Clever ways to save and smart spending habits.

Let’s explore how you can cut down costs on daily essentials and lifestyle purchases.

1. Cut down the costs of daily essentials

Daily expenses like groceries, fuel, and utilities are unavoidable, but there are ways to minimise their impact on your budget. Here’s how to start saving on the basics:

Grocery rewards programs

• Everyday Rewards (Woolworths) and Flybuys (Coles): These programs allow you to accumulate points that can be redeemed for future savings, gift cards or transferred to frequent flyer points. Make sure to check for weekly offers and deals to maximise savings.

• Credit card rewards: Many credit card programs let you redeem points for purchasing gift cards, which can be used to purchase everyday essentials like groceries or cleaning supplies.

Fuel discounts

Fuel price apps: Use apps like 7-Eleven Fuel Price Lock to lock in cheaper petrol prices or other fuel-finding apps to help locate the best prices in your area.

• Supermarket fuel discounts: Some grocery stores offer fuel discounts through partnerships with petrol stations. Redeem these when refuelling to save extra on petrol costs.

• Coles: Every time you spend $30 or more in one transaction at Coles supermarkets or Coles online and scan your Flybuys card, you will receive your digital fuel discount through the Flybuys app.

• Woolworths: Spend $30 or more at Woolworths or Woolworths Metro and save 4c per litre at participating Ampol sites and participating EG Ampol sites.

Browser extensions for online shopping discounts

• When shopping online, you can save effortlessly by using web browser extensions like Honey and Coupert, which automatically apply available discount codes at checkout. These extensions search for and test promo codes across various retailers, ensuring you get the best deal without any extra effort. Simply download the extension, and it will do the work for you, helping you save on everything from clothes to electronics with just a few clicks.

Mindful utility usage

• Small changes such as turning off lights when not in use, reducing water consumption, and investing in energy-efficient appliances can lead to long-term savings on utility bills.

2. Save on lifestyle purchases

While dining out, entertainment, and travel are often considered luxuries, you don’t need to give them up entirely. With the right strategies, you can still enjoy your favourite activities while keeping your budget intact.

Dining and entertainment deals

• Discount dining apps: Use apps, such as EatClub, to score deals on restaurant dining. By staying flexible about where and when you dine, you can discover new places and save on your dining bill.

• Cinema discounts: Most cinemas offer discounted tickets on specific days, such as Tuesdays, or reduced prices and exclusive deals for rewards members. Reading Cinemas, Village Cinemas, Palace Cinemas, and Hoyts all offer loyalty programs where you can earn points and redeem them for ticket or candy bar purchases.

• Discounted theatre tickets: For theatre lovers, apps like TodayTix offer an exciting way to save on tickets. With their weekly lottery feature, you can enter for a chance to win deeply discounted tickets to popular shows. This allows you to enjoy premium theatre experiences at a fraction of the price.

Travel Savings

• Frequent flyer programs: Sign up for airline loyalty programs, like Velocity (Virgin) and Qantas Frequent Flyer to accumulate points and redeem them for flights and upgrades.

• Accommodation discounts: Look for travel offers such as Visa Perks or use loyalty programs like Webjet redemptions to save on accommodation during your trips.

3. Additional money-saving tips

Beyond essentials and lifestyle purchases, there are a few simple strategies that can help you save more effectively and increase your overall financial health:

Shop around annually for insurance and utility offers

• To avoid overpaying on insurance and utilities, it’s a smart idea to compare offers each year. Many providers offer competitive deals to attract new customers, so reviewing options for health, car, home insurance and utilities like electricity or internet can help you find better rates. By switching providers or renegotiating with your current one, you ensure you're getting the best value and not paying more than necessary.

Mindful spending

• Practice mindful consumption by giving yourself time to think before making impulse purchases. Walking away from a tempting item can often help you realise you don’t need it.

Sell unwanted items

• Declutter your home and earn extra money by selling unwanted goods on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree or eBay, or by holding a garage sale.

Cut down on what’s in your control

• Small everyday expenses can add up. Consider making coffee and lunches at home or inviting friends over for a games night rather than going out. These minor adjustments can lead to significant savings over time.

By reducing daily costs and being mindful about lifestyle purchases, you can make the most of your money while still enjoying the things you love. Small, consistent savings can make a big difference.