How To Save Without Ruining Your Social Life

It can be tough getting a savings account going when there are places to be, people to see, and things to do, especially when so much of your time is spent working or studying... you deserve to blow that paycheck on a night out, right?! 😮‍💨

Look. I'm not gonna sit here on my high horse telling you to save save save. Life is too short not to live largely! But it's all about balance, isn't it? ☯️ You can balance living large with having enough savings to move out, buy a new car or travel the world. So here are a few savvy hacks that'll help you save without sacrificing too much fun. 

1. Cut down on the little things ☕

Let's say you're paying four bucks a day for a coffee, five times a week. In a year, that'll cost ya $1040! Little things add up!

Maybe you could cut down on all the books you buy and join a library. Maybe you could have fewer meals out, either by bringing a packed lunch to work or uni, and inviting friends to yours for dinner instead of that fancy restaurant. 

Do you really need all those streaming services? Or those clothes you bought on another online shopping spree? Or those regular haircuts? Even just copping the half-hour walk over a $4 tram ride will save you bank in the long run. 

2. Plan your week around the discounts 📅

There are deals every which way, you just need to plan around them. For example, your fave cinema might have 'tight Tuesdays', offering discounted tickets. Your fave club might have free entries on Fridays or a bangin' happy hour. Your fave pub might have a $20 steak night on a Thursday. Your fave art gallery might have gnarly discounts for students on a certain day... 

3. Sniff out the free stuff 😏

Speaking of discounts, start getting free events on your radar. Gigs, comedy shows, karaoke nights, trivia... Hanging out and about with your mates doesn't have to cost the price of Jesus' tears.

Not to mention, free trials?! That could be an audiobook website or a streaming service. Even a gym. When I was living in Sydney, I did free trials for months and months, trying HIIT, pilates, boxing, cycling, yoga... you can read all about that here.

4. Reap the membership rewards 🌈

These can seem like a hassle at first because eek, no one likes filling out a form, but in the long run, you can save a fortune. Whether it's with a cafe, restaurant, gallery, museum, airline, cinema, or online shop... if you're a frequent customer and there's a reward system with loyalty discounts, sign up! 

A cinema I worked at had $18 tickets. If you signed up they'd be $10?!?! It's a no-brainer!

5. Have a savings goal 💸

Don't worry, this goal doesn't have to be set in stone. It can change with the circumstances. 

But having a rough goal of "Hey, I wanna save $10,000 by July" will keep your eyes on the prize. You'll become more aware of your spending and how you can limit it by... well, doing everything listed above. It'll get easier and easier cutting down on the Uber Eats, the clothes purchases, and the drinks bought on a night out (you'll just bring a flask, won't ya 😉). 

Saving doesn't mean saying no to everything and keeping your money in a safe for eternity. It just means being a little clever and creative with your dosh. 💰