We also pay extra on things such as electricity, rates and mobile phone (but we stopped the extra on the phone as they lost $180 worth of payments and i fought and fought to get it back).

I like to shop weekly as i find for us this works better, i take a list and i buy what is on that list nothing more nothing less.

* Buy things in bulk (flour,sugar,rice)...might be more expensive to start with but in the long run it is cheaper!
* Buy things such as toilet paper,tissues, washing powders/detergents from places like BIGW they are cheaper.
*Shop at the end of the week as most supermarkets have all of their sales rolled out by the end of the week.
* Never shop when you are hungry.
* Don't forget to look at the bottom shelves...they usually have some good bargains down there :-)
* Buy things that are on special when ever possible
* Shampoo/Conditioner are also cheaper if purchased in the bigger sizes.
* Go to the markets for fresh fruit and vegie
* Buy meat in bulk ...although you need a chest freezer to do this
* Buy bread when they have the 2 for 1 price and freeze them.
* Dont always buy brand names, they arent always the best.
* Know your budget and stick to it.
* Use layby system when ever you can for things you might want but dont need now (when they are on special of course)
* Take lunches to work...use left overs for this
* Shop at Aldi if you have one close by ...you will be surprised with how much more you get for your money


These are all little tips on money saving ideas...hopefully some of these will be helpful.