And a savvy New Year

It's an expensive time of year. Children going back to school need new stationery, uniforms and other supplies - not to mention all the costs that parents are saddled with when a New Year's worth of after-school activities starts. So how can you save money relatively painlessly?

Shop at op shops
If you build a rapport with the staff at your local op shops, many will be willing to keep an eye out for things they know you are looking for. Find out when they are planning specials or sales - goods are often heavily discounted at the end of seasons to make room for new arrivals. Use these times to stock up. The key to good op-shopping is dedication - you need to keep going back in order to nab bargains.

Don't throw out your junk mail
Scan leaflets and flyers for coupons and specials that will be useful. Online, sign up for websites such as 1-day.co.nz or grabone.co.nz that offer a daily deal. You may be able to find the odd inexpensive luxury to treat yourself with, or get good discounts on necessities.
Make a gift cupboard
When you are out shopping and spot something that would make a perfect present for someone in your family, buy it and keep it in your gift cupboard. You will avoid the stress of shopping during the Christmas or Mother's Day rush - and you will be able to make the most of good sales when you see them.

Shop sensibly at the supermarket
Don't take your children to the supermarket with you if you can possibly avoid it, and eat before you go. Plan your meals for the week and make a list of the ingredients you are lacking for them. Stick to the list. Buy home brands and take a calculator with you - or use one on your cellphone - to tally up how much you have spent as you go around.
De-clutter
Every six months, get your children to clear out their wardrobes and toy boxes of everything they have not used recently. Do the same for your wardrobe, garage and storage cupboards. Sell everything on Trade Me or hold a garage sale. Use the profits to treat yourselves to something nice.
Eat out at home
Instead of going to a restaurant, make an event of eating at home every so often. Get the children to help prepare a meal, have music on in the background and light candles to set the mood. Alternatively, have a picnic. If the weather is not conducive, it can be a picnic on your lounge floor. Make it an event and it will be fun for everyone, without the restaurant price tag.

Get the best deal on your phone

If everyone has a cellphone, see what deals you can get that involve free calling and texting within the family. There are packages on offer that cover calls between mobile phones, as well as from landlines to phones. You could be surprised how much you save with the right plan.

Get the best deal on your power
Check out powerswitch.org.nz to see whether you are getting the cheapest deal possible for your power usage. It takes very little effort to change power companies, but there can be significant savings.
Find free entertainment
Check out different playgrounds, sign up for the library, and find out what sport facilities are available at little or no cost. See if your children can set up a system with their friends in which they swap toys - they'll get things that seem new but won't cost you a cent.

Carpool
Cut down on the number of trips you make in the car by sharing the load with neighbours and friends.

Seek out students
Kids can often get very cheap haircuts from hairdressing students. Find out from the local polytech what they offer.