Money Saving Hacks · 2026-08-20

10 Money-Saving Hacks for Australian Households This Month

In today's economic climate, every dollar counts, and finding ways to trim household expenses is a top priority for many Australian families. The good news is there are plenty of practical, immediate steps you can take this month to put more money back in your pocket. From optimising your energy usage to smarter shopping, these 10 money-saving hacks are designed with Australian households in mind.

1. Compare Your Energy Plan (Every 6-12 Months)

This is perhaps the biggest and most immediate saving you can make. The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) encourages consumers to regularly compare energy plans, as standing offers are often significantly more expensive than market offers. Energy retailers frequently update their plans, and loyalty rarely pays off. Use comparison sites like Billcutters to quickly see if you could be on a better deal.

Action: Gather your latest electricity and gas bills and spend 10-15 minutes comparing offers in your postcode. You could save hundreds of dollars annually, especially if you haven't switched in over a year.

2. Check for State Government Rebates & Concessions

Australian state and territory governments offer a range of energy rebates, concessions, and grants to help households manage costs. These can include energy bill relief, solar rebates, and even appliance upgrade incentives.

• Victoria: Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program for discounted energy-efficient products, plus various concessions for eligible households.
• New South Wales: Low Income Household Rebate, Family Energy Rebate, and various appliance replacement offers.
• Queensland: Electricity Rebate, Seniors Energy Concession.
• South Australia: Energy Concession, Medical Heating and Cooling Concession.

Action: Visit your state government's energy department website or use the Billcutters rebates checker to see what you're eligible for. Don't leave free money on the table!

3. Switch to Energy-Efficient Lighting (LEDs)

Lighting accounts for a noticeable portion of your electricity bill. If you're still using old incandescent or halogen globes, upgrading to LEDs is a no-brainer. LEDs use significantly less energy and last much longer.

• Energy Use: Up to 80% less than incandescents.
• Lifespan: Can last 15-25 times longer.
• Cost: While initially higher, the savings quickly make up for it.

Action: Gradually replace your most-used globes with LED equivalents. Many state rebate programs (like VEU in Victoria) offer heavily subsidised or free LED upgrades.

4. Adjust Your Thermostat Smarter

Heating and cooling are major energy consumers. Small adjustments to your thermostat can lead to big savings without sacrificing comfort.

• Winter: Aim for 18-20°C. Every degree above 20°C can add 5-10% to your heating costs.
• Summer: Aim for 24-26°C. Every degree below 23°C can significantly increase cooling costs.
• Zone Heating/Cooling: Only heat or cool the rooms you're using.

Action: Set a reminder on your phone to check your thermostat settings daily. Use timers if your system has them to only run when you're home.

5. Tackle 'Phantom Load' (Standby Power)

Many appliances continue to draw power even when turned off, in what's known as 'phantom load' or 'standby power'. This can account for 5-10% of your total electricity bill.

• Common culprits: TVs, gaming consoles, computer monitors, chargers, microwaves.

Action: Unplug devices when not in use, or use power boards with individual switches to easily cut power. Consider smart power strips that automatically cut power to idle devices.

6. Plan Your Meals and Grocery Shop Strategically

Impulse purchases and food waste are significant drains on the household budget. Meal planning and smart grocery shopping can drastically reduce your food spend.

• Benefit 1: Less food waste (saving the average Australian household hundreds annually).
• Benefit 2: Fewer last-minute takeaways.
• Benefit 3: Potentially healthier eating.

Action: Dedicate 30 minutes once a week to plan your meals, check your pantry, and create a precise shopping list. Stick to the list when at the supermarket and avoid shopping when hungry.

7. Review and Cancel Unused Subscriptions

From streaming services to gym memberships you rarely use, recurring subscriptions can quietly add up. Many Australians are paying for services they've forgotten about or no longer need.

• Example: Netflix, Spotify, gym, software, food delivery subscriptions.

Action: Go through your bank statements for the last three months and identify all recurring payments. Cancel anything you're not actively using or benefiting from.

8. Compare Your Broadband Plan

Just like energy, broadband plans are highly competitive. You might be paying too much for slow speeds, or on a plan that no longer suits your needs. New customer offers are common and can save you a bundle.

Action: Visit comparison sites (including Billcutters for broadband) to see what NBN or other internet providers are offering in your area. Look for plans that match your actual data usage and speed requirements.

9. Wash Clothes in Cold Water & Air Dry

Heating water for your washing machine is one of the most energy-intensive parts of the laundry process. Modern detergents are highly effective in cold water.

• Cold Water Wash: Uses significantly less energy than warm or hot cycles.
• Air Drying: Eliminates the energy consumption of a clothes dryer.

Action: Make the switch to cold water washes for most loads. Invest in a clothes horse or make use of your clothesline when the weather permits.

10. Seal Draughts Around Windows and Doors

Draughts are essentially money leaking out of your home. They make your heating and cooling systems work harder, leading to higher energy bills. This is a simple, low-cost fix with immediate benefits.

• Location: Gaps around window frames, under doors, wall vents, exhaust fans.
• Material: Weatherstripping, door snakes, gap fillers.

Action: Walk around your home and identify any draughts. Use simple solutions like door snakes or install weatherstripping around ill-fitting doors and windows. This quick fix can improve comfort and reduce energy consumption significantly.

By implementing even a few of these hacks this month, Australian households can start to see a real difference in their bank balances. Consistency and regular reviews are key to long-term savings. Happy saving!