Save Money without Losing Your Lifestyle

We are all feeling the pinch of the economy, and doom and gloomists predict we are not at the end of the road yet. Therefore, we are all need to tighten our belts and try to save some money where we can.



So how do we do this, but without losing too much of our lifestyle? Here are a few tips I have come up with which may cut the cost of the 3 E's (eating, exercise and entertainment), but not reduce the fun and fulfilment factor.



Eating

We all have to eat. We may not be rushing out for expensive meals anymore, but there is no need to resort to two minute noodles every night either. It's time to get back in the kitchen and prepare our own meals. Yes, even those of us who are busy and generally don't think we have time to cook - I'm going to prove you wrong! Easy, nutritious meals don't take much preparation, and I've discovered the great 4 Ingredients books which have heaps of yummy meals all taking four ingredients or less to prepare. So no more buying hundreds of ingredients from the supermarket only to spend hours in the kitchen preparing, and throwing out the waste. The recipes are super easy (and delicious!), and you can always add steamed vegies or a salad to eat with them. If you haven't seen the books, I'd have a look today!



Exercise

The weather is now warming up, so ditch that gym membership and exercise in the fresh air. It doesn't cost anything to go for a walk / run, or organise to meet a friend or two in the park to throw around a ball, frisbee or have a hit of cricket. You could even share the cost of a personal trainer with a friend if you need that extra motivation. There are also lots of summer sports to enjoy, such as beach volleyball or beach tennis, which usually cost around $15 to participate in casually.



Entertainment

We don't have to give up our social life either. There are lots of free things to do - for example our Active Spirit Trivia Night at Pugg Mahone's is always popular and it is free to participate (you just need to buy your own drinks / dinner). But there are lots of other things to do - go to the movies on a Tuesday (cheap night), instead of an expensive restaurant organise a dinner party at home (each guest can bring a course - the 4 Ingredients books would come in handy again here!), catch up with friends for a coffee instead of a meal.



I'm sure there are plenty more suggestions - have you got any other ideas?