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Times are tough, and we know that. With economists predicting a staggering 2 million Australians out of work, basically we need things that you can do a lot with a little.
So we’ve compiled a list of some cute, clever, even quirky ways to curb your spending and cut some corners (lawfully) and still be a damn goddess while doing so.
To you, from team GRAZIA, with love.
cute cost-cutting tips for the fabulous and unemployed:
Lose the double cleanse, and just cleanse once. Trust me, your skin will survive and you’ll be saving a lot of cleanser (plus, there’s no pollution and sun when you’re inside at home!). In the words of the Spice Girls, “cause tonight is the night when two become one”.
Editorial Director Jessica Bailey suggests cancelling subscriptions to apps / services you don’t use and any other automatic payments you don’t need. “Apple were deducting money from AppleTV and I’ve only ever watched one show on it!”
Burn your candles and keep the lights to a minimum (it’s chicer that way anyway).
ICON Editorial Assistant Rebekah Clark is learning to sew in self-isolation, then repairing all her old clothing. Local retailer The Undone did a cute step-by-step guide on How To Sew A Button on Instagram which you can find here.
Sign up for free fitness classes / do Zoom fitness classes with friends (because we’ve all got at least one yoga guru or pilates princess in our friendship groups).
Instead of fresh broth (which expires quickly), invest in a long-life broth powder that you can use in a multitude of ways (soups, stews, stir-fries, sauces, solo). I’m loving this one by NutraOrganics, it’s both delicious and immunity-boosting (i.e. very important right now).
Don’t wear makeup! You don’t need to! Let thy skin breathe (and think of all the money you’ll be saving on not using / buying makeup).
Beauty Editor Emily Algar is getting very good at using up every last food scrap in the house. “I made frittata last night from all my weird soft vegetables…I even blended half a zucchini in my smoothie!”
Get rooted at home…your hair, that is. There’s heaps of great options for at-home colour now like this glorious, commitment-free one from Christophe Robin (great for first-time home-rooters).
….but if you can’t go without in-salon love, book a hair appointment with a junior stylist / colourist (if they’re 30-mins quick!)
Make a staple pasta sauce, like this “Quarantine Sauce” by Katrina Meynink, that can be jazzed up with lots of different things and can basically go forever (or roughly 10 dinners).
Instead of re-buying herb bunch after herb bunch (at $3 – $5 per bunch!), buy a herb plant and tend to it lovingly. Consider it your new at-home project.
Skip breakfast…by sleeping in!
Jessica Bailey recommends writing everything down – from coffees to Uber Eats orders – so you can see your exact expenditure. “Writing down everything – your coffee orders, your Uber Eats, your online purchases – sometimes actually shocks you into how much you’re actually spending and makes you question. I was spending $70 on coffee per week and I didn’t realise!”
Learn how to make a great coffee at home / fall in love with instant coffee (don’t knock it, it’s actually quite good these days).
Repurpose old candles, juice jars, shopping bags and give them a new lease on life.
Make meals that go the distance: soups, pasta, polenta, pies, rice dishes (you know the drill) and freeze them.
Give your unloved clothes, bags and shoes a new home by selling your goods online. Remember, there are still people out there who want to buy, and by selling them at a reduced price it’s a win-win for all!
