29 Aug 2022 | 3 mins

I think you know, deep down, the things you could probably stop buying to save your dollarydoos.

When I was saving for my gap year, I took it as far as not buying credit on my phone. I could only contact people when I was connected to wifi (free Maccas wifi was my bestie).

It's probably just safer to have credit and easier since I always had to borrow randoms phones to contact my mates. (I definitely can't do that any more thanks to ✨corona✨... no one's gonna want my grubby hands on their mobile...), but I was determined to save my dosh.

Anyway, there are a fair few things I cut out to save my dosh that are much easier. So let's get into it.

1. Books

If you're about to skip to the next point, rolling your eyes because you don't read, check yourself before you wreck yourself. Reading is hot. And guess what, it can be cheap (ebooks, audiobooks)... if not, FREE!

You may not have heard, but there are these magical places called ✨libraries✨ where every book you can imagine is there, for free (and if they don't have your desired book, you can order it in... are you KIDDING?!)

I used to buy a HECK a lot of books and whilst I dream of a jampacked bookshelf, my travelling budget just does not align with that. Compromise is key - I could still read whilst saving money.

2. Coffee

Let's say you're paying four dollars a day for a coffee, five times a week. Are you ready for this number...You would be saving $1040 a year. WHAT?!

If you're reliant on your coffee, could you invest in a coffee machine? Sure, that might seem counterintuitive as that's pretty expensive, but it'll save you bank in the long run. 🤑

I started just keeping coffee for a special occassion (which was probably good for me as well - coffee made me pretty jittery and anxious).

3. Streaming services

I have mates that are subscribed to Netflix, Stan, Binge and Disney Plus. Do you really need that many streaming services my dude? I would be overwhelmed with all those choices. 

See if you can cut down your subscriptions. If you really wanna watch a movie that your subscription does not have, just cop the four dollar Google Store or YouTube rental fee. That also brings you back to the good ol' days of Blockbuster rentals - when life was goooood.

4. Haircuts

I bought a pair of good scissors and I started cutting my hair myself. If it was dodgy, luckily for me, hair grows. I do treat myself to a haircut or two in a year but far out they're expensive. Especially for ladies! $70 for a trim? Yeah nah thanks mate! 

5. Bottled water

I mean, this gives me more of an ick because of the plastic. You're not doing your bank account any favours, as well as mother nature. Easy fix. Bring your drink bottle everywhere! That'll make you drink even more... hello ✨healthy life✨.

6. Food out

You know this. You know that you could save so much dosh if you started bringing your meal prepped stir fry or curry to work or uni instead of buying fast food. I made a pact to myself that I was only allowed to buy food out if I were meeting a friend for dinner or having brekkie with the fam. I kept food out as a special occasion in my mind and seriously, I saved sooooo much money. 

7. Clothes for an occasion

Whether it's a party with a theme or a special occasion, save your dosh by asking your friends and family for an outfit to borrow, or even rent one online or at a rental store!

Boujee dresses are the price of Jesus' tears but for my graduation, I wanted to go hard or go home... Then, genius struck and I asked my mate to borrow a dress she bought for a wedding. Boom. Saved like a bucket tonne for a dress that I would probably wear once anyway.