Money Issues
Many of us are tempted to spend more then we can afford, especially when looking for Christmas presents, Birthday gifts etc. In light of the tough times, which many say will continue for a while, we have some money saving tips for you.
Before you go out and spend lots of money on toys for your kids look out for 2nd hand sales. There are plenty of 2nd hand books shops where you will be able to pick up 2nd hand books at a fraction of the cost. Also look out for 2nd hand car boot sales in your area. Look for these details in your local newspaper, or contact your local church to find out if they have sales. There is a car boot sale on the 1st Saturday of each month in Northcliff just near where I live. If you know of places holding regular 2nd hand sales, or car boot sales let us know so we can publish the details in Kids News. You may wish to have your own jumble sale this year and make some extra money. Oh, don't forget you can sell (and buy) all your second hand goods in our Personal Section in Kids News. We only charge R65 to place your advert. The advert stays in the newsletter for 3 months or until you have sold your goods, whichever comes first. I think that is good value for money.
With so many people leaving the country you are also bound to pick up some great bargains when they sell off their stuff. Another innovative way to save money is to make up a shopping group with your friends. One good example of how this can work is with magazines. Who can afford to buy 5 or 6 magazines each month? Get a group of like minded friends together who have similar taste in magazines. If you each agree to buy one magazine you can read it and pass it along when you have finished. There are loads of other things that you can buy together. You can use shopping groups to buy in bulk. Take it in turns to go off to Macro and buy coffee, sugar, flour etc in bulk and then split it up between you - just make sure you check your prices. I remember my mom and her friends used to buy their meat in bulk and split it between them. A hind quarter of beef, or even a whole carcas is way cheaper then buying small amounts of meat. Even better, become a vegetarian! Lentils and beans are very cheap.
If you really need to save money "know your prices" when you shop. I have noticed that from one Pick n Pay (or Spar & Checkers) to the next there can be anything from a 10 to 20 % difference in prices on the same items. Make a shopping list and only buy what's on the list, you will save a fortune that way. Do not take your kids shopping, and never go shopping when you are hungry as you will be temped to buy all the yummy goodies on offer. Store layouts make us walk the whole distance. Have you noticed that the milk is always at the back of the shop!!! Regularly bought items tend to be spread all around the store, so we need to pass many other tempting goodies to complete our shopping. Be aware of this when you shop and stick to your guns.
Don't be tempted into believing that larger quanities of items are cheaper. Check the prices yourself. Sometimes the 1 kg washing powder is cheaper per kg then the 2 or 5kg item. Rather than throwing food away, try doing a regular 'audit' of what's sitting in your cupboards, fridge and freezer to see when it dates. Use it before you lose it. The obvious question is 'what can I make with it rather then what do I feel like?!!!
If you have any money saving tips tyou would like to share with us please email them to us. Happy saving.
