20% off $50 iTune gift card at Dick Smith

As mentioned in my post on how to save on iTune. Yes, Dick Smith is currently selling $50 iTune gift card for $40. Don't miss out!

How to save on iTunes

I was visiting Dick Smith yesterday with my wife and we were contemplating of getting the TomTom navigation app on iTunes. It's $75 for the Australian version on the app store and Dick Smith has the iTune gift card for $50 on sale for $40! That's 20% off!

If I get the iTune card and pay the rest of the app, that's only costing $65 ($40 for gift card with value of $50 + $25 from credit card or Paypal), saving of $10.

Look out for your local stores, there's always sale for iTune gift cards seasonally.

In addition, some apps get discounted or go on 'free' special at times. There are apps that track when apps on sale or becomes free.

Save by Buying Grocery at Aldi

Today we went to an Aldi for window shopping - do some walking after a heavy brunch. There are certain things that really grab our attention. Canola oil for half the price you pay at Coles or Woolworth. There plenty of other things that are cheaper including meat and frozen meals. Though variety of goods are less, it is worth stopping by Aldi before heading to a normal supermarket to grab other things not available at Aldi.

Canola oil $5.00 for 2L per bottle at Aldi

Saving on Credit Card

Today my wife just cancelled her reward program credit card. Why you asked? Her reward program credit card costs $69 per year. I have the same reward credit card, so that's $69 x 2 per year in total cost. What we'll be doing is for me to apply an additional card for $9 for her. So saving of $60 [($69 x 2) - (69+9)] per year!

Note: She has her own credit card before we got married last year. In case you're thinking why didn't I thought of that before.

Since I've started on saving tips via credit card, I will list a few more:

1. Use a reward program credit card - if you're going to pay your gas/electricity/water/insurance bills/grocery/petrol (and the lists go on), why not pay with your reward program. Our reward program credit card will give you a $20 shopping gift card for every $2000 spent on the card. We get at least $100 per year, so definitely more than our annual cost of $69/year.
2. Pay on time. Never ever pay interest or the minimum required on your card! Always pay in full before the interest free days! These are the ultimate rule to save via reward program credit card. DO NOT get a credit card if you have a habit of not paying in full before the interest free days - use a debit card instead is my advice (at least you'll be spending money you have instead of spending borrowed money on interest)!
3. Choose a credit card best suits you. I usually use Canstar to compare different credit cards. It is a good website for searching the best loan, credit card or banking account deals.

Save by Buying Grocery at the Market

We're at the market today. In Melbourne, there's a few big markets such as the Victoria's Market or Dandenong's Market. The vegetables and fruits are normally much cheaper than the supermarket and most time fresher as well. There are a few tips to save even more.

1. Buy in boxes or bulk if you have a big family. If shopping with friends , you can split the goods later.

2. Shop around. Survey the stalls. There is always stores that sell certain produce cheaper.

3. Shop right before closing time. Lots of vendors will discount their fruits and vegetable as they will go to waste especially the ripe fruits. Buy over-ripe fruits to make jams or juice.

Bulk-buying When Grocery Shopping

Bulk-buying is how my wife and I save money on shopping. Whenever there is a big discount on toilet paper, Spam or baked beans and tuna, we will stock up enough for 6 months supply. Normally this is during sale when there is 30-50% discount on prices.

Eg. Today my wife just stocked up 8 x 1 litre of chicken/beef/vegetable stock at half price at Coles this afternoon. Saved $16!