I want to buy or save ...
We all want to buy things straight away, but sometimes there are hidden or ongoing costs. This tool will help you think about what those costs are so you can make smart saving decisions.
Choose the options that best match what you want to do.
What do you want to buy?
A car
Cars are expensive purchases but for a lot of people, they’re very important to have. There are many things to consider when buying a car in addition to the price of the car itself.
When working out how much you’ll need to save and earn to buy a car and keep it running, make sure you know about these other costs.
It’s also a good idea to shop around for a car and weigh up whether a brand new or used car is better value for you in the long run.
There are also a few things to consider before you buy a used car to make sure that you don’t get ripped off.
Things to consider?
Clothes, cosmetics or grooming
We all like to look, feel and smell good! Saving up to buy a new outfit, a new haircut, or a pair of new shoes is a pretty normal thing to do.
Keep in mind that all of these things can be purchased cheaply, but only if you take the time to browse and compare.
It’s also good to consider if things like haircuts or beauty treatments will require touch-ups in the future to maintain the look, as these costs can be unexpected and add up over time.
Things to consider?
A game
A game, whether it’s for a console, computer, phone or tablet, can cost as little as a dollar, more than $100, or be completely free.
Before you buy or install, make sure you’re aware of the extra money you might need to pay to fully enjoy the game.
Things to consider?
A trip away, festival or event
When you’re planning to go somewhere, you’ve probably thought about the fun things you’ll do and what you need to pack.
But what you also need to consider is what to do if things don’t go as planned. Make sure you have enough money available and that you’ve protected yourself for when things go wrong.
It’s a good idea to make a budget for your trip, so you know all costs are covered before you go.
Things to consider?
A present for someone
Birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s and Father’s days, anniversaries and Christmas often come around faster than you expect and costs of presents over the year can really add up.
Giving someone a gift makes both you and the person you're giving it to feel good, but consider a few things before you splash out on something for that special someone.
Things to consider?
Something else?
Don’t see what you’re looking for here?
Try the savings calculator to work out how long it will take you to save for something you want.
Savings calculator
Use this calculator to work out how long it will take to save for something you want.
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Saving money is a great habit to start early and will help you make smart spending decisions in the future.
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