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Matchmaking mobiles

Looking for a partner? Taking the first step towards getting married could be as easy as picking up a cellphone.

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Regular price hikes are a scary reality, so follow these practical tips and save money on a daily basis.
Article: Shamilah Petersen from Ideas
Image: Getty Images
Adding to your wardrobe
  • Buy versatile items, such as tops and trousers that can be mixed and matched into different outfits.

  • Change the look of plain outfits with accessories such as jewellery and scarves.

  • Try buying clothes a season ahead. For instance, buy summer clothes at the sales at the beginning of autumn.

    Shopping for shoes

  • Try cutting down on shoe shopping by looking after your existing shoes well.

  • If you regularly wear high-heeled shoes, change into flats when driving, to prevent the heels from breaking or getting damaged.

  • Wear sports shoes when walking long distances. If necessary, change into a smarter pair once you've reached your destination.

  • If you're a real 'shoe-aholic', try saving in other areas in order to accommodate your shoe purchases. For example, eat out less often and rely on the library for books and films.

    Gifts and cards

  • Buy items such as bath products or soap on sale and use them as gifts throughout the year.

  • Give homemade biscuits as gifts.

  • Give pot plants as gifts instead of flowers. They are less expensive and last much longer.

  • Make your own gift wrap by decorating a roll of plain drawing paper. Use the cartoon section of newspapers to wrap gifts for children.

  • Make your own greeting cards.

    Drinks after work

  • Find out when bars and restaurants have 'happy hour' when drinks are offered at reduced prices.

  • Look out for drinks specials.

  • Buy a bottle of your favourite drink and enjoy it at home with friends.

    Eating out

  • Before you order, take note of the daily specials.

  • Find out if there are any 'kiddies' nights' when children, usually under the age of 12, can eat for free or at a reduced price.

  • Look out for new restaurants, which often have specials to entice new customers.

    Lunch on the go Pack lunch at home instead of going out to buy lunch every day. Leftovers can easily be packed in for work the next day, and with many offices having a microwave oven, you can even enjoy a hot lunch. Instead of buying mineral water, cooldrinks or juice, rather fill a bottle at home and take it with you.

    Snacks Buy sweets and snacks in bulk or when they're on sale at the supermarket, and try to avoid using vending machines. Rather buy items like juice and cooldrinks in six packs.

    Save on cellphones
    Find out about special rates from your cellular provider. For example, if there are off-peak hours when it's cheaper to send an SMS and make calls. If you have a contract, find out if you qualify for free minutes and when you can make use of them. To prevent making accidental calls from your cellphone, keep the keypad locked.

    Good ideas

  • If you're cutting down on something, take the money you would've spent on it out of your wallet. This will prevent you from spending it on something else.

  • Try not to go shopping on an empty stomach, when you're more likely to buy on impulse.

  • Recognise the difference between your needs and wants, and try to spend only on the things you need.

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    Each day I come home and remove any R5.00 coins from my purse and they go into a container and bravely, I do not touch those coins until I can no longer fit anymore into the container. I did this for approximately 3 months and helped my dad pay for his new teeth that he needed. Each time I have to pay for something I look forward to seeing how much I am going to be able to save at the end of the day!
    Helen on 16 Apr at 20:55

     

     
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