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Money Tips From The Experts
When it comes to saving money, what do the professionals do themselves? Six businesspeople reveal their secret tips on how to build that nest egg.
Because I've had several superannuation funds with various employers over the years, I rolled all my old accounts into one account that doesn't charge hefty fees. It astounds me every time I hear that there's $12 billion in lost superannuation out there, and I don't want any of my cash to be in that figure!
"I'm a big believer in recycling and my passion lies in vintage, so when I buy something new, I only invest in couture labels. Before I had my own shop, I used to work out what I spent annually on clothes, shoes and accessories, and then I would spend the same amount on fewer but better quality products. At the end of each season, I'd sell them at the Zurich flea markets [in Switzerland], making enough money to buy the new season's must-haves. I had a big clear-out this weekend, and my stuff still sells straightaway. When you invest in quality labels, like Christian Louboutin, Chloé, Manolo Blahnik and Yves Saint Laurent, they always retain their value."
I always barter and it has saved me tens of thousands of dollars. I catch the salesperson's eye and ask for their best price. If they refuse to give me a reasonable discount, I'll try elsewhere. I never have to wait long before another store sells at a lower price. Sometimes, I return to a store to get a big discount. If you've been in and are prepared to walk away, they don't want you to leave a second time without buying.
"I take full advantage of the free-call periods provided by my mobile service. I also make a quick call to friends and family instead of texting back and forth, which is more expensive. And, when I need to send a very long text, I always write it in MMS instead of SMS, as it has more memory and sends the text in one go, so I only get charged once instead of multiple times."
"I sell my clothes on eBay, always posting the item on a Thursday night for 10 days so the listing ends the following Sunday night, as people spend longer browsing at weekends. When you consider that the average woman owns about $700 worth of unwanted clothes, and eBay sells a piece of women's clothing every nine seconds – it's not rocket science."
My basic rule is that any extra money on my yearly tax return, as a result of my investments, gets put straight back into the market. From the start, I've never spent the windfalls and just reinvested the money, which, in turn, has earned me much more money. The profit from these small investments has contributed to much of my overseas travel, including a trip to Paris! I like to make these little tax bonuses work for me.
Photo: pamspix/iStockPhoto.com
Plan For Your Retirement
David Wakeley, Virgin Money CEOBecause I've had several superannuation funds with various employers over the years, I rolled all my old accounts into one account that doesn't charge hefty fees. It astounds me every time I hear that there's $12 billion in lost superannuation out there, and I don't want any of my cash to be in that figure!
Invest In Labels
Monica Schnieper, owner of pelle recycled designer footwear + accessories in Paddington, NSW"I'm a big believer in recycling and my passion lies in vintage, so when I buy something new, I only invest in couture labels. Before I had my own shop, I used to work out what I spent annually on clothes, shoes and accessories, and then I would spend the same amount on fewer but better quality products. At the end of each season, I'd sell them at the Zurich flea markets [in Switzerland], making enough money to buy the new season's must-haves. I had a big clear-out this weekend, and my stuff still sells straightaway. When you invest in quality labels, like Christian Louboutin, Chloé, Manolo Blahnik and Yves Saint Laurent, they always retain their value."
Ask For A Discount
Paul Squires, self-made millionaire and author of Wealthier Than You ThinkI always barter and it has saved me tens of thousands of dollars. I catch the salesperson's eye and ask for their best price. If they refuse to give me a reasonable discount, I'll try elsewhere. I never have to wait long before another store sells at a lower price. Sometimes, I return to a store to get a big discount. If you've been in and are prepared to walk away, they don't want you to leave a second time without buying.
Use Your Mobile Wisely
James Currah, general manager of marketing for Boost Mobile"I take full advantage of the free-call periods provided by my mobile service. I also make a quick call to friends and family instead of texting back and forth, which is more expensive. And, when I need to send a very long text, I always write it in MMS instead of SMS, as it has more memory and sends the text in one go, so I only get charged once instead of multiple times."
Get Online
Inessa Jackson, eBay spokesperson"I sell my clothes on eBay, always posting the item on a Thursday night for 10 days so the listing ends the following Sunday night, as people spend longer browsing at weekends. When you consider that the average woman owns about $700 worth of unwanted clothes, and eBay sells a piece of women's clothing every nine seconds – it's not rocket science."
Every Little Bit Counts
Dale Gillham, co-founder of www.wealthwithin.com.auMy basic rule is that any extra money on my yearly tax return, as a result of my investments, gets put straight back into the market. From the start, I've never spent the windfalls and just reinvested the money, which, in turn, has earned me much more money. The profit from these small investments has contributed to much of my overseas travel, including a trip to Paris! I like to make these little tax bonuses work for me.
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Photo: pamspix/iStockPhoto.com
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