4 ways you could be wasting money

Moving into your newly-bought home that you can make your own is an exciting feeling. You’ll finally be able to frame and hang that cute picture with you and your furry pet and nobody can judge you! #Goals!

 Besides adding your own personality to your home, there will be other things that catch your attention and make you think “I have to do this”.

We understand that you want to turn your new home into the envy of your friends and family, but here are some expenses you really don’t need to jump straight into as a new home owner:

1. Set the scene with matching appliances
   Yes, we all dream of a kitchen with matching appliances that complement the walls, or an entertainment area that simply sets the right mood to “wow” your visitors. But seriously, if you’ve just moved into your new space, your friends will understand. If that blue kettle, grey fridge and pink iron works – leave them! The time to match your fridge to your dishwasher and kettle will come.
2. Fill up ALL the spaces!
   You’ve got all this space and it came with the temptation to just fill it up… what do you do? We say fight that temptation and only get what you really need. Take your time and do it right; the last thing you want is to be buying furniture you can’t really afford and that you don’t really need. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. You don’t have to decorate your home into a magazine dream home within the first month.
3. Creating your very own garden of Eden
   The grass may look greener on the other side of the fence – but remember that you have just arrived and your neighbour has had time to get their garden to that level. Yes, your favourite flowers, trees and intricately-patterned paving stones may form a part of your dream garden, but you still have plenty of time! Perhaps a bag of compost and a lawnmower could be a cheaper start to your dream garden. Besides saving money, you get the therapy of bonding with your new space – be your own gardener.
4. Did someone say pool party?
   It’s about to get warmer and the thought of chilling by the poolside with your chommies is attractive, right? But if your place doesn’t have a pool already, think about the cost that building one will entail. And if you’re lucky enough to have a swimming pool already, keep it covered until you’ve handled the other important costs (the weather is still on your side!). A pool party is fun but there are other things that need your financial attention more than the costs of maintaining a pool.

While you’re ensuring that your pozzie looks great, get added peace of mind by getting home insurance to insure your home and all its contents so you can live your way without the hassle of replacing valuables from your own pocket if the need arose. This is one expense that’s worth the spend!