Beware of the Little Expenses this Summer | ExpatWoman.com
 

Beware of the Little Expenses this Summer

While you might have moved abroad for a higher standard of living, you can still cut back on your expenses to save

Posted on

10 August 2016

Last updated on 14 May 2018
Beware of the Little Expenses this Summer

Although you’ve moved abroad for a higher standard of living, there are still many ways to cut back on your expenses to ensure you have funds to store away, without giving up the little luxuries of expat living.  

Simply by putting aside an hour to plan your spending for this month, you can make a few simple swaps, and become more thoughtful about how you spend your money this August.
 
Beware of the Little Expenses this Summer
 
To get you going this summer, here's three simple strategies to implement right away – next month, take note of a few more of our simple swaps and savings tips and gradually you'll gain greater control of your finances, making it easier and easier for you to habitually save money for your future.
 
1. Keep an eye out for coupons. Whether it’s for your accommodation, bikinis or wardrobe for your summer holiday this month, voucher codes and special discounts can help cut the cost of your holiday.

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2. Watch what you eat. As an expat, dining out is no longer the luxury it was back home. The choice of international restaurants mixed with high import costs of international food in supermarkets makes cooking at home tricky, and frankly quite undesirable. However by eating out less you’ll be surprised at how much you can save, as the little add-ons, can add up. 
 
Why not invest in a weekly veggie box from a local supplier? You can choose organic items, and have fun creating your favourite dishes at home with fresh, local produce. If you’re not sure how to cook the items, use this as an excuse to meet like-minded people and get involved in a local cooking class. This small expense will save you money in the long run, and leave you with a new skill to show off to your family and friends back home!
 
3. Buy things used. Thanks to people constantly moving to and from the cities we live in, there are Facebook groups aplenty selling furniture, accessories, clothing, children’s items and household necessities to ensure every expat family or individual is well equipped. Search the expat forums for items before you head to the shops – if you need it, someone else probably needs to be rid of it!
 
By exploring some of these thrifty ideas you can spend less than is necessary on the things that don’t matter – so you have the money to spend on the things that do.  By gradually implementing these savings habits into your monthly routine, you can build awareness of when to spend and where to save to gain control of your finances, and put money away for your future, to ensure your lifestyle is not compromised when you reach retirement.  

 
 

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