Category: Money Matters
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Sub category: Saving
 

The Savings Games

Whether you need a little kick or are just hyper competitive, turning savings goals into a game can make the task of saving that much easier and more enjoyable. Even setting hypothetical challenges and rewards can become the dangling carrot you’ll need to reach your goal, while having a bit of fun in the meantime. You can think up just about anything to challenge yourself, but here are a few ideas to get you started.

Summer games

There are so many ways you can challenge yourself to save during the summer months, so why not invent your own games that will have you cheering for the heat to come around? For example, ‘dollars for degrees’ lets the weather determine the amount you save on a day-to-day or weekly basis. The game is simple, on any designated day, check the weather and deposit $1 for every degree in the highest temp for that day (i.e. 34 degrees = $34.00 savings). Depending on how keen you are and how often you play, dollars for degrees could be the game that saves you a tone of cash and give you all the more reason to soak up those beach days.

Bad habit savings account

If you find kicking bad habits particularly hard to do, then this is the game for you. It’s easy; think of a habit you’d like to kick and start a savings account or penalty jar to make sure you keep your word. For example, if you’ve promised yourself to exercise on certain days of the week, every time you miss an appointment, throw $20 in the jar. Win or lose, at least you’ll have something to show for it in the end.

Currency collecting

For some, coin collecting is a hobby, but if you’re not into it, it can still be a great way to save something extra each month on your own terms. This involves putting aside one of every type of coin or note over the course of a month (totalling $188.85 after all are collected), pretty straight forward. You get to decide when and what you put away, but you must collect them all before the month finishes ready to deposit away. For example, in week one you might be super busy so maybe it’s not the best time to throw in a hundred or fifty dollar note – put aside a 5 or 10 cent coin that week and save the big ones for when you’re spending less. Do this each month and you’ll find yourself sitting on a nice little pot of extra savings.

While we’re at it… here are some tools to help you get there

“There’s an app for that”, the modern day catch phrase that is thrown around whenever someone in your immediate circle of friends is venting about their ‘first world problem’. The funny thing is, there probably is an app for it. Here’s a handful that’ll help ease the pressure on your back pocket.

  • MotorMouth – A crowd-sourced database of petrol stations and fuel prices from all across Australia. All station information is added and edit by users like yourself (iOS and Android compatible).
  • GetPrice – Compare prices on the fly with this handy app that lets you scan a products barcode and reports back on where you’ll find it on the cheap  (iOS compatible).
  • The Happiest Hour – Dinner and drinks on the cheap. This app will help you hunt down the best deals at pubs, clubs and restaurants Australia wide (iOS and Android compatible).
Find out all you need to know about ING's Savings accounts

The information is current as at publication. Any advice on this website does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs and you should consider whether it is appropriate for you. Deposit products, savings products, credit card and home loan products are issued by ING, a business name of ING Bank (Australia) Limited ABN 24 000 893 292, AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 229823. Living Super, a sub-plan of OneSuper ABN 43 905 581 638 is issued by Diversa Trustees Limited ABN 49 006 421 638, AFSL 235153 RSE L0000635. The insurance cover offered by Living Super is provided by Metlife Insurance Limited ABN 75 004 274 882, AFSL 238096. ING Insurance is issued by Auto & General Insurance Company Limited (AGIC) ABN 42 111 586 353 AFSL Licence No 285571 as insurer. It is distributed by Auto & General Services Pty Ltd (AGS) ABN 61 003 617 909 AFSL 241411 and by ING as an Authorised Representative AR 1247634 of AGS. All applications for credit are subject to ING's credit approval criteria, and fees and charges apply. You should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement, Terms and Conditions, Fees and Limits Schedule, Financial Services Guide, Key Facts Sheet and Credit Guide available at ing.com.au when deciding whether to acquire, or to continue to hold, a product. Before interacting with us via our social media platforms, please take a minute to familiarise yourself with our Social Media User Terms https://www.ing.com.au/pdf/Social_Media_User_Terms.pdf.

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