Growing up I wasn’t a saver. As a kid, I was always the first one to buy lollies with the $2 from my nan, Kliens jewellery with birthday money (oh the memories) then my first checkout chick pay check went on a pair of shoes. I was always envious of my brother’s stash of money, he never seemed to spend any.
Turning 30 snuck up super-fast, so at the end of 2015 I decided to step my change saving up it up a little from my reject shop money tin. No $5 note or $2 coin was going to be spent. (Must note here that this wasn’t strictly enforced when vodka was consumed)
GUYS. If you can’t be bothered reading the text. I made a video. It freaks me out to post it but hey here goes. Totally had no pants on haha. And there was bad bush fires near by so breathing was kinda tough.
The five-dollar savings plan
The $5 savings plan is one of a few methods you can use to save a little more money over the course of the year, and its randomness makes it somewhat enjoyable.
Whenever a $5 note comes into your possession, put it aside into a special jar or envelope. I tucked mine away in a pocket at the back of my purse. When I had a nice wad, I’d pop it into a folder at the top of my wardrobe. Out of sight out of mind.
It’s also helps that Australia has brand new notes that are just too pretty to spend!
The two-dollar savings plan
My second tactic. I can’t remember where I saw it (probably on Facebook) saying that if you fill a coke bottle with $2 coins it makes up $1000. A THOUSAND DOLLARS. GUYS. That’s a lot of money.
I gave it a go filling up a bottle. Happy to report that a year later I had $LOTS.
These Aussie note tins from the reject shops are my favourite
The change jar/money tin
And, of course, the age-old emptying of your pocket change into a jar or even better yet a tin you can’t open.. The idea is that small habits and amounts can make a difference.
I tried my hardest not to ever use change and always paid with notes. That way more coins were added to my stash.
My other tips
- Stop using pay pass and your bank card. Consciously take money out of the ATM before going shopping or on a night out. Or even as soon as you get paid.
- If it gets to that point where you are searching for your card then you’ve spent too much.
- If you have a going out bag for nights out (I have a cute Mimco side bag) use it. The next day once you aren’t so hungover empty all of your change into a jar.
- Keep your money savings / hoarding out of sight. Mine is all at the back of my wardrobe.
By the end of the year, you might be surprised by how many $5 notes and $2 coins you’ll have saved. The fund could be used for buying holiday gifts at the end of the year or just extra savings.
I’m going to blow all my savings on plane tickets to explore the world.
Every little bit we set aside adds up, sometimes in surprising amounts.
Give it a go! It could change your life
What is your motivation to save? What tricks have you employed that make saving fun and productive?
Some great tips! I think I may start doing this is the New Year. I have a small box that I empty out all my silver coins into and usually once a year or before a holiday I will take to the bank and deposit. It’s amazing how much it can add up, so I think it will be even better with $2 coins and $5 notes!
Great ideas!