There’s no sugar-coating the fact that buying the iPhone 7 outright will put a dent in your wallet, but don’t be blinded by the flashy prices and subsidised handset costs of two-year mobile contracts. All you need to do is think outside the box and count your dollars and cents a bit more closely than you usually would. To help you on your way, here are seven money-saving tips so you can buy the iPhone 7 or 7 Plus outright.

Tip 1: Wash 108 cars

Maths has never been my thing, but even I know that 108 cars at $10 a pop will get your foot in the door towards buying your iPhone 7.

Just remember the magic mantra – wax on, wax off.

Tip 2: Replace all meals with packet noodles

You don’t need a dietitian to tell you that this won’t quite get you your two serves of fruit and five of veggies every day, but what packet noodles lack in nutrition they more than make up for in cost-efficiency. They’re also super quick to prepare and you’ll always know the answer to “what’s for dinner?”

Seems like a win-win to us.

Tip 3: BYO and DIY everything

Start simple and then work your way up - bring your lunch to work, make your own coffee and tea in the mornings, and even make your own laundry detergent. The possibilities are endless, and so are the savings.

Tip 4: Turn your cat into a YouTube sensation

Your cat may not love you (sorry), but the internet will love your cat!

From Colonel Meow to Grumpy Cat, the internet is mad for cats – in fact, Grumpy Cat has reportedly earned $100 million since becoming one of the internet’s most loved cats, so ride that wave with your feline friend and, if you’re lucky enough, watch the endorsements and dollars roll in #MakeItRain.

Tip 5: Cancel your gym membership and stream workout classes and tutorials online

Gym memberships can be expensive, so why not cancel your membership and instead check out the awesome workout and fitness channels on YouTube. Of course, you’ll need to take into account any cancellation fees you might incur, but at least you’ll be able to keep staying active in the comfort your home and with your shiny new iPhone 7 handy.

Tip 6: Bring Tupperware to an all-you-can-eat

Got eyes bigger than your belly? Don’t let that stop you from making the most out of an all-you-can-eat. Bring along some Tupperware or any reusable plastic containers to take the goodies home, and don’t think anything of the dodgy looks people might throw your way – they just wish they were as fearless as you.

Tip 7: Rent out your room and couch-surf instead

From Airbnb to Flatmates.com.au, there’s no shortage of site and apps that make letting out your room simple. If you’ve got some mates with a spare couch (or would even consider popping back for an “extended visit” at Mum and Dad’s place), earn some easy cash and rent out your room until you’ve saved up enough to buy your new iPhone 7 outright.

Got some other money saving tips up your sleeve, or keen to try out any of ours? When you get your hands on that iPhone 7, remember to pop back and tell us how much you <3 it. Happy savings!