Money Saving Hacks · 2026-07-30

10 Money-Saving Hacks for Australian Households This Month

Every Australian household feels the squeeze of rising costs, but there are always smart ways to keep more money in your pocket. This month, why not take a proactive approach to your finances? Here are 10 money-saving hacks tailored for Aussie families.

1. Compare and Switch Energy Plans Annually

One of the biggest household expenses for many Australians is electricity and gas. Sticking with the same retailer year after year is often a recipe for overpaying. Energy retailers frequently offer competitive deals to new customers, which can include significant discounts or better usage rates.

The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) encourages consumers to compare plans regularly. You could save hundreds of dollars a year simply by switching providers or moving to a better plan with your current retailer. Tools like Billcutters.com.au make this process simple and quick, allowing you to compare offers from various providers like AGL, Origin, EnergyAustralia, and smaller retailers in minutes.

Actionable Tip: Don't wait until your bill arrives. Set a reminder in your calendar to compare plans every 12 months.

2. Hunt Down Government Rebates and Concessions

Many Australian households are eligible for state and federal government rebates and concessions that can significantly reduce utility bills, healthcare costs, and even public transport fares. These include:

• Energy Bill Relief Scheme (Federal): Provides targeted bill relief to eligible households and small businesses in most states and territories. Always check the latest eligibility requirements as they can change.
• State-specific energy rebates: Victorian households, for example, can often access the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program for discounted energy-efficient upgrades, or various concession programs. NSW and QLD also offer their own energy rebates for eligible residents.
• Medical concessions: Pensioner Concession Cards, Health Care Cards, and other concession types can unlock discounts on medications, public transport, and various government services.

Actionable Tip: Visit your state government's energy or finance department website (e.g., Energy Victoria, NSW Services) or Centrelink to see what you might be eligible for.

3. Reduce Food Waste with Smart Meal Planning

Australians throw away an estimated 7.6 million tonnes of food each year, equivalent to around $2,000-$2,500 per household annually. Preventing food waste isn't just good for the environment; it's fantastic for your wallet.

• Plan your meals: Before shopping, plan meals for the week, check your pantry for existing ingredients, and create a precise shopping list.
• Store food correctly: Understand how to store fruits, vegetables, and pantry items to maximise their shelf life.
• Use leftovers creatively: Transform yesterday's dinner into tomorrow's lunch or a new dish.
• Understand 'Best Before' vs. 'Use By': Many foods are still perfectly safe to eat after their 'best before' date.

Actionable Tip: Conduct a 'pantry audit' this week to see what ingredients you already have and plan meals around them.

4. Audit and Cancel Unused Subscriptions

Subscription services, from streaming platforms to gym memberships and app subscriptions, can quickly add up. Many of us sign up for free trials and then forget to cancel.

Take stock of all your recurring payments. You might be surprised at how much you're spending on services you barely use. Here's a quick comparison:

Actionable Tip: Go through your bank statements for the last three months and list all recurring charges. Cancel anything you don't actively use or aren't getting value from.

5. Optimise Your Broadband Plan

Just like energy, broadband deals are constantly changing. Are you paying for speed you don't need, or are you on an outdated plan? With the National Broadband Network (NBN) widely available, there's a lot of competition.

• Assess your needs: How many people are in your household? What do you use the internet for (streaming, gaming, work from home)? This will help determine the necessary speed tier.
• Compare providers: Use comparison sites like Billcutters.com.au to see plans from various providers, including Telstra, Optus, TPG, and smaller, often cheaper, NBN providers.
• Look for bundles: Sometimes bundling your internet with a mobile plan or entertainment package can offer savings.

Actionable Tip: Check your current NBN speed and compare it to what you actually need. You might be able to downgrade your plan and save $10-$30 per month.

6. Embrace Energy-Efficient Habits

Small changes in your daily routine can lead to big savings on your energy bill.

• Turn off lights: Simple, but effective. Turn off lights when leaving a room.
• Unplug 'vampire' electronics: Devices like phone chargers, TVs, and computers can draw power even when turned off if they're still plugged into the wall.
• Adjust your thermostat: Aim for 24-26°C in summer for cooling and 18-20°C in winter for heating. Every degree adjust can impact your bill.
• Wash laundry with cold water: Modern detergents are effective in cold water, saving the energy needed to heat water.
• Maximise natural light and ventilation: Open blinds and windows to reduce the need for artificial lighting and air conditioning.

Actionable Tip: This week, make a conscious effort to unplug unused electronics and wash at least one load of laundry in cold water.

7. Plan Ahead for Purchases – Avoid Impulse Buys

Impulse buying can quickly derail your budget. Whether it's online shopping or an extra item at the supermarket checkout, unplanned purchases add up.

• Create a shopping list and stick to it: For groceries and other necessities.
• Implement a '24-hour rule': For non-essential items, wait 24 hours before purchasing. Often, the urge to buy will pass.
• Avoid shopping when hungry or emotional: These states can lead to poor financial decisions.

Actionable Tip: Before making any non-essential purchase over $50, add it to a 'wish list' and review it after 24 hours.

8. Explore Second-Hand and Refurbished Goods

From furniture to fashion, household appliances, and electronics, buying second-hand or refurbished items can save you a significant amount compared to buying new.

• Online Marketplaces: Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay are treasure troves for used goods.
• Op Shops: Support charities while finding bargains on clothing, books, and homewares.
• Refurbished Electronics: Many retailers offer certified refurbished electronics (laptops, phones) with warranties, often at a fraction of the new price.

Actionable Tip: Next time you need something new for your home or wardrobe, check second-hand options first.

9. Review Your Insurance Policies

Home, car, and health insurance are essential, but are you getting the best deal? Insurance companies constantly adjust their premiums and offerings.

• Compare quotes annually: Don't just auto-renew. Use comparison websites or contact multiple insurers directly.
• Adjust coverage: Does your car still need comprehensive insurance if it's much older now? Have your contents changed significantly?
• Look for discounts: Many insurers offer discounts for bundling policies, maintaining a good claims history, or paying annually.

Actionable Tip: Gather your current insurance policy details and dedicate an hour this month to getting comparison quotes.

10. Consider Solar Power or Green Energy Plans

For homeowners, investing in solar panels can significantly reduce or even eliminate your electricity bills over time. While the upfront cost can be substantial, government rebates (like federal STCs) and state-specific incentives (e.g., Solar Homes Program in Victoria) can make it more affordable.

If solar isn't an option, many energy retailers now offer 'green energy' plans. While these might not always be the absolute cheapest, they allow you to support renewable energy generation. Sometimes you can find competitive green energy plans that cost only slightly more, or even less, than standard plans.

Actionable Tip: If you own your home, get a few quotes for solar installation. If you rent or cannot install solar, compare green energy plans offered by retailers on comparison websites.