One of the top benefits of budgeting is helping you stay on track to reach your financial goal and stopping you from spending money that you don’t have. There are so many tips shared for all areas of life. However, what one does may not suit another. That’s what I love most about this community – sharing ideas and learning from each other. Quite a few readers emailed me some of their money-saving tips, all to help with your budget.

Thank you so much to the readers that contributed their tips. There are some great ideas in here and I find it interesting to learn how others save their money and reduce living costs.

• We withdraw our budgeted spending money out of an ATM each week. Once that cash is spent that is it, that way you have to stick to your budget and can’t go over using your eftpos card! – Sarah

• Whenever I have leftovers from dinner, I freeze it in single meal containers. Make sure to label the contents. I keep a written list of all the meals in the freezer then when we have a really busy evening or just don’t feel like cooking, everyone can look at the list & choose their dinner! Super easy & basically a free meal. – Liz

• I write out my shopping list and check my list out against Woolworths and Coles online and pick the cheapest. This also helps me stick to my grocery budget. – Emma

• My best money saving tip would be to always pay yourself first (in the way of savings) because no one else will do it for you! – Janine

• My money saving tip is in regards to shopping around for medicines at various chemists. I can save over $662 a year on medication costs simply by shopping around. I sat down one day & made a list of my family’s medications and started ringing around to various branded chemists to compare prices. The results were unreal and for me I can save hundreds per year by shopping at Chemist Warehouse. I have noticed the same extreme price differences with antibiotics that are not required often, but the savings can be huge just by making a few phone calls. Again, same box, same brand!- Nancy

And thank you so much to special reader, Caroline, who left all these helpful money saving tips:

• Do not be supermarket loyal. If you have a supermarket rewards card, use it if it benefits you.
• Scour the internet for supermarket codes that will help you save money. This also includes supermarkets. That stated, there is no use spending 30 minutes in a car to save 30 cents. Be smart with how you spend your shopping budget.
• Start up a small stockpile at home. Check for specials and if you have the budget for one item at normal price and it is at a discount, consider getting another.
• If a product is not on a shelf or out the back of a supermarket, ask for a raincheck if the product is on sale that week.
• If you have an automobile association card, check what discounts and offers (if any) that you may also be entitled to.
• Meal plan and cook from scratch as often as you can. The overall monthly savings can be substantial. Batch cooking is another option.
• Run an inventory of what is in your refrigerator, freezer and pantry before heading out to shop so that you do not waste food, products or money unnecessarily.
• Create a, “Master list,” of your household’s needs over a 12 month timeframe. Include in the list: each item (include all food, household items and drinks), how many that are used within this timeframe, total approximate cost, and actual overall cost.
• When shopping at clearance sales, ensure that you work from a list. I use a list of what is required, by whom, their preferences and size (where applicable for clothing).
• There can always be room for improvement. Hence, search the internet, read books, listen to well informed and knowledgeable people regarding finance and household savings.
• Check supermarkets’ own websites for the best deals for your household. Moreover, fruit and vegetable markets, bakeries and butcheries may also have a better deal than some supermarkets.
• Remember the idiom, “Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves.” It is your money until you hand it over. It is up to you where and when you decide to do so.

What’s your top budget/money saving tip?