What Is The Best Skill That You Have Learnt to Save Money?

L[Deactivated] on 06/05/2017 - 13:31

G'day,

What Is The Best Skill That You Have Learnt to Save Money?

My friend Jono taught me how to service my car, which saves a lot of money and time.

If browsing OzBargain counts as a skill then that also saves me a lot of money. However, it also takes a lot of money to buy stuff.

I'm interested to know of other skills that fellow OzBargainers have that save them money. It could be anything from cooking your meals instead of eating out, to cutting your hair, or anything else.

Thanks for all the deals and I look forward to reading what you think.

Have a good one,
Jeric

Education & Work

Comments

  • jhmtaylor on 07/05/2017 - 10:31
    +2

    Learn't how to read and understand;

    1) An annual report and perform basic fundamental analysis.
    2)Insurance policies.

    The above is easier than most people think it is. It is just that there are much more interesting things to do, which is why most people don't do it.

    • KLoNe on 07/05/2017 - 11:46

      The above is easier than most people think it is. It is just that there are much more interesting things to do, which is why most people don't do it.

      Except most people will just watch the same Netflix episodes they've seen 4 times before instead.

    • [Deactivated] on 08/05/2017 - 00:21

      Thanks jhmtaylor! I don't really know what that means but will have to find out

  • Ryanek on 07/05/2017 - 11:30
    +15

    A low maintenance wife.

    • ozbjunkie on 07/05/2017 - 13:15
      +1

      Or no wife and kids at all!

      The amount of money you save… You don't even need to save money it happens by default.

      • FeRGan on 07/05/2017 - 14:37
        +2

        My finger is hovering over the plus button…

        • ozbjunkie on 08/05/2017 - 09:20

          And here I was expecting the new comment was someone proselytising the virtues of being a real man…

          Maybe I should work on my negative expectations.

          Hovering because you have a wife and she might see your plus?

      • MessyG on 08/05/2017 - 13:11
        +2

        Unless you get a high earning wife…combined income ftw.

    • [Deactivated] on 08/05/2017 - 00:22

      Hahah smart Ryanek! Thank you

  • [Deactivated] on 07/05/2017 - 12:24
    +8

    Impulse control. Recognizing irrational behavior. Why do I desire this product, jealousy? need to belong? childhood desire? somebody told me it was good? genuine need, a couple of times, or a regular need? Will it improve my life, if yes, by how much and are there any alternatives or is it worth the cost?

    Start doing these calculations before you purchase anything. After awhile it will become second nature and replace most of your split second irrational compulsions. You'll find it easier and easier to distance yourself from the emotional end of purchasing.

    We are great at deceiving ourselves and companies/sales people know that. If you can distance yourself emotional, you also avoid things like signing-up-for-a-donation-program just because you feel bad. Or refusing to walk away from a bad deal just because the person seemed nice.

    It is okay to feed our irrational urges sometimes, just be aware each time you are doing it, and fully savor the outcome.

    • [Deactivated] on 08/05/2017 - 00:23

      Wise words thanks Lolbbq

  • Excelsior on 07/05/2017 - 13:02
    +1

    Practising abstinence and not get sucked into trying to imitate the "high life" (wants vs needs).

    • [Deactivated] on 08/05/2017 - 00:23

      Thanks excelsior

  • [Deactivated] on 07/05/2017 - 14:53
    +14

    Quantify everything you buy into hours of your life. Eg. If you earn $25 an hour, is that $100 product worth 4 hours of your life at work? Works for me.

    • Inflow on 07/05/2017 - 20:41

      Sadly I do this.

      • AlienC on 08/05/2017 - 12:41

        Don't do it too hard or too much you can go blind.

    • [Deactivated] on 08/05/2017 - 00:24

      Thanks Taylorn8r

    • montorola on 08/05/2017 - 11:27

      That's actually a really great way of looking at it, thanks mate!

    • retiredfeline on 08/05/2017 - 11:38
      +1

      Right, that's it Rover, no more walkies for you. :)

  • Ragnarok1983 on 07/05/2017 - 15:08

    Dont buy shit that you dont really need.

    • Tasmaniac on 09/05/2017 - 02:20

      Pure poetry.

  • geoffellis on 07/05/2017 - 16:18
    +2

    Go to local markets. fraction of the cost of places like coles and woolies.

    I go to the wholesale markets locally. Last week for example I picked up 20kg of washed white potatoes for 5$. I got 20kg of brown onions for 14$ a few months ago. I regularly buy 10kg of tomatoes for as low as 5-8$.

    For like 10$ total I can make enough spaghetti sauce for like 10 meals. And i'm not a small guy with a light appetite lol. But ya. It's crazy what some of the deals you can get are. Especially near the end of the day as many (in my experience) tend to start reducing the prices to get rid of as much as possible so they don't have to pack it up and take it with them.

    • F1Maniac on 07/05/2017 - 18:26

      Where do you store them? This is something we stopped doing coz it goes bad before we can use when we buy in bulk. Even onion and potatoes

      Is there a separate fridge or something ?

      • geoffellis on 08/05/2017 - 10:12

        Cool/dark dry place. Another fridge would probably work.

        I don't necessarily get to use EVERYTHING I buy unfortunately. But 5$ will get you what, maybe 1-2kg of potatoes at the supermarket? That's a couple of meals? That same 5$ got me 20kg the other day. I gave 10kg to one of my coworkers, and that 10kg will likely last for at least 6-8 weeks in the current weather. During the summer months maybe less. Same with the onions. They'll usually last about 6-8 weeks. I don't always buy 20kg, but they also have 10kg bags i've bought for as low as 5$. Mushrooms at woolies are usually about 10$/kg in woolies. I can buy 5kg of mushrooms for around 10$. They're not the prettiest, rain spots and stuff on them, but i can chop em up and toss them in the freezer and they'll last for ages for things like spaghetti sauce.

        But whether or not i use it all, or give some away, i'm always making out better in the long run than shopping at like coles/woolies/aldi/etc

        • patthecat on 07/07/2017 - 21:26

          You can chop and freeze onions.

    • [Deactivated] on 08/05/2017 - 00:25

      Thanks Geofellis! I tend to get super hungry so that sounds great!

    • poppit88 on 08/05/2017 - 01:01
      +1

      OMG - that is so cheap! Which markets are these?

      • geoffellis on 08/05/2017 - 10:18
        +4

        I live in Brisbane, and shop at either the Wholesale Brisbane Marketplace on their public open hours on Thurs/Fri mornings, or I go to the Rocklea markets across the street on Saturday mornings. Theres a couple of stalls that on slow days or near the end tend to reduce things to like 50% off. I mean the prices are still better than woolies and what not on an average day. But i've seen bananas for like, 0.50$/kg, tomatoes for 0.50$/kg, etc when they do half off. all perfectly good stuff to. I think i got a full rockmellon for something like 1$ last week.

        • poppit88 on 08/05/2017 - 18:17

          You haven't helped my cause. I'm not in Brisbane….. But I really wish I was with those prices….

        • geoffellis on 08/05/2017 - 20:24

          @poppit88:

          Brisbane has a bunch of farmers markets and what not. It would surprise me if other cities didn't have any…

  • matt_will_fix_it on 07/05/2017 - 16:33
    +2

    Leave your wallet at home. It stops impulse purchases.

    • F1Maniac on 07/05/2017 - 18:23

      Not with commbank u can use your phone :(

      • matt_will_fix_it on 07/05/2017 - 18:27
        +1

        Leave that at home then too​.

        • iridiumstem on 07/05/2017 - 19:21
          +6

          That's why I don't leave home… then I found Ozbargain and online shopping :(

  • Mummy2 on 07/05/2017 - 16:38
    +2

    I'm glad I learned to ride a bicycle when I was a kid. Cycling places I needed to go to saved me heaps of money and time before I had a car. Cycling still saves me money, and sometimes time, now that I can use a car to go places.

  • Buyme on 07/05/2017 - 16:46
    +2

    Shop around for gas and electricity deals every 3 months. I pimp my bum out to anyone who is cheaper and or providing gift cards for switching suppliers. In VIC, there are no cancellations fees… I generally use iselect.

    I get a better deal at least twice a year. Can't imagine what I would be paying if I hadn't been doing this for the last 3 years!

  • Claggs on 07/05/2017 - 17:47

    I think that knowing when to spend a lot of money is something important.
    For example, something some people might be thinking about this time of year - buying a more expensive heater that is more energy efficient vs the cheapest least efficient one. The more expensive one is likely to last longer, and cost you less in the long run.

    • F1Maniac on 07/05/2017 - 18:24
      +2

      Second that… Buy cheap by buy twice.

  • gwong on 07/05/2017 - 18:42
    +1

    Did anyone say their tertiary degree yet? I'd say that plus not needing a brand new house/car/boat/depreciating asset every few years. All the rest is improving life around the edges.

  • Rhianna7 on 07/05/2017 - 20:04
    +1

    Learning to sew buttons back on clothes and stitching up holes in clothing items to extend their life and save on repair costs.

    Learning to hand-wash delicate clothing items to avoid taking them to the dry-cleaners.

    Washing my own car to avoid paying for it to be washed - admittedly, professionals will do a better job, and it doesn't get done as often as it should.

  • Rhianna7 on 07/05/2017 - 20:05
    +1

    Also, learning to download magazines to ipad/phone from the library to read instead of buying hard copies.

  • [Deactivated] on 07/05/2017 - 20:30
    +2

    Buy swap sell pages for furniture. The difference for a single rooms furniture is easily in the thousands… Yeah, it's second hand, but browse around a little and you can get some really neat furniture. It's not an everyday expense, but anytime you do need furniture it will save you thousands.

    For everyday stuff, being smart about food and drinks is my main tip. Learn some easy meals you can cook up whenever, my rule of thumb is around $10-15 maximum for a family of 4. If it's a more fancy meal it may cost more, but that shouldn't be an everyday thing if you're trying to save.
    The other big killer is drinks, it's easy to spend $50-100+/week on drinks if you're buying soft drink cans for a family. Stock the fridge with 1 or 2 bottles of soft drink and a ton of water instead. Even if you have to buy a few 10L spring water packs, still a huge saving. If they're younger kids you may have to buy some cordial, but that's cheap anyway.

    Other than that it's all basically an individual thing, just monitor where your money's actually going and make changes as required.

  • Maxdax on 07/05/2017 - 20:45

    "Nothing haunts you more than the things you don't buy", especially if they are on Ozbargain!

    • Diji1 on 08/05/2017 - 10:51
      +1

      More like nothing haunts you more than seeing that item you bought last week for less …

  • dufflover on 07/05/2017 - 22:46
    +1

    The easiest savings methods for me would be:
    - basic home DIY skills that avoid tradies (albeit within limits ofcourse as per my licensed sparky thread)
    - buying stuff online; I know we talk about local jobs and stuff but I mean things marked up here isn't even made in Australia in the first place (like for me, electronics parts)
    - when food shopping, mini bulk buying stuff if it's non-perishable or freezable when it's on some sort of special, they usually rotate through enough to cover for variety

    The biggest one for me which may be not so much a skill, but a learnt lesson, is realising that daily costs like food and transport costs a lot of money. And I don't just mean eating out at overpriced pretentious Master Chef wannabe restaurants, but even meals at home can add up to a bit. And the little savings that can add up quick: e.g. if I get a lift to close to home from a work colleague, that's $3 trip right there. Making my coffees instead of buying every day, $18 a week and by now I've covered the cost of the machine.

    • Scorpex on 07/05/2017 - 23:49

      Basic home DIY skills that avoid tradies - I absolutely agree. I have probably saved 30-50K in the last 12 months between my partner's place and mine with stuff that I can do - carpentry, painting, guttering, landscaping etc. And yes - lawn mowing. I also second an earlier comment about researching on the net - I did this just today to fix a sliding door, saving another call out and fat fee.

  • AMLagonda on 07/05/2017 - 23:06
    +2

    Dont Smoke and drink Alcohol.

    • jv on 08/05/2017 - 00:53
      +11

      and drink Alcohol.

      How is drinking alcohol saving you money ???

      • Shiny Mew on 10/05/2017 - 11:23

        I think 'drink alcohol' is operating as a dependent clause here, given the omission of a comma. However, he should have used the conjunction 'or', as his instruction does not rule out smoking without drinking or drinking without smoking!

      • retiredfeline on 10/05/2017 - 12:06
        +1

        As long as you don't smoke and follow immediately with an alcoholic drink it'll be ok.

        • wtfnodeal on 11/05/2017 - 21:57

          Thanks for the laughs

    • Diji1 on 08/05/2017 - 10:52

      You could just say don't do drugs.

  • amrdeus on 07/05/2017 - 23:37
    +1

    You might already do this, and this sounds crazy obvious but "Spend less money".

    After realising I was a hoarder, I stopped buying things I don't need or use. No toys, collectables, gimmicks, dvds, books all of that stuff. Might not work for everyone but works quite well for me.

    • jv on 08/05/2017 - 00:54
      +1

      but "Spend less money"

      You should write a book…

  • GreatTurkey on 08/05/2017 - 00:16
    +4

    Try finding out if any local hairdressers or barbers have apprentices who need models to practice on, this is usually a great way to get a free cut/style/colour. Hairdressing Schools also usually offer free or cheap cuts.

    Buy clothes from second hand stores - There are some great stores in wealthy suburbs that stock clothes with designer labels (even still with the tags!)

    Unless it works better for your circumstance, buy kids school laptops second hand. If it's cheap enough, its a better deal then buying a brand new machine with warranty, even if you have to buy a new second hand laptop in a couple years. It's usually better to buy a decent device second hand then a cheap laptop new.

    Check out the local Kerbside collections/ throw-outs'/ council pickups. You can find some great stuff on those.

    When going out, instead of buying takeaway, go into a supermarket (if there is one available) and buy your food there. Some grocery stores sell buns individually, and I often buy the ingredients from the deli and make up a burger for about 80c. And it tastes way better too. You can always snack on fruit as another option.

    Also, most libraries have a service for downloading music for free. Most states seem to use Freegal.

    As a side note - There are also benefits for low income earners (free eye test and glasses every two years, energy rebate, free dentist work at dental clinics where students train etc.)

  • Freshie on 08/05/2017 - 02:44
    +3

    finding the cheapest price for items online rather than just buying what you need based on minimal research
    preparing food for work/uni rather than buying food.
    Have no social life + drink enough at home/pre's to not need to buy any drinks the two times i go out every year lol

  • Mumbles on 08/05/2017 - 04:20
    +1
    • Basic plumbing (fix leaking taps, toilet flushing problems, unclog sinks with plunger/drain cleaner, change shower head fitting).
    • Replace door locks (requires a low cost investment in electric drill and $10 worth of drill pieces).

    My favourite skill is improving driving skill which saves money via:
    - lower number of accidents/insurance claims.
    - doubling the longevity of the car. (eg. driving more carefully on cold starts).
    - 10% saving on fuel costs. As well as on consumables such as tyres and brakes.
    - not needing to spend on expensive sports cars. $2000 spent on driver training will always produce faster lap times than an untrained driver in a car with $2000 of modifications.

  • vietken89 on 08/05/2017 - 05:59
    +3

    Go for needs rather wants
    dine out once a week
    movie once every 2months
    keep engine rev to efficient level
    work as much overtime, do night shift so by the time i wake up everything is practically closed
    buy a 6 pack, game on the console/sport on tv at home are cheaper then going to crown or pub
    found a country club, pay annual fee to get access to their pool/snooker tables for the year ($35/year) better then paying 10/hr
    before buying something of value, look up ozbargain or ask here/whirlpool

  • [Deactivated] on 08/05/2017 - 09:06
    +1

    go halves on the internet with your next door neighbor

    • dylanando on 25/05/2017 - 21:29

      Now this is brilliant.

  • duchy on 08/05/2017 - 09:10
    +1

    I learnt how to earn money…

  • dinkyfish on 08/05/2017 - 09:41

    cutting own hair, cutting dog's hair.

  • spiffycashew on 08/05/2017 - 09:55
    +1

    Cutting my own hair is one. I've learned to fade my own hair so people are super surprised when I tell them this.
    I've also learned to sew. Picked up a cheap but respectable sewing machine, I get clothes from Salvos/Vinnies. For example I'd get work shirts slightly oversized. I slim down the arms and body area to fit me and ends up looking like a well fitted shirt. Same for pants.

    • montorola on 08/05/2017 - 11:59

      Jeez I dunno how you can cut your own hair, that's awesome!

      I've contemplated it, but I don't know how I'd fare with cutting the back of my hair, that seems to be the hardest bit.

    • catbug on 09/05/2017 - 09:26
      +1

      How didn't you learn to sew? I did a class a few years ago and was pretty useless at it so haven't tried since but would be keen to give it another try

  • dsgfh on 08/05/2017 - 10:00
    +1

    Roasting my own "specialty" coffee. I built my own roaster with a pasta pot, a heat gun, a small motor & various odds & sods to constantly stir the beans (cost $200 all up). I buy my beans from coffeesnobs, usually for around $12-15 per kg, which gives me a bit over 800g roasted. Compared to the $45-60 per kg I was paying for good roasted beans (& they cost even more now) from specialty coffee places in Melbourne, and given we go through over 500g a week, I've come out on top many times over.

    Also, if you're still buying a couple of coffees a day ($4 per coffee, $56 per week, $2912 per year), you can pay off a really nice espresso machine & grinder combo in the cost difference in a year, then save for the next 10. I drink 4 a day give or take :-/

    Warning, roasting delicious coffee at home will cause your coffee consumption to go up.

    • dinkyfish on 08/05/2017 - 10:17
      +1

      I use an old breadmaker and heat gun for my coffee roasting….

      • dsgfh on 08/05/2017 - 11:08

        Also an excellent option.

    • Diji1 on 08/05/2017 - 10:55
      +1

      Just think how much you'd save if you stopped drinking the addictive drug you're making!

      • dsgfh on 08/05/2017 - 11:07
        +1

        Indeed, I could save a fortune on food if I switched to a diet of bread & water… but life wouldn't be worth living.

  • Zondor on 08/05/2017 - 10:33
    +2

    Learning how to say NO to yourself.

  • mhs m0nk3y on 08/05/2017 - 10:46

    Learning to buy what you need, and not what you want.

    Difficult, but it can be done

  • montorola on 08/05/2017 - 11:20
    +1

    Doing my own car oil changes and general maintenance. Why pay the stealership $$$ when you can do it yourself at a fraction of the price? Plus you know exactly what quality of parts/oil you put in your car.

    Stock up on the supercheap 20% off sales and you're sorted for the next few oil changes yourself!

    • PJC on 08/05/2017 - 11:46

      Superb advice but I lack the confidence.

      • montorola on 08/05/2017 - 11:54
        +2

        We all did once.

        I learnt from watching youtube videos, if I can do it, you can too!

  • thriftybunny on 08/05/2017 - 11:39

    Research before you spend - especially if it's a big spend - so that you'll get the best quality for the money you are spending.
    Oh and don't pay full price for things unless you have to.

  • qwertyaz on 08/05/2017 - 11:45
    +14

    Masturbation = no need gf/bf = save tons

    • boomramada on 09/05/2017 - 14:17

      but you still need NBN? ;)

  • The General on 08/05/2017 - 12:30

    Enjoy instant coffee. No need to pay for coffee when there is Nescafe and water at work.

    • dylanando on 25/05/2017 - 21:31

      This is me, Fortunately I can also eat free at work to. Being single I hardly pay for food. Nescafe is nasty though :/ (But its Free)

    • baldur on 26/05/2017 - 18:33

      it is not enjoyable but maybe being free might be worth the taste

  • AlienC on 08/05/2017 - 12:38

    Don't drop the soap.

  • Bunnyburger on 08/05/2017 - 12:51
    +3

    Cooking and home and cooking in bulk!

    I recommend the CIA's guide to Batch Cookery and Modernist Cuisine at Home to cultivate an affordable hobby.

    • [Deactivated] on 09/05/2017 - 10:10

      I initially read that as the Central Intelligence Agency's Guide to Batch Cookery…!!!

      • Bunnyburger on 09/05/2017 - 13:10

        Hahaha you're not the first, people have been known to mistakenly protest at their school grounds!

  • MrLeE on 08/05/2017 - 12:56
    +4

    Quitting soft drinks and alcohol.

    Water is so much more healthier and it has saved me tons of cash.

  • MessyG on 08/05/2017 - 13:17
    +7

    Here's mine (although I'm no saint in this regard):

    1. Read The Barefoot Investor - solid advice that rescued me from my 20s.
    2. Get a vege box or fruit/veg box delivered, a lot cheaper than the supermarket because it's in season. Batch cook it all up and you've got lunches and dinners sorted for the week or the fortnight. I buy them once a fortnight.
    3. Make a cake once a week, cut it up and freeze it - nuke in the microwave for 40-60 seconds. Cuts down on buying expensive crap when you want sugar.
    4. Find your local Savers and get kids toys from there, as well as cooking utensils, furniture, board games etc.

    Great thread, I think admin should collate it all into an ebook.

    • [Deactivated] on 08/05/2017 - 13:31
      +3

      Thanks MissG! I like the ebook idea - thinking I'd like to keep a copy of it all

    • baldur on 09/05/2017 - 19:58

      what is a vege box? and what do you cook generally? do you use a cooker or just with a sauce pan? and how do you keep them? in the fridge or in the freezer?

      • MessyG on 09/05/2017 - 21:11
        +1

        It's a big box of seasonal vegetables delivered to your house - usually by a local supplier. It just depends what's in it that dictates what I cooked. This week it was tons of spinach and silverbeet so I made a giant spanakopita, there was a cabbage so cabbage and bacon soup, pumpkin fries with the pumpkin and there's some cobs of corn so I just microwave those and serve em up. There was lettuce and radishes so that becomes salad. You do have to be a bit creative and rely heavily on google for recipes or some big cookbooks. I just use whatever the recipes need, saucepan, baking dish, I probably have too many cooking implements! They all get stored in the fridge, then I cook most of it up and freeze it for dinners/lunches for the following week. So one week I'll eat pretty fresh and the next I'll eat reheated stuff that I cooked. It's not perfect, there is some waste and if we have a bad week with work and/or kids then it all falls down a bit but for the most part it works pretty well. It's fun too, it's a bit Iron Chef here sometimes.

        • baldur on 09/05/2017 - 21:29

          thank you for the answer.

  • [Deactivated] on 08/05/2017 - 13:32
    +5

    Hey everyone,

    Thanks for all the ideas and feedback! Super helpful and I'm sorry I don't have time to respond to everyone individually now, but thanks for sharing ideas to help us all out.

    Cheers,
    Jeric

  • plebio on 08/05/2017 - 14:10
    +1

    Buying one expensive item of high quality which will last longer than multiple cheaper items which end up costing more. E.g. a good pair of boots will last a decade, a cheap pair maybe 2 years.

  • [Deactivated] on 08/05/2017 - 14:30

    Dont think of how I'm saving money, think how I can earn more and more?

  • Munki on 08/05/2017 - 14:36
    +2

    Being able to stay away from this website. Who am I kidding? I'm a weak man.

    • PJC on 08/05/2017 - 16:14

      Do you really think there is a way to do that?

      • Munki on 08/05/2017 - 18:09
        +3

        I imagine it'd be like unplugging from the matrix…

        • PJC on 08/05/2017 - 18:10

          No, I can't do that.

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