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Feeling the pinch with the cost of living? 

Here are some tips to live well for less 

If you’re worried about ongoing price increases it’s worth looking into what you’re spending on, and streamlining where you can. In this article we’ll look at money-saving tips that won’t sacrifice quality of life but could help you long-term.

Quick wins 

• Check credit card/bank statements and see where your money is going. Make a list of where you’re spending, and create a list of ‘needs’ versus ‘wants’. It can be an eye-opener. 

• Subscriptions are often money pits. Check what you’re got – TV streaming, gym, books, software etc – and remove anything you don’t regularly use. Your local library might offer free streaming services, like KanopyOpens in new window / BeamaFilmOpens in new window and books through BorrowBoxOpens in new window / Libby.Opens in new window

• Check if your other services offer discount benefits. Health funds, banks, and car member organisations etc often offer discounts for essentials – like groceries and car/tyre services – retail and entertainment, like movie tickets.  

• Make a weekly cooking plan, write a grocery list. Food is often wasted so a couple of hours spent planning and shopping using a list can help your bottom line. Shop online to avoid impulse purchases, buy generic brand items – often made by popular manufacturers at lower cost for supermarkets – and look at your pantry and freezer for forgotten foods.

• Consider reducing personal services. If it doesn’t make a significant difference to your wellbeing and overall life, ask yourself whether you need it for now. This is personal to you. For example, people with long working hours, families, medical issues, might need a cleaner. But if possible, do a bit each day or spend a couple of hours cleaning on days off. 

• Buying petrol? Check fuel apps in your state to find cheap petrol nearby.

• Take a look at ANZ’s Cost of living hub | ANZOpens in new window

Eating out

• Time to try something different? First Table is a national restaurant discovery platform (choose your region in the top navigation of their site) where you get 50% off your meal (small booking fee) in return for eating early – best for pre-theatre! Choose your region: 50% off Dinner Deals with First TableOpens in new window

• There’s also EatClub: The Best Restaurants with Deals in Australia - EatClubOpens in new window

• And some help from ANZ Bank How to eat out on a budget | ANZ

Entertainment/shows

• TodayTix | Theatre Tickets to Musicals, Plays, Broadway Shows and MoreOpens in new window discounted primary tickets, lotteries, rush

• Home - HALFTIX MELBOURNE Opens in new window last minute, same day steals

• Tixel | Secure fan-to-fan ticket resale to live events Opens in new window sold out events at fair prices (no scalping is their promise)
   

Longer term savings

• Review your phone and home internet plans. Are there more cost-effective options? If you’re not using your allocated data, you might be paying more than you need to.  

• Check your bills – insurances for example, and utilities like electricity/gas – and do cost comparisons. Ask for loyalty discounts. The worst they can say is no, and then you can make decisions from there. 

• Before buying anything that’s not essential, wait for 24 hours to see if you really need it. And if you decide to proceed, compare prices, and look for sales or specials.  

• Free activities can be fun. There are lots of local events and markets where you can have fun without tapping your card