ADVICE: Streeetching your spending

Thinking about ways to get more out of your budget this month? I have the following tips for you:

• Pay close attention to your medical aid. I am on Discovery and by actually reading their newsletter this month I found some great specials on things I actually needed and was going to buy. They also offer discounts on particular products and their credit card system offers 25% off your total grocery bill at Pick 'n Pay. My gym fees could be reduced (that is if I actually went to gym or had a membership...) and the magazine subscription I bought my husband for our 'paper' anniversary was more than reasonable! Also look for health screening tests that are free. You have to go anyway, you might as well let your medical aid pay for it.
• Get a book card. At Exclusive books or CUM books their loyalty cards offer great discounts. Exclusive Books give you cash back and CUM offers a 10% discount to clients with this card.
• Keep your eyes and ears open for great events that don't cost a thing! Go to exhibits advertised online or in the newspaper, walks around the market or hikes up the mountain - all free and all educational/healthy/FREE!
• Avoid processed, ready-made meals that aren't fulling, healthy or cheap. Rather eat healthy, balanced foods that are good for you and prevent you from landing up at the Doc's office when your body breaks down from vitamin deficiency.
• Shop around or try new brands - Buy your cleaning products from Clicks. Not only are they cheaper but if you buy on your Clicks Card you get points. What? You don't have a Clicks card. Shame on you. (Thanks mom for this one)
• Do yourself a favour. Ask your mom to do your sewing and you cook her a meal. Bring in your neighbour's mail while they are away and get her to babysit your cat when next you are away. A little bit of bartering goes a long way.
• Cook and freeze meals to avoid making purchases when you are in a rush and hungry.
• Buy in bulk and share with a friend.
• Go to China Town, Osmans and other factory shops for clothing, toys, stationery and gifts - yes, it's a bit of a shlep and you have to spend some time looking around but it is worth it for the bargains you'll find. It's all comes from the same place anyway! Just don't buy for the sake of getting something cheap. Make sure you know what you are looking for before you go and stick to your list (any excuse to make a list hey Cara)
• Follow addictedtodiscounts for all the latest special offers, promotions and ideas - I couldn't resist!

Any other tips to share? Please feel free to add them.