Money saving ideas that take the hassle out of shopping around

For those of you, like my girlfriend, shopping around is second nature. From looking at who has the best styles of dresses available this season, to comparing where she can find the shoes she wants at the best price. It is a pastime which brings her plenty of joy. Opening up her Macbook involves escaping from internet browser windows crammed with ASOS and Lookbook pages.

I’m yet to stumble upon her shopping around for personal finance products online. In fact, I’d say the only thing that gives her pleasure is getting these decisions done quickly and relatively painlessly. She doesn’t derive pleasure from the process which is fair enough. The main objective is to not get ripped off. It’s no small wonder people hate money issues. We enter these decisions emotionally wondering how hurt we are going to get. So, if you are like her, how do you make quick and informed financial choices? The easiest way is to compare online at comparison websites like finder.com.au, which compares credit cards, home loans, savings accounts, life insurance, mobile phones, broadband plans and more. What we want to do with you in the first of our regular monthly blogs, is ask you to share your experiences. The MoMs community should help each other out with tips on these pesky financial essentials.

Speaking of shopping, here are my tips on managing a credit card, what are yours?

Smart saving ideas
1. Use the money you save on low interest offers to repay the balance faster
2. Make lump sum payments to reduce the balance – use tax returns, birthday money or inheritance
3. As you repay and reduce the balance, reduce your credit limit.
4. If you have a credit card debt, you can save money by doing a low interest balance transfer.

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144 Comments

- - Frankiielot said
  - 23 Jul 2022
    9:27 pm
I tried to avoid getting a credit card for so long but sometimes you just need one for emergency purposes.
If you need an emergency procedure done and you don’t have enough savings, then you need one

- - becstalou said
  - 23 Nov 2018
    2:50 pm
I can’t stand the thought of credit card debt I avoid it at all costs.

- - mom112217 said
  - 18 Apr 2017
    9:26 am
All great tips l agree with,thanks!

- - dannsbuild said
  - 22 Sep 2015
    9:13 pm
Really very good knowledge to know! Thanks for sharing this article!

- - mom94125 said
  - 05 Jan 2015
    10:39 am
really i don’t think that you should reduce your credit card limit. if you are able to do that, then you should just cut it up right? i don’t have a credit card anymore

- - mom57522 said
  - 31 Aug 2014
    11:01 pm
I have a credit card but very rarely use it.

- - kazh said
  - 28 Aug 2014
    4:15 pm
Short and sweet, thanks for the tips

- - linaianna said
  - 29 Jun 2014
    6:24 pm
Great read thanks for sharing

- - mom57522 said
  - 31 May 2014
    4:14 pm
Hate having debt. Like to pay off purchases as soon as I can.

- - no1ladydj said
  - 31 May 2014
    12:09 pm
I have a credit card for emergencies, and that’s all it’s used for. I have a debit card for everyday purchases, so that I can’t spend what I don’t have. Few things make me feel sicker than knowing I’ve got a mountain of debt that will take forever to pay off.
- ginoula5 replied
  
  14 Aug 2014 , 12:19 pm
  I too only have a credit card for emergencies, or when I want to make a purchase that only allows a credit card.
- - missmel said
  - 26 May 2014
    5:37 pm
Great tips. I need all the tips I can get on saving money!

- - scottie said
  - 09 May 2014
    3:04 pm
some good ideas like using your tax return to make a big dent in it

- - eestigirl said
  - 25 Apr 2014
    9:32 pm
I tried to be mindful of my spending as much as I could and paid off my credit cards. I now have a debit card and have an overdraft facility in case of unforeseen urgent expenditure. Living within my means is a challenge but much better than paying interest for credit card purchases.
I buy multiples of my preferred pantry and household items when they are on special and replenish my wardrobe at end of season sales. Being fairly frugal allows me to save a little “spare money” too.

- - somethingblue said
  - 13 Apr 2014
    7:44 pm
thanks for the tips, will help a lot.

- - shazzbot said
  - 13 Apr 2014
    9:21 am
Some great ideas here, we got rid of our credit cards 5 years ago, one of the best things you could possibly do.