Now, let's dive into my top hacks.

GROCERIES/SHOPPING

- When life is busy (or lately when I've been sick) I've been getting groceries delivered (I keep a list in my kitchen), so with a full belly I order - if I grocery shop hungry it's bad news!

- I keep a list of things I want to buy... for my neurodivergent brain this is important as I learnt (the hard way), that if I don't have a 'slow down' method I get overly excited by absolute rubbish I, in fact, do not need. Then I review it, it's wild how many things I laugh at and swiftly remove after the fact. Currently on the list is, a jaffle maker - tbh, I just hate shopping centres, so this has stayed on far too long out of laziness, and I curse myself every time I want a jaffle and don't have the damn machine to make it! And some fancy face cream I'm out of - despite not caring about much externally, I spend quite a bit on my skin.

- Shop once. Going multiple times always sees me spending more. I love Aldi (& stay away from the middle!) ... I buy frozen veggies, meal prep and cook once eat, at least, twice and I’m trying to eat less meat – these tips have reduced my grocery bills.

DOIN’ DEALS

- Petbarn price match - I always get them to price match everything (I usually go when it's quieter), and normally walk out with the equivalent of one thing free.

- I’ve been able to negotiate. Call your providers and ask for a better deal, internet, phone, mortgage, (some) insurances.

- I've got rid of 2 streaming services and I don't miss them at all Get rid of subscriptions you don't use. You can always trial getting rid of them for a bit and if it's too much, resubscribe.

FREEZING THIS WINTER? SAME!

- At risk of sounding like my Dad, if I'm cold (which I always am because I live in a terrace that was built when apparently, they didn't have winter!), I just put on warm socks, a jumper... then maybe a blanket or a hottie. I don't use my heater much at all. At the risk that I may have taken this too far, it's become a luxury and turning it on now is quite an exciting moment (until I get my electricity bill).

- I got a door snake from Bunnings to help seal the draught under my front door, and I have heard on the grape vine that heated throws are surprisingly efficient (if you have one let me know if they are any good!).

SWAP, BORROW & BUY SECOND-HAND (DON’T STEAL)

- Swap and borrow - This has saved me so many dollars on so many occasions over the years! If I don't have something, I first put the word out to see if anyone has one for me to either borrow off them/buy off them/ swap them for something.

- Buy second-hand - Some of my favourite clothes are pre-loved. It's better for my wallet and the planet (most of my jumpers are amazing finds from the men's section of op shops, in my experience country towns in the middle of nowhere have been gold mines!).

- Be part of local community freebie groups, you would be amazed what people are giving away for nothing (normally with minimal time to pick it up, so factor that in).

BEAUTY

- Honestly, I'm rubbish with beauty based self-care (is that what it's called)? My lovely friend, who is also my hairdresser reminds me I'm always well overdue for a cut (luckily, I don't dye my hair, so it's fairly inexpensive).

- I make it to Frida level before I remember to get my eyebrow turned into two. I put off getting my nails done as long as possible because I get so bored sitting there with my arms stuck – So, I inadvertently save money because I basically try to leave it as long as possible before I go…But in all seriousness, can you get a junior to cut your hair (I did this years ago - I figured if they mucked it up they could just keep chopping until they evened it out). Can you stretch out your appointments? Can you start doing any of it yourself?

- I have started attempting home grooms for Olive. Good for the wallet, but not for Olive’s self-esteem 😂

- I have non-negotiables. I spend a lot of money on my face. I get fancy facials every now and then and have very thirsty skin so am forever buying all manner of potions to help with that. It’s one of the very few categories in my life I spend serious cash on.

CATCH UPS

- I've pretty much banned brunch (with the odd exception) ... I realised I find little joy in eating eggs I could have made at home for a fraction of the price, normally I just wanted a catch up with a friend. So, either a coffee and sunshine sit, or a walk around a park gives me the same joy (plus I've walked the dog and got my steps up - win/win) for a fraction of the price.

-Round-robin dinners – we rotate, everyone brings something (they rarely let me on wine duties, probs because they know it will be from Aldi). It's not OTT nor elaborate or expensive. Some pasta, some vino, salad, bread and dessert... this isn't about showcasing your culinary prowess using expensive/fancy ingredients - It's about getting friends together to have a meal, a chat and some laughs. I normally walk home (yes, I know, I was born a wanderer and yes, I always message them when I'm back home safe).

So, tell me, what's worked for you?

Jess

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Obvs all of this is general advice only... especially important to note any and all of the comments above do not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any information, you should consider the appropriateness of the information provided and the nature of the relevant financial product having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs.