Tips for living cheaply

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Bills

All of your living bills such as electricity and gas can be paid at your local Australia Post office. Look in the White Pages for details of where to find your local post office.

Most banks provide a BPay service, which allows you to pay your bills over the Internet or telephone. Ask your bank if you are eligible for this service. There may be a cost associated with the use of this service.

Some bills are able to be paid by direct debit on a fortnightly or monthly basis. Contact the service provider for details on what payment options they provide. The section on budgeting may assist you in determining a payment method that will best meet your needs.

Food

It would be wise to budget about $50 - $80 per person per week for the cost of groceries. Of course this will vary depending on your eating habits. To save money on the cost of groceries look through your junk mail to find any specials that supermarkets are having. Avoid buying groceries at service stations as they tend to be more expensive.

Buying your fruit and veg at the markets can be a more affordable option. You could get together with a group of friends and buy directly from the Brisbane Markets. You need to buy in bulk, but you can make some great savings. Alternatively, you could try one of the weekend markets in Brisbane. Markets which sell fruit and vegetables are located at:

Organic Growers Market - Cnr Northey and Victoria Streets Windsor Every Saturday 6am – 10.30am .

Brisbane Marketplace – Sherwood Road Rocklea. Every Saturday 6am – 12noon.

Ferny Grove Markets – Samford Road Ferny Grove. Sunday 6am – 12noon.

Chandler Flea Markets – Sleeman Sports Complex. Tilley Road Chandler . Sunday 7am – 12 noon .

Mt Gravatt Showground Markets – Logan Road Mt Gravatt. Sunday 6am – 12noon.

When going shopping think about what meals you will have over that week or fortnight and make a list so that you make sure that you buy all of the ingredients that you need to make those meals. The less you go to the shops, the less the temptation is to purchase items you do not necessarily need. Making a list also helps you cut down on impulse buys.

Shopping tips:

• Remember when thinking about buying items on special that it is not really a bargain unless you will use it.
• Try the cheap store brands they are often very similar to the more expensive option – again they are only a bargain if you like them.
• When buying items on special, check the use by dates to minimise your wastage.
• Don't go shopping when you are hungry otherwise you may end up with a trolley full of snacks you don't really need.
• Consider buying in bulk and splitting the product and cost with some friends. It can for example be a cheaper option to buy washing powder in bulk. Do your homework first though to ensure that you are making a saving and that you won't waste the product.

Money saving tips

1. Keep shopping dockets for savings vouchers on the back.
2. Try shopping at food co-operatives for cheaper food.
3. Clip out vouchers in the local papers for discount movie offers and meal tokens, such as two for the price of one and take a friend to split the bill with.
4. Start a savings plan by arranging for direct deposits to a savings account even if it is only $5 a fortnight.
5. Save your loose change. Just $5 a week will give you $260 a year.
6. Sell your used clothing that you no longer wear at a consignment store or on ebay.
7. Have a garage sale with a group of friends.
8. Pre-purchase your phone time.
9. Make use of off peak and other cost saving offers for making phone calls.
10. Check out op-shops for clothing and furniture bargains.
11. Bring your lunch to uni.
12. Find out if you are eligible for a Health Care Card. This can help reduce your medical expenses

Transport

Public transport
Brisbane has an integrated ticketing network for all participating buses, trains and BCC ferries in South East Queensland. For more information about this and timetables, routes and fares check the Transinfo web site.

Full-time undergraduate students are entitled to concession prices on all Brisbane City Council buses, ferries and local trains. To buy concession tickets you must show your student card with the QR logo.

Private transport
Even though it might seem cheaper per week to run a car than it is to catch public transport, in the long run it is much more expensive.

The following expenses must be taken into account:

• registration
• regular maintenance
• petrol
• parking

Other options
Another option that you may want to consider is riding a bike. It is cheaper and good for the environment too!