10 September 2018

    4 Tips for Saving Big on Little Things

    We think you deserve to get your full KiwiSaver Bonus this year

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    We think you deserve to get your full KiwiSaver Bonus this year. The good news is if you meet the eligibility criteria, all you have to do is contribute $20 each week to be on track for the max $521.43 boost from the government.

    To help you out, here are some simple tips and tricks for household savings that can quickly add up to that magic $20 number each week.

    1. Pump Up Your Tyres

    Did you know you can save heaps by simply keeping the tyres on your car properly inflated? Tyres lose around 1-2 PSI per month, and most people’s tyres are 5-10 PSI below the recommended level. By just topping up the air pressure next time you’re at the petrol station, you could boost your fuel efficiency by up to 5% for an average savings of $9/month.

    2. No Spend Day

    Once a week, give your debit card the day off by adopting an official “No Spend Day”. It’s simple. For meals, just plan ahead the day before by cooking extra for a leftovers lunch and then raid the pantry for a dinner using regularly overlooked items (Pasta Puttanesca anyone?). We like the sound of “No Spend Wednesdays”, but any day works just as well — especially if you can manage to forgo a spendy Friday or Saturday night out and about. Part of the magic of adopting a “No Spend Day” is the way it forces you to be more conscious about your overall spending habits and random little impulse purchases that have a way of adding up.

    3. Clean Your Air Filter

    Another great way to save with your car is by giving your air filter a little TLC. A dirty air filter can cost you up to 7% of your petrol consumption. For the average Kiwi driver, that adds up to a savings of $161 each year. If you’ve never done it before, cleaning your air filter is surprisingly easy to do. Just follow the instructions in your vehicle’s manual and you’re sorted.

    4. Seal Your Fridge

    The rubber seals running around the edge of your refrigerator and freezer doors are what keep the cool air from escaping. Sadly, they don’t last forever and even tiny cracks can cause leaks that lead to extra energy costs. To check if they need replacing, try this simple test: Open the door, place a five dollar note halfway inside and the close the door. If you can easily pull the note out, odds are you’ve got a leaky seal. Repeat at different spots all the way around the door to see if your seal needs replacing.

    Remember, each week when you contribute $20 to your KiwiSaver, the Government will give you a free $10 bonus (up to a maximum of $521.43 each KiwiSaver year if you meet the eligibility criteria). Get started now!

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