DON’T HAVE A SPOUSE TO SHARE COSTS WITH? WE’LL SHOW YOU HOW TO MAKE EVERY PENNY COUNT

DON’T HAVE A SPOUSE TO SHARE COSTS WITH? WE’LL SHOW YOU HOW TO MAKE EVERY PENNY COUNT

HOUSE GROUSE:
Even if you aren’t single, rents are stratospheric in Mumbai. Cut costs by moving out of your one-bedroom apartment to a two-bedroom one and share the rent (and the utility bills) with thrifty roommates.

NO MORE CABLE:
Who needs cable TV when you can stream music (Spotify), videos (YouTube), TV shows (Tv-links.eu), sports matches and films online? It’s absolutely free. Just get a high speed, unlimited-download Internet connection.

START COOKING:
Most singles spend a bomb eating out with friends. Put down the menu and back away from it. Organise theme lunches and dinners at home. Or get a dabbawalla and a tiffin service for home cooked meals a few times a week.

USE YOUR HEAD:
Don’t fall for your hairdresser’s recommendations of Moroccan oil or jojoba gel. They’re getting a commission from selling those. If you like the product, find a retailer who’ll sell it cheaper. Better still, buy in bulk for a big discount.


DIY:
Don’t pay for things that you can do on your own. Paint your own nails, blow dry your own hair, pluck your eyebrows by following a YouTube video. Get a phone app to remind you when to pay your bills so you’re not paying late fines.

CLUB MIX:

If you’re a woman, hit the pubs on ladies nights to score free drinks. Entry for women in any nightclub at any time is open and free. But boys, be smart. Hit the pubs during happy hours and stick around for the night. And if you’re solo, sweet talk a girl group and enter with them – a couple charge is less than a stag fee.

WHEELER DEALER:
Be the designated driver occasionally. You’ll spend less cash and your friends will appreciate being driven around.

MATINEE IDOL:
Hit the morning shows, they are always cheaper and popcorn is fresh. Avail offers like Vodafone Tuesdays for discounted tickets. If you’re booking online, do not skip the site’s offers page. You can easily save a couple of hundreds per person.

TRAVEL SMART:
Solitary wanderers can just backpack. If you’re not up to it, join a hotel rewards program to earn free nights, look for cheap flight+hotel deals instead of full-on tours. Also, sign up with couchsurfing.com to sleep on someone’s living-room couch for free.

AVOID SPENDING TRIGGERS:
If you’re shopping for emotional reasons, go see a doctor – or get another hobby. Solo shoppers usually end up buying stuff they’ll never use only because there was no one at the trial room telling them they looked hideous. The next time you’re considering a polka-dot shirt – give yourself 30 days to mull over it. Chances are, good sense will kick in before you open your wallet.

PLAY MONEY:
Always set aside some money from your salary as your indulgence money. This way, you will not feel miserable about saving money. Later, get yourself pampered at a spa or a salon because you deserve it.