As the rising cost of living continues to impact households across Australia, managing household expenses is more important than ever. Whether you own your home or you’re renting, there are some smart ways to cut back on everyday costs, take control of your budget, and relieve some of the financial pressure. Here are some practical strategies to help you save money in four key areas: at the supermarket, around the house, in your car, and with your insurance.

Save at the supermarket

Food and grocery prices are one of the biggest cost pressures for many Australian households, so finding ways to save at the checkout can help ease the budget.

• Compare unit prices instead of dollar prices to find the best value.
• Switch to supermarket home-brands to save without compromising on quality or taste.
• Download shopping apps or browse store catalogues and plan your shop around discounted items.
• Choose product refills for items like cleaning products and personal care items to reduce environmental waste.
• Avoid buying pre-cut fruit and vegetables as these usually cost more.
• Experiment with less expensive cuts of meat to reduce your grocery bill while still enjoying your favourite dishes.
• Choose frozen instead of fresh fruit or veggies out of season as they’re usually cheaper but just as nutritious.
• Check your pantry before you go shopping and plan your meals for the week.

Save in the home

Energy bills are another significant drain on household incomes, but there are ways to cut costs and avoid the shock of unexpectedly high bills.

• Maximise the efficiency of your household appliances by washing full loads and regularly cleaning filters on dryers and air conditioners to reduce energy use.
• Turn off power-hungry devices like routers, printers and microwaves at the wall so you’re not paying for standby power consumption.
• When buying new appliances, pay attention to energy-efficiency labels to help lower your power bill.
• Renegotiate your power plan with your current provider or switch to a new one for better rates.
• Take advantage of solar and appliance rebates to upgrade to a more energy-efficient home.

Save in the car

While many of us rely on a car to get around, there are some ways to stay on the road for less.

• Avoid fast acceleration and hard braking to reduce fuel consumption and wear on your car.
• Keep your tyres properly inflated as under-inflated tyres can increase fuel consumption.
• Routine maintenance like oil changes and engine checks will keep your car running smoothly and efficiently.
• Use air conditioning wisely or open windows on shorter trips.
• Avoid peak traffic times and use navigation tools to find the most fuel-efficient routes.
• Shop around for the best prices on petrol and diesel using online fuel apps.
• Utilise loyalty programs and take advantage of fuel discounts when possible.

Save on insurance

Insurance for your home, car and health may be essential, but there are ways to get peace of mind for less.

• Shop around and compare insurance cover at least once a year to make sure you're getting the best deal.
• Work with an insurance broker to get the cover you need to fit your lifestyle.
• Bundle your home, car and other insurance policies together to take advantage of multi-policy discounts.
• Opt for a higher excess to reduce your premium, but make sure you can afford the excess amount if you ever need to make a claim.
• Check if you're paying for extras you don’t need, like rental car coverage or extended warranties.
• Take advantage of discounts such as safe driver bonuses or security system discounts that can lower your premiums.
• Pay annually instead of monthly if you can afford to.
• Avoid paying loyalty tax by not being complacent and regularly reviewing your policies.

For more financial advice tailored to your unique situation, contact Mortgage Express today and connect with a finance consultant near you. Our team of finance consultants can help with financial advice, budgeting advice, and debt consolidation.

While all care has been taken in the preparation of this publication, no warranty is given as to the accuracy of the information and no responsibility is taken by Finservice Pty Ltd (Mortgage Express) for any errors or omissions. This publication does not constitute personalised financial advice. It may not be relevant to individual circumstances. Nothing in this publication is, or should be taken as, an offer, invitation, or recommendation to buy, sell, or retain any investment in or make any deposit with any person. You should seek professional advice before taking any action in relation to the matters dealt within this publication. A Disclosure Statement is available on request and free of charge.

Finservice Pty Ltd (Mortgage Express) is authorised as a corporate credit representative (Corporate Credit Representative Number 397386) to engage in credit activities on behalf of BLSSA Pty Ltd (Australian Credit Licence number 391237) ACN 123 600 000 | Full member of MFAA | Member of Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) | Member of Choice Aggregation Services.