While the average Australian household spent around $74,301 on general living expenses in 2016, having a budget strategy in place isn’t unheard of. However, when it comes to cutting down on costs and making that budget stretch, it doesn’t have to be stressful or difficult. Whether you’re planning on adding another child to the family or trying to save up for a family vacation, there are many simple and smart ways you can make it happen.
Cutting down on extras
As a mum, you probably know all too well how easy it can be to give in to extras – such as candy, spontaneous toy purchases, and especially takeaway and eating out. These extra expenses can easily add up and cause you to go over your budget – so it’s not surprising at all that many households spend more on takeaway and restaurant dining than electricity. For that reason, cutting the extra expenses out completely or significantly reducing the amount of money you spend on them can help. One way to do this is to have everyone eat at home before you go shopping, which can eliminate the need to eat out later. You can also limit the amount
Considering alternatives
One of the best things you can do when it comes to making the budget stretch is to cut down your costs by revising your existing expenses. This can easily be achieved by switching to cheaper alternatives services you already use. For example, changing wireless internet providers to one that has a cheaper service plan (yet still offers what you’re looking for) is a great way to start, and can also be applied to entertainment services as well (Netflix, Hulu, etc.). Switching your energy provider is another good way to cut down on costs, too – in fact, Provision Power & Gas has competitive pricing along with more than two decades of experience helping their clients manage their energy costs. Overall, if you’re paying top dollar for any expense, changing to a more budget-friendly option can make a big difference.
Smart shopping
Perhaps one of the simplest things you can do as a mum trying to stay within her budget is to shop smarter. For example, creating a list before you go to the store can allow you to think about what you really need, and can prevent you from picking up unneeded items while there. Clipping coupons and watching out for sales is also another way you can dramatically reduce your costs in the grocery store as well. And, if it comes down to it, leaving the children with a babysitter while you do the shopping can be a simple fix to solve the problem of impulse-buying – not to mention allow you to focus on getting the best deals possible while you’re there.
Groceries, bills, and other expenses can add up quickly and cause you to go over your budget – which can be especially problematic if you’re trying to save your money back or stretch the budget in general. However, by shopping smart, considering alternatives, and cutting down on extra expenses, you’re sure to notice a difference in your spending in no time at all.
