It only takes a quick trip to the supermarket to know that life is becoming more expensive by the day.
So for many New Zealanders, the news that we’ve had the biggest jump in living costs since 1990 won’t be a surprise at all.
Stats NZ figures show overall inflation for the year has hit 6.9%, driven by core costs including higher rents, increased construction costs, higher food prices especially fruit and vegetables, and soaring petrol prices.
Unfortunately, choosing to stop paying for our home or to eat isn't an option for most of us. So now people from all walks of life are needing to reassess their budget and figure out how to live life for less.
Luckily, there are plenty of websites and apps dedicated to letting you have the same lifestyle, at the lowest possible cost.
Here are our favourites.
Food
Grocer is a new website that lets you scan or search for food items you want to buy. It will then compile a list for you, and tell you the cheapest place to shop for that collection of items.
If you want to still have the occasional meal out, First Table can save you some cash. You can get 50% off a restaurant booking just by taking an early bird deal. Hey, some of us prefer to eat at 5pm!
You can also try Restaurant Hub for discount coupons for restaurants and cafes near you.
Fuel
Gaspy (a free app) has developed a cult following as petrol prices soar. Users update it with the latest prices at fuel stations in their area, creating a pool of information so that you can search for the cheapest price near you.
Shopping
Going secondhand is a trick that more and more New Zealanders are turning to, as a way to get good quality for less. Many times an item is totally unused, but available for a fraction of the price, simply because someone had an unwanted gift. TradeMe and Facebook Marketplace are great places to start.
When you want or need to buy new, there are still good ways to make sure you get the best price. PriceSpy lets you compare prices across different retailers so that you can find the best deal. PriceMe is another option that some swear by.
The Market Club is available on The Warehouse app and gives access to deep discounts not available elsewhere. You can use it for both online shopping, and in-store.
Regular bills
It pays to shop around with any regular bills. Check in at least once a year to make sure that you’re getting the best price for what you’re paying, as companies will often ignore existing customers while offering cheap deals to lure in new ones.
As winter approaches, an obvious one to check is your power bill. Powerswitch not only helps you compare providers but will recommend plans based on how your household uses power. Handy.
Meanwhile, insurance can be easily compared using LifeDirect.
Activities
Free is always the best price, so try stopping by your local library, where you can usually get free books and puzzles for the kids. Grab a couple of books for yourself while you’re at it.
If you’re after a cheaper hotel getaway or a discounted coupon to local attractions, there are plenty of options. Try GrabOne, Book Me, or Treat Me.
For those who want a cheaper way to stay fit, there’s Class Pass. It gives a discounted rate to classes such as pilates or boot camps. Unfortunately, it’s only currently available in Auckland or Wellington.
Cashback
KiwiWallet gives you cashback for your regular shopping, simply by going through their website. Just be warned, some users say it takes a while for the cashback to process into your account. Shop Rewards is another good option.
