Six ways to help handle the cozzie livs (AKA cost of living)
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Cozzie livs: an abbreviation for the 2022/23 cost of living crisis, originating in Britain.
Every day something seems to be a few (or twenty) dollars more expensive, and unless you’ve won the lotto recently chances are you’re feeling the pinch. Here are six ways to help stretch that paycheck and maybe even have a little bit left over!
Set financial boundaries with friends and loved ones
This is the big one and it’s a challenging one as well for those of us who see confrontation and run in the opposite direction, but putting up some financial boundaries will save both your budget and your relationships.
Some ways you can do this is by suggesting restaurants within your price range and splitting the bill by item (rather than down the middle). It means each person can order and enjoy what works for their budget.
Offering to have people over for a cuppa rather than going out for a $7 latte or soaking in the nice weather with picnics and walks also allow you to catch up without blowing $50 on dinner.
You don’t need to go on a big tangent about why you’re suggesting these things, just a simple “oh actually it would be better for my budget if we did one of these things instead”—those who love you won’t mind doing some cheaper (but just as fun) hangouts.
Stick to the classics (think making coffee at home and bringing in lunch)
I feel like at this point we have all had this drilled into us a thousand times but unfortunately, it’s true. After paying for parking, a morning coffee and some lunch you could be spending as much as $30 a day. Times that by five and you’re at $150 a week.
Choose one a day a week and make that your treat day where you buy the barista coffee and a delicious hot meal, and for the rest of the week, bring it in from home. Also just working from home is another great way to save some dollars when you can.
A love letter to Facebook Marketplace and op shops
Another person’s trash could be your treasure. I am a big lover of new things (well new to me) and have no qualms digging through op shops (Material Pleasures, Goodbyes and the Green Shed are some of my favs), sending a message on Facebook marketplace, and happily accepting my friends’ hand-me-downs.
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Not only is it kinder to the planet it is also cheaper for your wallet, and you get the satisfaction of finding that perfect second-hand gem.
Take out is out
As much as I love food that I haven’t had to cook for myself, it certainly isn’t the best for my budget. So now it’s a sometimes treat.
If you aren’t an Aldi lover yet you need to become a convert. Do the things have silly names? Yes. Do they taste exactly the same for a fraction of the price? Bigger yes.
Making these little swaps and doing things (like eating a few vegetarian meals a week) can help drop that grocery bill. Also, don’t buy all the healthy food if you know deep down you won’t actually eat it. Food wastage is something we’re leaving behind us.
Bonus tip: head down to Coles or Woolies towards the end of the day to grab all the clearance items that are still good for literal cents.
Carpool karaoke anyone?
I remember the days when fuel at $1.50 made me mad—now I’m just cheering it’s under $2 a litre. Anytime you can drive a shorter distance, work from home or carpool with others and you will very quickly save a bunch of your hard-earned dollars. Now, Canberra definitely does not make this the easiest of options. It is for sure a driving city but even a couple of days of staying in your local area will add up and help you out.
Unlike and unsubscribe
And we don’t just mean from bad vibes. Cancel subscriptions and memberships you don’t use—think streaming services and exercise apps—especially if they renew automatically. Instead look for low cost or free options (like YouTube workouts).
Now, none of these ideas are at all earth-shattering but they could be life-changing. Just making some little swaps will go long way. And as a lovely friend reminded me your money is just as precious as your time and you shouldn’t give it away to things that aren’t truly important.
Feature image via Pexels by Mikhail Nilov.
