We’re all about being money savvy this month, so our challenges for August are designed to get you thinking about your financial situation (but in a fun way… promise!).
TAME
Clean out your wardrobe and jump on TradeMe. You’ll be amazed at what people will pay for your old clothes, especially if an item has a covetable label. If you can’t be bothered listing garments individually trying selling them as a bulk lot. Then you can take that cash and go on a guilt free new season shopping spree – fun!
Join your local library. Not only can you cut down your book buying costs, but libraries also have a bank of CDs and DVDs available for rent, not to mention stacks of air freighted magazines and great reference books. If you don’t have a membership you normally just have to bring along proof of address to sign up.
INTERMEDIATE
Ask your boss for a pay rise. If your salary isn’t a fair reward for the work you do and it’s been ages since you last saw an increase then do something about it. Instead of moaning to your friends about how much your pay packet sucks, talk to your boss. Start off by asking when your next pay review is, then check out this article for some helpful advice.
Ditch your car for a week. Think you can’t live without your car? Lock it in the garage and see how you get by relying on public transport and walking. Not only should you get lots of exercise, it will also probably make you realise how often you use your car for short, petrol draining trips. Before you start, make sure you load up your MP3 player with lots of tunes to enjoy.
CHALLENGING
Work out your five year financial plan. You won’t get anywhere money wise unless you have clear goals you’re working towards. Whether it’s paying off debt, buying a house or learning how to invest, make a document of where you want to end up and how you’re going to get there. Planning on falling in love with a millionaire doesn’t count!
Spend a money free weekend. It might sound impossible, but see if you can get by without spending a cent from Friday night to Monday morning. Get some friends on board with the challenge and hunt out fun free things to do. Don’t forget to make a picnic to take out with you during the day or have a pot luck dinner in the evening.
savvy this month, so our challenges for August are designed to get you thinking about your financial situation (but in a fun way… promise!).
Clean out your wardrobe and jump on 
your book buying costs, but libraries also have a bank of CDs and DVDs available for rent, not to mention stacks of air freighted magazines and great reference books. If you don’t have a membership you normally just have to bring along proof of 
since you last saw an increase then do something 
car for short, petrol draining trips. Before you start, 
how you’re going to get there. Planning on falling in love with a millionaire doesn’t count!