Budgeting & Saving

Having a specific target to work towards will help keep you motivated and focused. Pick a number, set a timeframe, and then get busy saving!

Do it online

Like any goal, it pays to have a good plan in place to keep you on track. So in order to get saving, first do a budget and work out everything that you NEED to spend money on and areas where you see you could save.

There are many free budgeting tools available online; one we recommend is www.sorted.org.nz.

Once you have worked out a budget, make sure you track your spending against it. Those daily coffees or Friday evening rounds at the pub can really add up and you will be amazed how much can slip through the cracks – especially if you spend cash or get paid in cash. 

Be honest with yourself

If you’re in denial about how big your shoe collection really is or how many days a week you buy lunch at work, then it’s time to ‘fess up!’ Be honest with yourself about what you’re spending your money on – and how much you spend!

Review your historical spending

Review old bank statements to get a better understanding of your spending habits. While the reality of seeing some of the numbers may make you cringe, it’s a good way for you to see what is essential spending and what’s optional in your budget.

Review your optional spending – what can you cut down on or eliminate?
Generally, truly essential spending is limited to that required to feed, house and clothe you and your family.

However, we all like the occasional treat and it’s up to you to decide what is important to your lifestyle, so factor these in when considering your budget – this also helps avoid sudden spending blow-outs.

Set a savings goal

How much can you afford to regularly save? If you are wanting to buy a home, your best option is work out your likely mortgage repayment costs along with insurance and rate costs, less your current rent costs. Being able to prove to the bank that you can sustain the additional costs will be a benefit when applying for a mortgage.

Remember to be realistic with your plan – you must still allow yourself some luxuries – if you don’t you may find it just too hard and give up.

Set up a savings account

Separate your savings from your day-to-day spending account and watch your savings grow!

Set up an automatic payment

Setting up an automatic payment in line with your pay day is the easiest way to ensure that you do save, so it disappears before you have time to allocate it to something else. Out of sight, out of mind, as they say, so if you don’t see it, then you can’t miss it!

Make it hard to access your savings account

Make it hard to withdraw money from your savings account. Don’t link the account to an Eftpos card or even have it on your internet banking. That way, if you really have to withdraw from the account you’ll have to make a trip to the bank!

Shop around for the best savings interest rate – check out interest rates here

Tools to help you with saving

Track your spending
https://www.xero.com/personal/

Save on rent … start house sitting
http://housesitters.co.nz

Lower interest rate on credit card
https://www.interest.co.nz

Compare rent for properties in your area
https://www.tenancy.govt.nz

Find an alternative power supplier
https://www.powerswitch.org.nz

Stop wasting power
https://www.genless.govt.nz

Where do you shop for your groceries?

Yes, food is one of life’s pleasures, but with some planning and smart shopping you can cut down your grocery bill and save while still preparing meals like a Masterchef:

  • Are you paying top dollar by shopping at the most expensive supermarket? Shop around and keep an eye out for specials.

  • Make a shopping list and stick to it! Don’t be tempted to buy extra things you don’t actually need. While you may pay a delivery charge, you are less likely to be tempted or overspend if you shop online.

  • Stock up on basics when they are on special – you are going to need them – so buy in bulk while they are on sale.

  • Buy only in-season produce – off-season fruit and vegetables are always more expensive. Buying frozen veges is often cheaper out of season.

  • Cut down on the lattes – you’ll be surprised how much you may spend on those coffees here and there. (Just one latte a day at $4.50 every workday adds up to $1,080 for a year – wow!).

  • Take your lunch to work – buying lunches every workday can literally cost you thousands every year ($10 per day for every working day adds up to $2,400 over a year – scary, huh!)

Government Benefits

Are you entitled to any government benefits that you are currently not receiving? Check out https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/eligibility/

New to NZ and need help in understanding what your government entitlements are? Check out https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/eligibility/moving-to-nz/index.html