Dollar productive ideas that maximise your time

I’m always looking for more ways to be dollar productive, and frankly these unprecedented and uncertain times are as good a reason as any to think outside the box.

COVID-19 has given us a lot of new things to adjust to. Some of us are busier than ever trying to earn an income while others are busy looking for ways to make money.

If you’re struggling financial little and you’re not quite sure how to move forward, here are some suggestions to help you spend your time positively while also being dollar productive and even save some money along the way.

1. Get those niggly jobs done. Need to update those faulty blinds in the bathroom? Been meaning to replace the broken light in the hallway for two months? Write a list of all those niggly little jobs that need doing around the house and feel the satisfaction of ticking them off. You may be able to order the things you need online.
2. Cull your wardrobe. This is the perfect time to ‘Marie Kondo’ your closet and get rid of all the things you no longer wear or have use for.
3. While you’re at it, clear out all your cupboards. You don’t have to do it all at once: attack each room, one drawer or cupboard at the time. Sort things into piles to bin, donate and sell.
4. Tidy up the shed and garage. If you’ve gone this far and you’ve spring cleaned the inside of your home, then turn your attention to the outdoors. It’s amazing how refreshed you feel after a thorough clean and a run to the tip… and then:
5. Sell, sell, sell. Many household items can have a decent re-sale value. Everything from DVDs and small appliances to furniture, baby goods and sports equipment can fetch a great price on your local buy sell swap group on Facebook, or Gumtree. People can pull up to the front of your house to collect goods after paying online, so no need to make contact while you transform your unwanted goods into cash.
6. Get on top of your to-do list. Use your downtime wisely to plan and get organised. It feels grim and serious right now but without sounding flippant – this too shall pass – and a little work now could see you come out the other side in fighting fit shape.
7. Catch up on podcasts. If you haven’t dipped your toe into the world of podcasts yet, this could be the ideal time to subscribe to two or three interesting shows. They range in length from 10 minutes to two hours, and you can tune into everything from celebrity shows to true-crime stories, to tutorials and special interest categories. The Apple podcast platform currently lists 750,000 shows and growing!
8. Start daydreaming. Many state borders may be closed right now, but they won’t be forever. Why not plan your next few years’ worth of holidays? You can’t go anywhere any time soon, but you can daydream, plan, price and research you dream trip so you have something to look forward to.
9. Be clear on your budget. If you don’t already have a clear budget, which can be as simple as a spreadsheet that tracks your spending, then there’s no time like the present to put one together. The team at Zippy can provide you with a budget spreadsheet if you’d like one: email us here.
10. Trim your bills. Some of your regular outgoings may have been suspended already, such as gym memberships. But you’ll profit a pretty penny by setting aside an afternoon and calling every bill provider you have, such as electricity, gas, insurance and Foxtel. Negotiate to get their best price and enquire about payment plans to smooth out your bigger expenses, like energy and council rates.
11. Review your home loan. If you have are paying a mortgage, you need to be having a conversation with your bank. You can either negotiate a cheaper interest rate or you may want to look at refinancing to access some equity, move to an interest only loan, and perhaps enjoy a cash rebate: some lenders offer up to $4000 when you refinance. Our team can take a look at your current loan and see what options are available for you.
12. Keen to renovate? With the economy and employment uncertain, many of us are putting the pause on non-essential home renovations right now. But if you’re dreaming of a new bathroom, refreshed kitchen or upgraded outdoor area down the track, use this quarantine time wisely to start researching costs, materials and options.
13. Start planning your social calendar. There are a number of celebratory times in our immediate future with birthdays and anniversaries. Just because can’t plan parties and gatherings, doesn’t mean we have to give up on celebrating altogether. We can plan online video shindigs where we all order takeaways and post gifts in the mail; try to shop local and support local restaurants where you can.
14. Plan for Christmas early. I know, I know – it’s still more than eight months away. But if you order online and support your local retailers where you can now, this will help keep their cash flow now and keep them in business – and you’re all organised for Christmas, months in advance.
15. Keep yourselves busy and be productive. Do whatever it takes to keep yourself busy, so toy can keep your mind off things and also feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. How good does it feel to do that spring clean – especially if you make a little money for your efforts!