happy, we just have to be patient.

So whilst there are many many many distractions that will jump out at you from every corner and turn, you must be strong if you want to have an amazing time aboard. If you want to have a break from the everyday grind and see the world, you must resist the pretty things.

So here are my top tips & tricks for saving for your trip:

1. Sell your shit:
These days we have so many different ways to sell things. You can literally put an ad on gumtree or ebay and people show an interest almost within minutes sometimes (obviously depending what you're selling). I've also seen people make Instagram accounts just to advertise clothes and jewellery and stuff they're selling with the captions as the sizes and prices of the items (not a bad idea) or you can even advertise it on Facebook because you usually have hundreds of people your age that are probably into the same sort of stuff. You can also throw an old fashioned garage sale, join in on car boot sales or even open up a small stall at your local markets one day if you have a lot of stuff you think people would be interested in buying. I would suggest if you're planning on being away for quite a long time, go through all your belongings and try to sell as much stuff as possible. Try not to be sentimental and even if you're only going for a month or so, do you still really need to keep all your old clothes or that guitar you've never even learnt to play? Don't go crazy and get rid of everything but have a good sort through and try to turn your junk into someone else's treasures.

2. Learn to say no:
Unfortunately, just because you have decided to save your hard earned cash on something worthwhile your friends may not have the same idea. Whilst your life may slow down a bit socially your friends will continue being the crazy party animals or food enthusiasts or cinema goers that they are and almost certainly, they will invite you along. Just because you're saving doesn't mean you have to become an antisocial recluse and never leave the house and turn every social outing invite down. You just have to pick and choose what you really don't want to miss out on and what really you could give a miss to save throwing away your moolah. Try and organise things that are free- meet up with your friends at the beach, walk your dogs together, have sleepovers or movie nights, invite them over for dinner and cook for them, have picnics, go WINDOW shopping (if you have strong enough will power and won't be tempted) and just think about alternative plans that won't cost you money. If you think you can resist drinking then tag along on a night out but be the designated driver so you aren't tempted (if you find being sober boring then don't go because you know you will end up spending a million dollars on drinks, tips, club entry fees, etc). Wait for that Channing Tatum movie to come out on DVD and invite everyone over to watch it.

3. Part ways with your best friend- ALCOHOL:
It's a very sad day when you know that alcohol is one of the biggest money drainers. Saving money and drinking don't really go together. No need to go cold turkey of course, but the less you drink the more you save. Try limiting yourself to say a bottle of wine or one six pack of beer per weekend, don't drink in the week, buy alcohol on sale, drink at home or take a sneaky flask out if you're desperate for an outing. If you're an avid party animal then you need to cut down and aim to only allow yourself one big night per month- IF that. Every night you choose to stay in or to not drink is an extra drinking night you can have overseas and you'll do plenty of drinking whilst you're travelling, trust me!
 


4. Be food prepared at all times:
Always make sure you've either eaten before you go out OR bring snacks with you. Never go food shopping on an empty stomach because you will buy lots of food that you not only don't need, but that are a waste of money and probably unhealthy. Pack your own snacks if you're going to the cinema. Bring packed lunches or left overs to work and lots of snacks- especially if you work near a supermarket or in food because you will definitely be tempted to buy. Try and plan your meals and make sure you're as prepared as possible so you're never in a situation where you have to buy food out- obviously you can treat yourself every now and then but be careful it doesn't become a habit.

5. Avoid shopping centres and shopping trips in general:
Shopping centres are a dangerous place when you're trying to save. They have a way of making you think you need a new everything. A new handbag? A new backpack? New shoes? A new video game? A new outfit? It's harder to stay strong when all these beautiful things are dangled in front of you and you've been good and held off for so long. Make sure if you do need to buy something, that you stay focused and only buy what you need. Don't window show, "browse" or go into any shops that aren't necessary to go in. If you get invited to go shopping with a friend or help someone find an outfit or anything along those lines, go with them but leave your wallet at home so you aren't tempted. Even tell them to restrain you. Try and think that for every clothing item, video game, handbag and price tag you ignore, is an extra activity, delicious meal, amazing experience or fun day overseas.

6. Cancel memberships that are costing you:
Since you're going away you won't need those memberships anymore. Cancel them as early as you decide to go away as every penny saved will help. If you have Austar/Sky subscriptions- cancel them and opt for watching things online or watching normal TV or DVDs. Do you really need all those channels right now? Cancel your gym membership. You can keep fit without paying hundreds of dollars for a membership. Try creating your own home workout or running schedule or walking your dog- anything that will help you keep fit whilst saving you money. If you are subscribed to monthly magazine subscriptions then cancel them too. You can go a few months without reading your favourite magazine- google online articles if you really struggle. Cancel anything else that makes you pay for membership whilst you are saving. There are things you have to sacrifice to gain rewarding experiences in the long run.

7. If you can, try public transport:
If public transport is readily available in your area and is cheaper than running a car (as it usually is) then sell your beloved vehicle and either walk, use public transport or buy a bike. Having a car gives you a lot of freedom but it also drains a lot of money from the cost of petrol, registration, insurance and even if you have to take it to a mechanic for any reason it all adds up. I think I would have saved roughly $2000 or more if I didn't have a car whilst saving, but as I lived in an area where I didn't have the option to ride a bike anywhere, catch public transport or walk, I didn't have much of a choice. I couldn't rely on my parents to drive me around all the time either as it would have been difficult and unfair on them. So if you are fortunate enough to live locally and could easily ride or walk or take the bus or train to work- then do it. Sell your car and put all the money into your savings.

8. Look into a cheap phone plan:
Phone bills really suck. However everyone needs a phone these days unless you're really not phased by them and feel like you could without (very lucky and definitely do it!). Most people live off of their data usage, connecting to wifi, texting and making phone calls, as well as having to the most up to date phone. Whilst these all cost money it isn't too hard to find a cheaper option. Ask your phone company if they have any cheaper options for you or some way you could cut down on the price of your phone bill. Pre paid phones can also be quite expensive as you're not set in paying a certain amount a month- it can run out. Do your research and look into the cheapest option to be able to use your phone as you need it.

9. Buy cheaply, budget and plan your meals:
Get yourself out of the habit of buying your favourite brands. Don't look for your favourite shampoo and conditioner brands that are $8 a bottle, don't buy the most popular ice cream brand and don't be fussy or snobbish. Homebrand and any supermarket or cheap brands are very handy and almost always are as good as the expensive brands or at least WILL DO and you can't tell the difference. Shampoo is shampoo, soap is soap, you don't need those expensive body scrubs and hair sprays either. Only buy the absolute essentials and try to buy the cheapest option. If there's a few things like healthier option meat or things like that then that's up to you to choose to spend the tiny bit extra on and is fine, but save money on the things that really don't matter like toiletries and pasta, and sauces and ice cream and things like that. Never buy food that you know you probably won't get around to eating. To avoid spending money you don't need to spend try and plan your meals for the week and write a list of ingredients. Triple check your cupboards and fridge for any of the items incase you already have things you need. Only buy things on the list and try to create a weekly or fortnightly budget.



10. Bulk cook meals and freeze them:
As well as having a meal plan, you can also cook in bulk to avoid shopping too regularly and saving money by buying more whilst not wasting food. If you aim to only shop fortnightly you can buy meats and staple foods in bulk and freeze things so they last you longer. You can cook big meals and put portions in containers to freeze so that you don't have to be cooking every night or buying new ingredients for dinner every day. You would honestly be surprised at how many foods you can freeze! Good meal ideas for this are things like lasagne, shepards pie, spaghetti bolognese, chilli, burger patties and so many more. Also try buying frozen veggies so you don't have to be buying fresh veg too often.

11. Farmers Markets:
If you want fresh produce, however, it can be hard to keep for long periods of time as fresh fruit and beg go off or rotten sooner than other foods. Farmers markets are often a lot cheaper than supermarkets and give you a range of fresh, organic products. Try and aim to set aside at least one morning a week to pop down to your local farmers markets and buy the fruit and veg portion of your meal list. Again- don't buy what you won't eat or what you don't need.


12. Pick up as many extra shifts as possible:
If your job isn't giving you the shifts you need, find a new one. Otherwise ask for extra shifts and offer to cover other employees shifts if they're unable to work. Let your employers know that you're on a mission to save money and that you are willing to take on as many hours as they can give. Try to hold off telling them you're saving to leave them until as late as possible (without inconveniencing them and leaving them short-staffed) because it usually means they will cut your shifts and try to find someone to replace you too early. Consider looking for a second job that pays in cash such as dog walking, baby sitting or even jobs that tip like waitressing, bar work, etc. Don't be too disheartened by long hours and constant shifts and try to keep your end goal in sight. Set up a daily countdown to try and keep you excited and motivated.


13. Student discounts:
If you are or were recently a student and have a valid student ID then use it and keep it on you whenever you can. So many places do cheap deals for students and there are a few websites that help you find such deals. Being a student or having a student ID definitely has its perks when travelling as well as when saving at home. Students usually get cheaper movies, cheap or free entry into places, meal discounts, discounts on books or clothing, public transport and more. Do your research and always try and take advantage of student discounts, even if you get turned down, you've got nothing to lose.

14. Charity/Thrift shops:
Charity shops seem to go in and out of fashion, they go from being gross to vintage to cool to uncool and I can honestly never keep up. But if you're planning on travelling and want to look for some cheap stuff you should always check out your local charity shops because sometimes they have really cool things and you end up finding amazing stuff. My friend and I went before our big trip and ended up finding some really nice sweater and winter wear that would usually be really expensive from normal stores as in Australia they're not really needed. You can also find really cheap travel guides and books that people were finished with, maps of the world that will inspire you and you can put up on your wall or something. There are so many little treasures and I am definitely an advocate of second hand shopping.

15. Play on your strengths and talents:
There are so many opportunities out in the world these days that you would be stupid not to try and take advantage of them. There are always little ways you can save or make a bit of extra money if you play on your strengths, skills and talents. If you're musical then look into busking, if you're arty set up an etsy account or online store to sell your artwork, if you're a writer start a blog, if you're into fashion and good at DIY start your own clothing line, if you're charismatic start a youtube channel. Try anything. If you don't make any money you've still had fun trying and who can be disappointed with that?


16. Keep a record:
Write down everything you spend. Keep a list with the items and the prices so that you can review it and see what you're wasting money on. This is also a handy tip because if you know you'll to write down what you're spending then you may be less likely to buy something useless as you know you'll regret it and hate yourself later. Try and keep a budget for each aspect of life- a budget for food, for bills, for petrol, a social outing allowance, etc. If your list goes over budget, reevaluate! This also works really well with food if you're trying to be healthy. You are usually put off eating that slice of cake if you know you have to write it down and remember it later.. but also sometimes you just eat it anyway and pretend it never happened.

17. Set up a savings account:
Go into your bank and set up a savings account that gains interest and that you can't directly draw money from. Then arrange an automatic transaction each week for a certain percentage of your earnings to go into this account. This way you will not only be putting money aside that you can't touch, but you will earning interest on it so it will build up even more. It's a good idea to keep your savings and spendings separate so that you aren't tempted. You can watch the savings grow and feel more rewarded about those long term goals. As I've said, in the long run, every penny counts.

18. Pictures for motivation:
When I first decided to go travelling I made a cork board full of Europe travelling pictures as a constant reminder and motivation that not spending money would get me where I wanted to go. I also put Europe photos as my phone back ground and was constantly looking at travel photos and at pictures of places I wanted to go. I even changed the back ground of my computer at work to travelling photos to get me through the long and very dull shifts.

19. Book your trip early:
Often if you get in early with paying and booking flights and trips and accommodation, then you almost always get the early bird discount. You can get huge chunks taken out of the initial price or you might just get 10% off (which is still better than paying full price). Aim to pay everything off and to book everything well in advance so that you save money and also so that its set in stone so you have to go and you don't have to worry about paying for the important things like places to stay, a ticket home, day trips, etc. The early bird gets the worm!


20. Move back home:
Moving out can be great and it can be fun and it can be liberating! But there is nothing and nowhere that will be cheaper than living with your parents. Usually if you help them out, maybe cook sometimes, keep your room clean, help with chores and errands, maybe pick up your little turd of a brother from school sometimes, they won't ask you to pay rent. If they do, it will be the cheapest rent you have ever paid (unless they're either evil or really struggling financially and you cost a fortune). Your parents look after you and always help you out and unless they are against you going I'm sure they would be happy to help you out with saving. Don't feel like you're moving backwards think of the end goal!

Thank you for reading as always, I hope you enjoyed these tips and tricks for saving and that they can be helpful to you! If you have any to add please feel free to leave comments here or on Facebook or tweet me! I'm enjoying writing these blog posts so much and I appreciate every person who takes time out of their day to read them!