Reducing the Impact of Inflation

[Catlady1979]

Hey everyone,

As we all know the cost of living has gone through the roof and some (myself included) are struggling.

I've decided to become proactive in reducing the Impact of inflation and here's what I'm working on...

❤️ Being more creative with cooking and eating at home a lot more - By doing this I'm saving the money I'd usually spend on café meals and takeaway.

🧡 Op-shopping, I usually like to shop at Independent or church operated op-shops because I find they're usually cheaper than Vinnie's or Salvos, etc - By doing this I'll save a bucket of money.

💛 Shopping at places like Aldi or co-ops and buying in bulk when I can - Again this will save me a fair bit of money.

💚 Growing some of my own food on my patio (something I'm looking into soon) - Initially this will be expensive but it'll even out and I'll save money in the long run plus the food is fresher and healthier.

What are your ways of reducing the Impact of inflation? 🌻🕊️

[Ru-bee]

Love this @Catlady1979 what a great way to share tips and help each other!

I've also been cooking at home much more, and cooking in large quantities to freeze for later - this really helps on days I'm feeling too tired to cook so I go to the freezer rather than getting takeaway! I also love getting my clothes from secondhand stores - it may take more time and patience but I find it's a much more affordable way to buy good quality clothes that last longer.

Some others things I've been doing is using sales to buy my repeat products, and buying multiples so I don't get caught out and have to repurchase at full price...things like my toiletries and my pantry staples.

This one's a bit more of a treat but my partner and I also love to go out occasionally to eat, but to keep it within our budget we've started researching weeknight deals and specials - tonight we're going out for half-price steaks at a restaurant, a few weeks ago we got half price pizzas from a local bar. 

[Catlady1979]

@Ru-bee

That all sounds great too 😊

One day I looked at my bank account and I was horrified at how much I was spending on takeaway so I've decided to limit it to once a fortnight and only spend $50 max.

I also limiting my takeaway to healthier options rather than Macca, HJ's or KFC type foods.

Takeaway is great convenience wise especially if you're in a high stress job but it's far too costly and it enables laziness in me which isn't good.

[Appleblossom]

I have been doing those things all my life @Catlady1979 it really is helpful in managing money. I no longer need to go often to opshops as I have enuff stuff. Growing food isn’t always cheap but can help. Also buying in markets

… I used to work in hospitality, so not that concerned to waste my money on take away food. I let my kids eat it a bit but not too much. Better nutrition may happen with homemade food.

@Ru-bee @Shaz51 

[Ru-bee]

Yeah I do still love a good takeaway @Appleblossom I guess more specifically I try to avoid ordering from ubereats, with all the additional fees it becomes expensive very fast and then the food is never that warm when it arrives...It's always worth it to go and pick it up if we are going to get takeaway but sometimes I still forget somehow

[Catlady1979]

@Appleblossom

The patio garden won't be happening until after August - I have a student contribution fee I have to pay and much of my tax return will go to that unfortunately.

Regarding op-shopping, I don't do it all the time and I'll only go to them when I have spare money after paying my necessary expenses.

I'll also be donating a whole lot of stuff to an op-shop soon that I no longer need or want.

I will look more at buying some of my groceries at markets too.

I worked in the disability sector for a long time and I didn't have a lot of time to eat a proper meal and takeaway became convenient but also very costly in the end - Eating on the run also isn't great for my waist line and I did put on a lot of weight back then.

Homemade is definitely always better!! 😊

[Catlady1979]

@Ru-bee

Ubereats, Menulog, Door Dash, etc are ridiculous price wise and like you've said the food isn't always warm nor fresh - It's best to avoid them if you want a decent and affordable takeaway.

[Appleblossom]

Yes, do understand the ubereats temptation, but it can be beneficial on many fronts (financial, nutritional and in building resilience) to resist it. My son thought it hilarious I didn’t have the app. I am not a prohibition type. I am proud my son has decided to support a local small business which is where we indulge in our eating out. I come from 2 generations on each side with significant access to food issues. I am grateful for my daily “bread “.

@Catlady1979 @Ru-bee 

[The-red-centaur]

I always have to be tight with money, im on pension and over 75% goes to the board and lodging fee i pay at my accommodation. Im lucky internet and most groceries is included. After a few other bills and medication I usually only have very little extra. 

I used to be bad at going shopping and impulse buying things because it looked nice or fun. I dont go window shopping or anything really anymore, and if I want something I will research it online and find the best place to get it. 

I like cooking, but find im often too fatigued to cook most of the time. I do a lot of meal prep when I have the energy and freeze it all. I find i just grab one out for lunch or dinner and still eat healthy yummy meals. 

I also shop at local supermarkets and spudsheds. They have a pension day with %5 off on Tuesdays, and its also a lot cheaper than Coles, woolies, aldi, etc. They also are 24/7 and have lots of great international products. The fruit and veg is straight from the farmers and is less than half the price if other shops. When I go in the morning they are always restocking and its mostly organic (This is a WA chain, sorry east coast)  

Another way I save is coffee at home. Nothing better than a flat white, until its $7 at the til each time and just mot sustainable