Saving money can be hard, especially if you’ve got a history of overspending, impulse purchases and a long list of unachieved financial dreams.

But everyone can save money, it’s simply about knowing how to make smart and informed decisions.
Here are seven savings tips you should consider putting in place today.

1. Have a plan to save money

Having a solid financial plan is the foundation for saving real money and achieving your monetary goals. Whether you’re saving for a weekend away or a house, when it’s mapped out properly it’s easy to see what has to be done to get there.
‘Confident savers are those who set targets to work towards and have a clear savings plan,’ says Laura Higgins, Senior Executive Leader – Financial Capability at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). ‘Set a specific timeframe to achieve your goal and tell your family and friends about your goal so they can keep you on track. A goal without a plan is just a wish,’ she adds.

2. Be consistent

Like having a strong plan in place, Higgins says that consistency is key when it comes to saving money. Eliminating small, unnecessary daily spending and making regular contributions to your savings helps keep it front of mind, chipping a little away at a time. ‘Whatever your situation, finding a regular habit you can kick is a great way to make a difference,’ she says. ‘Areas to cut back can include spending on vending machines, over-spending on nights out, or too much retail therapy. If you can plug some of your spending leaks and put that unspent money into a separate savings account you’ll see the benefits build.’

3. Avoid Advertising

From social media to television, radio to magazines, there’s no shortage of places for advertisers to make a compelling pitch to you on why you should buy their products. And they’re more effective than ever, targeted specifically based on information provided in your social media profiles and shaped by your online behavioural patterns.

However avoiding advertising doesn’t mean an all-out ban on social media or the magazines you love to leaf through. Simply muting the TV during ad breaks, or time-boxing your use of Instagram can go a long way to helping you achieve your saving goals faster and stop you making unnecessary purchases.

4. Employ a 30-day rule for new purchases

If you decide that you really do want new shoes or a new phone, try to wait 30 days before making the purchase. This reduces the likelihood of buying something out of sheer impulse and provides time to consider if the purchase really is a sensible use of your hard-earned cash. If you decide after the 30 days that you definitely still need the item, then you’ve given yourself time to peruse the market and see if the item can be found cheaper or via a second-hand retailer - keeping more cash in your bank.

5. Make your own cleaning products

Making your own cleaning products will not only save you money, but also create a more environmentally sound way to tidy and disinfect your home. Most of the key ingredients are affordable and readily available household items such as vinegar, lemons and baking soda.

6. Use the library

Free internet, books, DVDs and other various resources are available at the library. Signing up is free and you can borrow, book, schedule or renew items online.

Libraries also often have subscriptions to a range of local and international newspapers and magazines, meaning you can save big on subscriptions and home deliveries.

7. Take all the advice you can get

Whether it’s a money-smart mum, a frugal friend or a financial adviser, consider their advice. ‘Young people need to know there’s help out there,’ says Higgins. ‘It’s also really important to talk about money with your friends and family. Don’t feel as though you have to struggle on your own, because you’ll soon discover there are lots of people who are going through the same experiences as you who you can learn from.’
‘Spending some time on ASIC’s MoneySmart website is an essential activity for all young people because there’s a range of free and impartial tools and resources to help,’ she concludes.

Saving money can feel like a drag, but taking these thrifty tips into account will help to build your savings in no time.

Disclaimer
Article prepared by Starts at 60, October 2017 and reused with permission. Information current as at 16 July 2018 and may contain material provided by third parties derived from sources believed to be accurate at its issue date. While such material is published with necessary permission, accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of, or endorses any such material. Except where contrary to law, we intend by this notice to exclude liability for this material. The information shown in this article is general information only, it does not constitute any recommendation or advice; it has been prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and you should consider its appropriateness with regard to these factors before acting on it. Any taxation position described is a general statement and should only be used as a guide. It does not constitute tax advice and is based on current tax laws and our interpretation. Your individual situation may differ and you should seek independent professional tax advice. You should also consider obtaining personalised advice from a professional financial adviser before making any financial decisions in relation to the matters discussed hereto.

Imagine always having spare income to add to your investment so that your money is constantly working harder for you? According to Simple Savings’ Jackie Gower, it’s not a pipe dream with these common sense tips for cutting expenses.

Curtailing your spending is no easy feat, especially if you have a family. But there are some simple ways to cut back that may mean a bigger investment portfolio.

Food

Usually the biggest bill in any household, but luckily, it’s one of the easiest to diminish. As the TV chefs always say, cooking at home is the key. “We know of families who’ve reduced their weekly food bill by as much as 50% as a result of menu planning,” Jackie reveals. Also, look beyond the supermarket. “Taking the time to shop around your local butcher and greengrocer can result in valuable savings.

Utilities

The answer to saving here, Jackie says, is to review and compare. Do your research and check out deals from different providers. This is not the most exciting task, but Jackie estimates one to two hours on the phone or online could save you several hundred dollars a year.

Petrol

Potentially another large household expense. “The best way to cut-back on petrol is not to use it. Walk, ride or use public transport whenever possible. Car-pooling is also a great cost-saver. Make a list of your errands over a fortnight and try to get them done in the same area at once.

Entertainment

Everyone automatically reaches for their wallet here, but fun can be reasonably priced, or even free. Check out exhibitions, markets, walks and local fairs. Host a movie or games night, or pack a picnic and head to the beach or a national park. And, instead of buying new toys, join the local library or toy bank if available. The kids can play with exciting ‘new’ toys as often as they like - for free,” she adds.

More thrifty hints...

If you’re terrible with money, downloading an app to track spending could be your salvation. “One tried-and-true app is Track My Spend” our expert says.

Finally, if you really struggle with self-control, many banks offer accounts with online-only access, or require you to go in to make a withdrawal. This can prevent you going on mad sprees with your EFTPOS or credit card.

The important thing is to take the first step, as Jackie affirms, “Aim as big or small as you like. Any saving is a good saving.”

Disclaimer

Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The information and any advice in this publication does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and so you should consider its appropriateness having regard to these factors before acting on it. This article may contain material provided directly by third parties and is given in good faith and has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but has not been independently verified. It is important that your personal circumstances are taken into account before making any financial decision and we recommend you seek detailed and specific advice from a suitably qualified adviser before acting on any information or advice in this publication. Any taxation position described in this publication is general and should only be used as a guide. It does not constitute tax advice and is based on current laws and our interpretation. You should consult a registered tax agent for specific tax advice on your circumstances.

Retirement tends to roll around a lot sooner than we expect. Laying plans from an early stage will ensure you enjoy the best retirement possible.

What are my retirement options?

Most of us look forward to retirement. It’s a chance to explore new horizons, do all the things we never had time for when we were raising a family or pursuing a career, or just a time to relax and enjoy life at a more leisurely pace.

In fact, retirement can be pretty much what you choose it to be. That may mean hanging up your work boots for good. Or you may prefer to gradually ease yourself in to retirement by dialling back your working week. It could even be a time to choose your own hours by shifting into a consulting role. It certainly makes retirement a golden stage of your life and that makes it worth planning for.

When would you like to retire?

You may have plans to retire at a certain age, by a set date or following a particular event.

However for some of us, retirement could come around sooner than expected because of ill health, an inability to continue in a physical role or the need to care for a loved one.

The key point is that it pays to make plans for your retirement long before you’re ready to leave; you never know what lies around the corner.

Enjoying your retirement
Making retirement a truly ‘golden’ period of your life can hinge on making the most of your time. That doesn’t have to mean travelling the world on regular vacations. It can be as simple as joining local community groups, undertaking new studies to broaden your knowledge or spending more time with family and friends.
Talk to friends and family members for ideas on how they are spending time in retirement. Remember, these can be some of the most productive years you may ever have enjoyed.

Planning for a change in retirement

You may be thinking about a change of location or even moving overseas for your retirement.

While this may be the dream of a lifetime, be sure to think through any major moves – and not just from a financial perspective. Friends and family are very important as we age and it may not be easy to make new connections outside of a familiar community.

If you’re set on the idea of relocating, it can be worth renting for a year or so to be sure the reality lives up to your expectations.

Working out the cost

No matter what your plans for retirement, the reality is that it can involve something many people don’t have enough of – money.

Making some plans in advance for how much income you’re likely to have in retirement and how much your preferred lifestyle will cost is a key step in relishing your senior years.

A good starting point in planning retirement is determining your financial position. It’s a lot easier than it sounds. You may wish to start thinking about the value of your assets and liabilities.

Will the age pension be enough? Will you be comfortable with ‘comfortable’?

Many Australians aspire to have at least a ‘comfortable’ retirement. But what kind of annual income will you need to enjoy ‘comfortable’ by your standards? And how much does that mean you'll need at retirement?

According to the ASFA Retirement Standard for the June quarter 2017published by the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), in order to enjoy a ‘comfortable’ retirement, singles at retirement (aged 65) will need an annual income of $43,696. Couples at retirement will need an annual income of $60,063. These figures assume the retiree(s) own their own home and do not pay rent or make mortgage payments.
By ASFA’s standards, a ‘comfortable’ retirement means you can go on one annual holiday in Australia, you can eat out regularly and afford bottled wine. See what else a comfortable retirement means. Looking at the list, you can see whether your definition of ‘comfortable’ matches with the ASFA’s standards. Planning to rely on the age pension could see your retirement dreams cut short. The pension is designed to support a very basic standard of living.

Plan your retirement out

If you’re considering retirement, it makes perfect sense to discuss it with us before stepping down permanently from the workforce. We can suggest strategies to give your super savings a last minute boost as well as advising you on investments to help maximise your retirement income.

Disclaimer

Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The information and any advice in this publication does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and so you should consider its appropriateness having regard to these factors before acting on it. This article may contain material provided directly by third parties and is given in good faith and has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but has not been independently verified. It is important that your personal circumstances are taken into account before making any financial decision and we recommend you seek detailed and specific advice from a suitably qualified adviser before acting on any information or advice in this publication. Any taxation position described in this publication is general and should only be used as a guide. It does not constitute tax advice and is based on current laws and our interpretation. You should consult a registered tax agent for specific tax advice on your circumstances.

You probably have a good idea of who you’d like to give your hard-earned assets when you’re gone. Making a will can help ensure your assets are distributed the way you want.

Many people see making a will as something to do when they have children or other dependents to worry about. After all, they want to make sure in the worst case scenario, their loved ones are well cared for. But what if that isn’t your life? What if you are single, or if you are in a relationship that may not be classified as de facto or a spouse relationship? Do you still need a will and what should it look like?

Where there’s a will, there’s a way

A will is a legal document setting out your wishes for distribution of your assets after you die and who you would like to be responsible for carrying out your wishes. Typically, it needs to be a written document which you’ve signed, had witnessed by two people and you need to be aged over 18 years old and considered to have the mental capacity to understand what you are doing for it to be considered valid. You should check whether your state or territory has any specific additional requirements to be valid.

You can write a will yourself using a kit – you can find a range online varying in price – or use a solicitor. Bear in mind, just because you’ve written a will and had it witnessed doesn’t guarantee it will be considered a valid document if it doesn’t meet legal requirements. Given the complexities, speaking to a solicitor may be helpful to ensure that your will meets the necessary criteria to be considered valid and that you’ve accounted for everything you need to.

No will left behind

The process and laws vary slightly from state to state if you die without leaving a will (known as dying intestate). Typically, the Supreme Court appoints an administrator (often your next of kin) to arrange your funeral, collect your assets, establish a family tree using certificate evidence and distribute the assets across your next of kin after paying any debts and taxes.

Your assets are distributed across your next of kin based on a specific formula. If you don’t have a legally recognised partner or children, the order of priority is usually your parents, your siblings (or their children), grandparents, aunts and uncles then first cousins. In some instances, others can lay claim to your assets. For example, if you regularly volunteered at a charity or regularly donated, they may be able to petition the court for a portion of your estate.

3 reasons to write a will

There are a number of reasons to write a will.

1.     Choose where your assets go and who executes your will

Maybe you wanted your best friend to have your collection of art or your furniture go to a particular charity. Or you were happy to have your assets divided amongst family but wanted a cousin to inherit the bulk to help with their medical bills. If you leave it to the legal process, it’s less likely that any of these wishes will come to light unless your family specifically know of them and are happy to forgo their legally allocated shares to make it happen.

Dying intestate (without a will) also means a court-appointed administrator for your assets and organising your funeral. When you have a legally binding will, you can make sure the person organising your funeral and distributing your assets is someone you trust to carry out what you wanted. Where this can be important is in situations where there is a strained family relationship. Or you might feel a particular member is better suited to the pressure of managing grief and organising your estate than the person a court might choose to appoint. Not having a will at very least can delay the distribution of your estate, which could be difficult depending on costs that may be incurred from your death - such as the funeral.

2.     A clear picture of your assets

This is something that can actually be useful to you right now. Taking the time to write a will can help you get across all your assets and debts – ranging from finances and investments to physical possessions. Understanding the complete picture can help you plan ahead for your own life (not just your death) and also manage any areas which might be a concern for you through a strategy.

Part of this might also include considering how any debts you’ve accrued would be paid in the event of your death. Usually, your assets are used first to pay any debts before being distributed to your beneficiaries. Depending on your debts, there might be proceeds left for your loved ones – or not. Any remaining debt after your assets have been used to cover debt does not pass onto your beneficiaries unless the debt is a joint one (in which case, the joint partner to the debt would have to manage it). A financial adviser can help you evaluate this and whether there are strategies, like life insurance, you could consider to manage your debts and keep your assets for beneficiaries.

3.     Lessen the stress for your loved ones

A court process is stressful but combine that with the pressures of grief. Making a legally binding will can take some strain off your loved ones in a very difficult time for them – losing you. And it might give you the opportunity to offer some comfort beyond the grave where you’ve chosen to make certain bequests.

However you choose to approach writing a will, make sure it meets your hopes for distributing your assets and remember it’s okay to change your mind at any stage and many times through your life and write a new will. As part of this, don’t forget your superannuation might not always fall under your legally written will, so you might need to nominate any beneficiaries directly with your superannuation provider.

Disclaimer

Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The information and any advice in this publication does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and so you should consider its appropriateness having regard to these factors before acting on it. This article may contain material provided directly by third parties and is given in good faith and has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but has not been independently verified. It is important that your personal circumstances are taken into account before making any financial decision and we recommend you seek detailed and specific advice from a suitably qualified adviser before acting on any information or advice in this publication. Any taxation position described in this publication is general and should only be used as a guide. It does not constitute tax advice and is based on current laws and our interpretation. You should consult a registered tax agent for specific tax advice on your circumstances.