'I'm the thriftiest queen I know. Here are my most underrated money-saving hacks.'

Whether it’s the weekly grocery shop, paying rent, mortgage (or the joy of saving for one)... sh*t is expensive. I’ve always been a budget-conscious kinda gal, but add to that, the cost of saving for a wedding which is just three months away, and I’ve had to up my penny-pinching ante! 

But sharing is caring, so I’m here to offer my wisdom – my best money-saving hacks – and yes friend, you’re welcome. 

Fuel.

Take advantage of the Petrol Spy fuel app which allows you to search for the cheapest fuel in your area. Use your supermarket discounts at the relative servo, and try out the 7-Eleven fuel app which allows you to lock in a fuel price for use at any time in the ensuing week. 

Phone.

Have you ever thought of refurbished tech? 

Belong have teamed up with Kingfisher Mobile Australia who take pre-owned phones, refurbish them, and then re-sell them for a bargain on Belong's Second Life Shop.

And I know what you’re thinking… how do you know you’re not getting an old lemon? Well, their refurbished phones undergo a 30+ point testing ensuring the functionality of all essentials, like, that all the camera lenses work, touch sensitivity is still in order, the battery is fighting fit and your Wi-Fi connects effortlessly. 

Just to ensure your peace of mind, all phones come with a 12-month warranty by Kingfisher – and to sweeten the deal, Belong also give you a free $80 SIM as a cheeky little gift.

But the best part? With over 44 million tonnes of tech ending up in landfill each year, you can feel good knowing that you’re doing your little bit for the planet too.

Hair and beauty.

Until seven months ago, pre-engagement, I was a twice-monthly-to-the-salon girl to have my roots coloured (there’s nowhere to hide with black hair, dolls!). I know, it probably seems excessive, but my hair has always been my thing, and enough hairdressers had instilled The Fear in me to never contemplate ever attempting my own roots at home. 

But with a wedding around the corner, this luxury was the first to go. So, I did my research, discovered a hair dye sans the nasties… and enlisted the help of my best friend. Now, every couple weeks, we have a ‘salon sesh’ – a late-night rendezvous at her place where she takes on those pesky greys (get yourself a bestie like that!) while we drink copious amounts of coffee and chat away. A good time, good hair, and all for $30 a month, as opposed to the couple hundred that I would blow at the salon each month.

(Epilogue: In all honesty, my hair looks and feels as good as ever!)

The salon visits went out the window at the same time as my monthly mani-pedi. And look, it was an adjustment at first, but with a saving of $100 a month, my new Sunday night ritual includes filing, buffing and polishing while watching some TV that requires little thinking. Win-win!

Groceries.

Image: Supplied.

If you’re like me, food is not something on which you want to compromise. But there are ways to practice more frugal habits:

1. Write a shopping list: I always begin my Sunday by planning the dinners I will make for the week ahead, then devise a shopping list accordingly. Since doing this as opposed to just freewheeling my way through the supermarket, I’ve not only minimised wastage – particularly with perishables – but I don’t make superfluous and often unnecessary purchases.  

2. …But still keep an eye out for specials: Despite my list, I will still peruse each aisle to keep watch for any staple products that might be on sale. For example, every other week my washing detergent seems to be 20 per cent off. I only buy when on sale, and depending on how good the discount, I’ll stock up with a few bottles. 

3. A is for Aldi: I often start my grocery shopping here, getting what I can before moving on to the bigger supermarkets. 

4. Be veg-forward: Admittedly I’m not the biggest carnivore, so this isn’t hard for me, but I only cook with meat around twice a week. While my fiancé is much more the meat-loving type, he has happily embraced the increased repertoire of veg meals. The trick is to find recipes that are choc-full of flavour and keep you satiated. Think, tofu and veg stirfry, pumpkin and eggplant curry, stuffed zucchinis, mushroom pasta… What meat?

5. Buy cheaper cuts of meat: An unfortunate by-product of the MasterChef phenomenon means that once cheap cuts of meat – lamb shanks, beef cheeks – are now much desired – and exxy. So, I like to stick with chicken and beef mince (great for meatballs and koftas), beef chuck (throw it in the slow-cooker with veg, spices, stock, barley and a glug of red wine for a rich winter stew), and chicken thighs (which I think are far superior – more flavoursome, more moist to breast anyway) for one-tray bakes.

6. Don’t be afraid to freeze: Look for discounts on meat and freeze, only thawing when you will actually use. Also, freeze dinner leftovers into individual portions, a saviour for tired weeknights when you couldn’t possibly face the kitchen – and cheaper than takeaway!

7. Use what you have: If your veg is looking a little limp, don’t give up on her just yet! Chop and throw in a pot with sauteed onion and garlic, aromatics and stock, then blitz for a yummy soup that’ll nourish with several serves. Bread a little stale? Try making Puddina, a delicious nutty Maltese twist on a bread-and-butter pudding. Spotty bananas? Go the trusty banana cake.

8. Pack your lunch: Cook enough portions to have leftovers – not only do most things taste better the next day, but chances are your leftovers will be healthier, yummier and certainly cheaper than the $15 you’ll blow on a questionable sandwich on your lunch break. 

Image: Supplied.

Retail.

Know where to go! If shopping online, download the Honey browser extension that automatically finds and applies coupon codes at checkout with a single click. Some pals also swear by OzBargain where hot deals, coupon codes, vouchers, special promotions and freebies are shared everyday.

Also, google for price comparisons – particularly for skin products and cosmetics. There is often a discount flux from store to store at any given time, so don’t just assume that where you bought last time will be the best deal this time.

For those of us who prefer the old-school bricks and mortar retail experience, the outlets often deliver on something rather glorious. Or, go on an op-shopping adventure. My hot tip: Go to a more boujee suburb, often you can find really beautiful or brand-name pieces for a fraction of the price! 

Shop Belong's Second Life phone range, where you can find affordable and quality tech at the fraction of the cost of their retail price.

Belong SIM with $80 credit to be used within a particular period once activated.

Keen to read more from Rebecca Davis? You can find her articles here, or follow her on Instagram, @rebeccadavis___