In an era of super-high house prices and intergenerational squabbling about 'entitlement', there's a lot of chatter in the media about budgeting. Older people love to preach to younger people about 'living within your means', as though skipping a few café breakfasts will equal a house deposit. Mums and dads argue about what it means to 'spoil' kids, and what's really worth the money. Young singles face social pressure to go out multiple times a week, or else risk missing out on the one awesome story everyone talks about for months after. 

Some would have you believe that you can live off the grid, grow all your own food, never buy new clothes, never go out, and still be happy. For most of us, that's just not doable. But the average Joe (or Josie) can still get something out of following simple but smart cost-cutting advice. Switching around the way you cut your budget can ensure you don't miss out on anything for too long. Plus, for the stuff where you have to invest up front (ingredients, equipment), you get a built-in incentive for sticking to your plan.  

Here's a list of commonly cited ways to cut your spending, plus an idea of how much you could save. By mixing and matching what you cut from time to time, you can enjoy yourself and still save money.

You don't have to say no to every social invite, fashion bargain or gourmet treat to spend less cash overall. By thinking a bit more flexibly when you're trying to cut costs, you can pick and mix where you save money. 

Want to learn some more common sense budgeting tips and tricks? Remember, you've got access to an awesome range of fun and easy online financial learning modules packed full of practical money management tips. What you learn could save you real money next time you go out or hit the shops!