9 easy ways to save money while you're spending money.

It can actually be done.

I’ve always loved shopping, but I haven’t always enjoyed it. The guilt – from overspending on food or clothes or shoes or whatever – often took away most of the fun.

But not anymore.

I like to think I’m pretty clever when it comes to shopping these days. I have more respect for money and what it can do for my family.

Just as an FYI, you should know that this is an advertorial for Qantas Frequent Flyer.

You just need to keep a few things in mind. Things like:

1. Get a Qantas Points-earning credit card.

There are lots of credit cards on the market. You need to make sure to choose one that is linked to Qantas Points so you earn points for every eligible purchase possible. All the major banks have one. View the full range available using the Qantas Points card selector tool here.

2. Shop through the Qantas Online Mall.

By shopping using the Qantas Online Mall you could be earning points with retailers like eBay, Apple Store, David Jones and The Iconic, receiving up to five Qantas Points for every $1 spent. Check it out here.

Related: “Lame confession: I have no freaking clue how banks work.”

3. Double dip for double points.

When you shop with a Qantas partner, pay with Qantas Cash or a Qantas Points earning credit card, you’ll earn points twice: once with the partner, and once with your card. It’s that easy. I remember watching my points program years ago and it was like watching snails racing. It just took forever to earn enough points to redeem anything, even my beloved magazine subscriptions (yes, I was one of the last people to stop reading magazines). But now I know how to ‘double dip’ my points and my balance soars so much quicker.

4. Do one big weekly shop instead of a few small ones.

I have saved myself hundreds of dollars a month by restricting myself to one grocery shop each week. I have to be organised but it keeps me from forgetting anything or grabbing things we don’t really need. And if you stick to shopping at Woolworths, BWS and Cellarmasters you earn one Qantas Point for every dollar over $30 that you spend. So doing all your shopping in one hit earns you heaps more points that several smaller ones.

Related: 

5. Compare prices.

I always take the time for a quick Google. Sometimes I find that what I want is cheaper elsewhere, and sometimes I find a place that will deliver for free. Also, don’t forget to ask for discounts, extras or for price matching. You don’t know if you don’t ask.

6. Shop for the kids at Big W.

Big W is one of my favourite stores because they sell absolutely everything. They also seem to have the best prices when it comes to toys. When you shop for the kids at Big W you could earn one point per $2 spent over $30 in one transaction and earn one point per $1 spent with Big W Online.

7. Review your health insurance and energy plans.

Health insurance and energy plans can eat away at our funds, especially if we don’t review them regularly. I normally ring around each year asking my existing providers for a better deal or contacting competitors who have better selections. iSelect is a great tool to help you do this, and it will earn you Qantas Points.

8. Eat out, but do your research first.

You can easily find restaurants with great deals that include discounts for kids, movies, and even extra Qantas Points. Find them here and every Tuesday they’ll feature a restaurant in every state that gives you 50 per cent off your food bill if you book through the site, plus you earn 100 points per dinner when you make a booking with Qantas Restaurants.

9. Make a budget.

Before you spend a cent on anything you need to make a budget. You can do it with a pen and paper, you can use Excel, or a budget app. It doesn’t matter how you do it, as long as you stick with it.

What tips do you have for saving money?

Discover everyday ways to earn Qantas Points.

By making small changes to way you shop everyday, you can earn more Qantas Points.

And every Qantas Point you earn could get you closer to your Points Destination.

Set your own goal now and you could WIN a share of 1 million Qantas Points*.

What will your special Points Destination be?

Set your goal now.

*Competition ends 18th May 2015. Conditions apply. Authorised under NSW Permit No. LTPS/15/01256, ACT TP15/04853, Victorian Permit No. 15/371 & SA Licence No. T15/284. For full terms and conditions go to destination.qantaspoints.com/terms