Frugal tips for living with Inflation
If you are in Australia right now you will know that we are struggling through a massive inflation. Mortgages, rent, groceries and fuel is at an all time high. the major supermarkets are capitalising on this and driving prices up. But we do have options for saving money and still living a comfortable life. Not only now but into the future to prepare ourselves to weather future climates.
Future proof your life
Future proofing isn't about stock piling or prepping. It's about looking at what you can change about your life and lifestyle now that will save you money and time later.
- Collect and store - Install rain water tanks to collect and store water for use on the garden to prevent reliance on the grid if there is a drought. If you own your own home put rain water tanks in to store water for your home too. If you don't already have solar panels many states in Australia offer substantial rebates in getting it installed. Add a battery to store and use energy at night and over winter when there is less sun. This will save you a fortune on electricity bills which is more money in your pocket.
- Grow - Even small gardens and homes can grow their own foods. Lettuce and herbs can be grown on a windowsill, pots can be used on balconys' and in rentals. My current home only has a small courtyard but I can grow an abundance of produce saving me money and stopping me from being reliant on the supermarkets and their fluctuating prices.
- Freeze and store - We know that buying in bulk saves money but having an abundance in spring and summer is common. Freeze or can your produce to use it over the leaner months. Buying produce when it is in season it will be far cheaper than trying to buy out of season. I buy oranges in Winter and make them into marmalade and cordials then store them for the summer when they will be far more expensive. The same with berrys and mangoes. Any sauces or dry goods that I don't use all of, I freeze into cubes for use in another recipe or store in jars for later use. These things only take a moment and can save money and resources in the long run.
Buy now and save later
You know that Christmas happens. We know birthdays will come around. Why wait until a month before to get gifts? After Christmas and during the year there are numerous sales which can be 50%-85% off. Buy gifts, wrap, candles, all of this in advance and store until they are needed. Because when the time rolls around you wont have to accept what ever price they are.
This applies to groceries too. If something that you use often or you know you will use is on sale at a good price then buy several. Cleaners, tinned foods, shampoo etc all of these you know you will need again but waiting until you are out means you will need to pay the ticket price, buying several when they are 50% off or better saves money in the long run.
What about clothes? At the end of the season clothes run out the door for just a few dollars. Buy them one size up for children and store for the next year. This is especially great for shoes which can be expensive. I got three pairs in progressively larger sizes for just $2 each at a sale. I know they will be used so why not get them?
Network and share the love
Do you know how to bake bread? It can cost just cents to do so but it is just as easy to bake 4 loaves as one. Can you trade these for something from a friend or neighbour? Maybe exchange bread for a lift to work each morning saving you on fuel costs. Or ask a friend if you can park in their driveway which is closer to your office meaning you don't have to pay for parking and can walk or bike the rest of the way.
There are a number of fuel watch apps that can tell you exactly what fuel costs in your area. In my small area this can fluctuate up to 10c a litre from petrol station to petrol station. Costco does cost $60 to join but they have fuel for about 20c a litre cheaper than any where else and considering this can save $10 a tank at the moment its a fair price to use for the year. But also ask around, does a friend have cheaper fuel in their area, or have they spotted a sale on an item you had your eye on? Do they have that lawn mower you needed and can borrow?
My local area has a tool library. For $20 a year I have unlimited access to tools, kitchen machines and pans, event equipment you name it they probably have it. This means that I never have to buy these things. I can use them to do the job then return them saving me space in my home and a ton of money!
