Be mindful with money
Financial stress can have a major effect on the state of our wellbeing.
In today’s fast paced world it seems like there are just not enough hours in the day to do all that we want to do, and we end up impulse buying for the sake of convenience.
But don't despair! There are some practical things you can do right now to help you become more mindful with money, and to ease any stress you may feel when you think about your finances.
Weigh up the options
Ask yourself, are there cheaper alternatives out there? Could you walk or ride a bike, instead of driving a car and carrying the costs of petrol alone? Are you a texter or a caller, and does your current phone plan reflect your usage in the most effective way possible?
Scan for specials
Do you have an eye for a bargain? Buying things that are on special (and are items you actually need), as well as shopping directly from local markets or vege shops can help reduce your weekly grocery costs.
Ditch the PayWave
Did you know that contactless payments make it easier to spend large amounts of money without realising? Be more conscious of your spending by inserting your card or using cash. This adds a few seconds but helps you subconsciously connect with the purchase, remembering the amount spent. Additionally, beware of businesses adding surcharges of up to 2.5% to PayWave! This adds up and is often hard to notice until it’s too late!
Set a goal
Saving for a special event, activity, or item is a great way to help you keep your spending on track, and it's really rewarding too! Get creative and think of small ways you could make cuts in your day-to-day life, so that you can achieve your savings goal.