Ok, so you’re already switching off the lights when you leave the room, the geysers during the day, and taking shorter showers. Boring!

We are all feeling the pinch, and whether we like to admit it or not, South African’s are notoriously bad when it comes to saving. A recent study shows that only 20% of South Africans have any kind of formal savings with a recognised financial institution. Truth: According to South African Government statistics, South Africans are now borrowing more money than they are saving. Yes, household debt as a percentage of household income now stands at approximately 80%! (this includes loans, overdrafts, credit card debt, home loans, accounts).  It is tight! 60% of families say they are living from pay-check to pay-check.

So whether you want to be a millionaire (so frickin’ bad) or simply want to stop spending your pay- check before you get it, take a look at a few out of the box, rather unusual ways to save money:

• Turn your old wine into vinegar. Pour some old wine that isn’t drinkable into a container and let it age. Voila, fine vinegar!
• Top up your condiments with packets from fast food restaurants. Why not? You’re paying for it anyway. Pour those little packets of ketchup, mustards or mayo’s into your bottled condiments at home.
• Ladies, order LARGE meals on dates. When you’re taken out to dinner, make the most of it! Order a large meal and take half of it home in a doggy bag. Two free meals for the price of one!
• Move back in with your parents. This might be the craziest idea of the lot! But, in Asia and South America, having three generations under one roof is the norm. Best of all, live-in grandparents provide a 24-hour free babysitting service.
• One cocktail only. When you go out treat yourself to one cocktail only, then a beer or a cider instead. You’ll save more than 50% on your bar tab.
• Organise a clothing swap. Chic savvy conservation minded consumers now update their wardrobes by taking part in clothing swaps. Invite friends, set a minimum number of pieces for each person to bring, and trade away.
• Cut the coffee. Love your take-out coffee? Brew your own bottomless cups at work for free! Yeah, this could be a saving of approximately R145 each week!
• Use a basket instead of a trolley. It will keep you from tossing in more than you need (plus you’ll get a mini-arm workout while you shop).
• Get your hair done for free. Search online for local beauty schools. An appointment with a student in training may mean a major discounted or free haircut.
• Do the “sniff test”. Go ahead, sniff your clothes and assess if that hardly worn T-shirt really needs a run through the washer. You’ll save on electricity and your clothes will last longer. Mmm … not so sure about this one!
• Downgrade your phone. This is a scary one, but getting a cheap phone without any fancy apps will cut your monthly phone bill in half.

Little changes can add up to big savings. The golden rule is to spend only the money you have left after savings. Good luck! Read more on Saving Money here.

Source: www.wisebread.com, asmallife.com, www.marhastewart.com, www.essentials.co.za, www.buzzfeed.com, mg.co.za, www.fin24.com, www.suncorp.com,au, www.sabc.co.za, money.usnews.com, www.nomadicmatt.com, www.oldmutual.co.za, greatest.com