Consumer Corner: Save thousands on your car, hack carry-on baggage and make hundreds of meals for mere dollars
Each week the Nine network publishes dozens of articles about how to be better with your money - but they can so easily get lost in the news cycle. So every Sunday the consumer wrap will compile the best and brightest tips to help you stretch your dollars further.
Nine.com.au's money experts have been on the boil for the past week collating all the money hacks you need to cut back on impulse spending and start setting yourself up for life.
In case you missed them, here's how take control of your money:
The cost of living is getting more expensive by the day - that's why these consumer hacks are becoming more important than ever. Getty Images/iStockphoto
RENT YOUR WHEELS INSTEAD OF BUYING
Do you only occasionally need a car? Catch public transport all week and only drive on weekends? You could save hundreds by renting a car when you need one as opposed to buying one outright.
Jo Abi crunched the numbers for 9Honey, finding that for a brand new Toyota Corolla renting would cost you $55.76 a day, while buying a car outright would cost you $79.30 per day (over the course of one year).
It's not a perfect solution for everybody - but for those "sometimes" drivers, it could save hundreds.
TOTAL SAVINGS/GAIN: Tens of thousands of dollars.
Cars are depreciating assets - your time isn't. Today Extra
LOST THE BOX? YOU CAN STILL GET A REFUND
Every discovered a few weeks after purchasing a product that something was wrong, but you can't find the box?
Have no fear - because as Stuart Marsh for 9News explains - you don't need the original packaging at all to lodge a return.
Here's the ultimate lowdown on your consumer rights.
TOTAL SAVINGS/GAIN: Massive gain of your consumer power after transactions.
Many of us throw away boxes and packaging that products come in - but does that mean you've voided your consumer rights? Getty
MEAL PREP YOUR WAY TO A WEALTHIER FUTURE
Everybody knows that pre-preparing meals is an excellent hack for keeping off the extra kilos.
But what if it also saved you hundreds of dollars?
TOTAL SAVINGS/GAIN: Thousands in grocery bills every year.
NSW mum Brooke Baker is the ultimate meal-prep expert. Supplied
NAB A DESIGNER BAG FOR A FRACTION OF THE COST
Want a designer bag over your shoulder that won't cost you the earth?
Swallow your pride and do as Australian grandmother Margaret does - buy them second hand but still fresh.
April Glover for 9Honey explains how Margaret does this, and how she snags bags for a fraction of their original retail price.
TOTAL SAVINGS/GAIN: If you're a handbag lover, this could save marriages, let alone money!
Margaret uses Luxe.It.Fwd to buy affordable designer bags. Supplied
FLY WITH MORE LUGGAGE
It's a well known budget tip that if possible, flying with only carry on luggage won't only save you time - it'll save you money.
I'll give you a hint: it's a little bit nefarious.
TOTAL SAVING/GAIN: Hundreds if you're a frequent flyer.
Carry-on luggage is the new way to save money. 9Honey
SNAG A ROLEX FOR A DOLLAR
Want to be Bond on a budget? Here's your chance to pick up a classic watch at a (nearly) illegal price.
Even better, every single item - from diamond necklaces to earrings to watches - starts from just $1.
TOTAL SAVING/GAIN: No savings, but potentially the bling gain of your life.
More than 1300 pieces of jewellery are up for auction, all starting from $1 with no reserve. Lloyds Auctions
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