Living alone can be both an exciting journey and a challenging one. It gives you a sense of freedom, where you are the sole ruler of your domain, yet it is considered to be more expensive when compared with sharing with someone.
In order to maintain a certain lifestyle, one cannot escape basic living expenses such as electricity, food, entertainment and transport.
“All of these needs are essential and to stay afloat, it is recommended that you keep them under control by managing how much of your monthly income is spent on each of them,” said Bank Windhoek’s Manager for Public Relations, André Le Roux.
Below are some of the saving tips Le Roux shares:
Electricity and food
*Switch off your geyser when it’s not in use. Hot water stays warmer for a long time when only one person uses the hot water tap. Turning on the geyser an hour before it is needed helps you save on electricity.
*Turn off appliances that are on stand-by.
*Plan meals so that when you’re cooking, you can make extra servings to freeze. Meals that freeze well, for instance soups and stews, rice and lentils. This not only reduces the use of electricity, but the amount of time you’ll need to cook on a weekly basis.
*Boil six eggs at a time and keep them in the fridge.
*Eat snacks like popcorn, carrots, celery and make your own dipping sauce. It’s cheaper and healthier.
*Keep a refrigerated bottle of water mixed with lemon and mint. It is refreshing - no need to spend money on sugary cool drinks.
*Buy items like cheese, milk and bread in bulk and freeze them for later use.
*Take a packed lunch to work instead of buying from a kiosk.
*Use a slow or pressure cooker when cooking. It saves time, electricity and money.
*Learn how to cook your favourite dishes from restaurants and take-away outlets. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is and how much healthier you can make them.
*Fill up your washing machine and do only full washes.
Entertainment
*Choose if you need uncapped internet or a television subscription. Re-evaluate the different packages on offer.
*Buy products on promotions - buy one get one half price or free.
*Get a hobby that you can enjoy at home instead of having to go out and spend money on unbudgeted items or events.