With the cost of living continuing to rise, it can sometimes feel as though every trip to the supermarket, every electricity bill and even a simple coffee costs more than it used to.
But saving money doesn't have to mean giving up everything you enjoy.
In fact, I think the best way to save money is to spend less on the things that don't matter so much, so you can still spend money on the things that do.
You don't need to become an extreme cheapskate, stop going out, never buy takeaway again or live on baked beans.
Small changes made regularly can make a surprisingly big difference to your household budget.
Whether you're trying to reduce your grocery bill, save money on electricity, pay off debt, build your savings or simply make your money stretch further, here are 100 simple ways to save money in Australia without feeling deprived.
Save Money on Groceries
1. Plan your meals before you shop
You don't need a complicated meal-planning system. Just have a rough idea of what you'll eat for the next few days and buy accordingly.
I plan ahead for the week and only buy what I need for those meals. (I do have a well stocked pantry of spices, stock powders, sauces etc to create a wide range of dishes and these are replenished as needed.)
Planning helps prevent those expensive "What shall we have for dinner?" trips to the supermarket or takeaway shop.
2. Check your pantry and freezer first
Before writing your shopping list, see what you already have.
You may discover that you have enough ingredients for several meals without buying anything at all.
3. Make a shopping list
A simple shopping list is one of the easiest ways to save money on groceries.
And perhaps even more importantly, stick to it.
4. Don't shop when you're hungry
Everything looks more appealing when you're hungry!
Have something to eat before heading to your local supermarket and you're less likely to make impulse purchases.
5. Compare supermarket prices
Don't assume your usual supermarket is always the cheapest.
Prices can vary considerably between Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, IGA and independent supermarkets.
6. Check the specials
If something you regularly buy is on special and you know you'll use it, consider buying an extra one or two.
But only if it's genuinely cheaper and you have somewhere to store it.
7. Compare the unit price
The biggest packet isn't necessarily the best bargain.
Look at the unit price on the supermarket shelf label rather than simply comparing packet prices.
8. Buy seasonal fruit and vegetables
Seasonal produce is often cheaper and can taste better too.
Rather than deciding exactly which vegetables you'll buy every week, see what's good value and plan meals around it.
9. Buy cheaper cuts of meat
Slow-cooking cuts such as chuck steak, beef brisket, pork shoulder and chicken thighs can be delicious and often cost considerably less than premium cuts.
10. Eat less meat
You don't have to become vegetarian to save money.
Simply having one or two meat-free meals each week can reduce your grocery bill.
11. Use beans and lentils
Beans, chickpeas and lentils are inexpensive sources of protein and are incredibly versatile.
Add them to curries, soups, casseroles, bolognese and salads.
12. Cook larger quantities
If you're already cooking, it often takes very little extra effort to make a double batch.
Enjoy one meal now and freeze the rest for another day.
13. Love your leftovers
Leftovers aren't second-rate food.
A roast chicken can become sandwiches, wraps, fried rice, soup or a pasta dish the following day.
14. Have a "use it up" night
Before going grocery shopping, have a look through the fridge and use up anything that needs eating.
You may be surprised at what you can create.
15. Shop your pantry
Challenge yourself to prepare a meal using ingredients you already have.
It's a great way to save money and reduce food waste.
16. Don't throw away perfectly good food
Wilted vegetables can go into soup or stir-fries.
Overripe bananas can become banana bread.
Stale bread can become breadcrumbs or croutons.
Think twice before putting food in the bin.
If you can't use it now, freeze it and remember what you've got in the freezer when it comes to upcoming meal plans.
17. Buy supermarket own brands
Many supermarket own-brand products are perfectly good quality and can cost considerably less than well-known brands.
Try switching one product at a time rather than replacing everything at once.
18. Don't automatically buy the "premium" version
Sometimes the more expensive product really is better.
But sometimes you're paying mainly for packaging, advertising or branding.
Try the cheaper version and decide for yourself.
19. Make your own snacks
Popcorn, toasted sandwiches, fruit, yoghurt, boiled eggs and baked goods can all be cheaper than individually packaged snacks.
Sometimes the most simple recipes using the most simple ingredients are the nicest tasting. Think of your Nanna's old fashioned recipe for Jam Drops or Date & Walnut Slice.
20. Take your lunch from home
Buying lunch every working day can quietly become a significant expense.
Even replacing a couple of purchased lunches each week can save money.
Save Money Without Giving Up Treats
In fact, allowing yourself some treats can make it much easier to stick with a budget.
21. Budget for treats
Instead of saying "I can't have that", give yourself a small weekly or daily treat budget.
Knowing that treats are allowed can make saving money feel much less restrictive.
22. Make coffee at home most of the time
You don't have to give up café coffee completely.
Make your coffee at home most days and enjoy a café coffee when you're out.
23. Have takeaway occasionally, not automatically
Takeaway doesn't have to disappear from your life.
Make it something you deliberately choose rather than the default whenever you don't feel like cooking.
24. Share restaurant meals when portions are large
Australian restaurant portions can be enormous.
Sharing a meal or taking leftovers home can save money and reduce food waste.
25. Look for lunch specials
Lunch can often be considerably cheaper than dinner at restaurants and cafés.
Keep an eye out for weekday specials and seniors' discounts where applicable.
There are a few new 2 for 1 meal type restaurant subscriptions which work out reasonably well over the course of time. Membership might only be $10 for the year and a fee of say $5 per booking. If you save $50 on the total bill, you've earned your intial subscription fee back.
Save Money on Electricity and Household Bills
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Electricity bills are another major household expense in Australia.
26. Compare your electricity plan
Don't assume your current electricity provider is giving you the best deal.
Use an Australian comparison service such as Energy Made Easy to see what plans are available in your area.
27. Check whether you're receiving eligible concessions
If you're eligible for government concessions or rebates, make sure you're actually receiving them.
28. Turn appliances off when you're not using them
Some appliances continue using electricity while sitting on standby.
Switching off unnecessary appliances at the wall can help reduce electricity use.
29. Use your washing machine efficiently
Wait until you have a reasonable load before running the washing machine and use cold water where appropriate.
30. Air-dry clothes when possible
Australian sunshine is free!
Using a clothesline instead of a dryer whenever practical can reduce electricity consumption.
31. Use your dishwasher efficiently
Run your dishwasher when it's full rather than washing a few dishes at a time.
32. Watch your air-conditioning
Heating and cooling can account for a significant portion of household electricity use.
Use your air conditioner thoughtfully and don't cool or heat an empty house unnecessarily.
33. Close curtains and blinds
In summer, closing curtains during the hottest part of the day can help keep your home cooler.
In winter, opening curtains to let in the sun can provide some natural warmth.
34. Replace old light globes with LEDs
LED globes generally use less electricity and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
35. Don't heat or cool unused rooms
If you're only using certain areas of your home, there's little point spending money heating or cooling rooms you're not using. Shut doors and windows to keep cool or warm air in where you are.
Save Money on Petrol and Transport
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36. Compare petrol prices
Check petrol prices before filling up rather than automatically stopping at your usual service station. There are apps to compare daily petrol prices.
37. Combine errands
Instead of making several separate trips, try to combine shopping, appointments and other errands into one outing.
38. Keep your tyres properly inflated
Check your tyre pressures regularly.
Correct tyre pressure can improve fuel efficiency as well as tyre life.
39. Drive smoothly
Aggressive acceleration and braking can use more fuel.
Gentle, consistent driving is generally more economical.
40. Walk when practical
If somewhere is close enough to walk, leave the car at home.
It's free transport and good exercise.
41. Use public transport where it makes sense
Public transport isn't always practical, particularly in regional areas, but when it is, it can be considerably cheaper than driving and parking.
Some States have 50 cent fares or free transport in the CBD.
Save Money Around the House
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42. Make your own cleaning products
You don't necessarily need a cupboard full of specialised cleaning products.
Simple household ingredients can often tackle many everyday cleaning jobs.
43. Use cleaning products sparingly
More isn't necessarily better.
Follow the recommended amount rather than pouring cleaning products liberally.
44. Reuse where practical
Glass jars can become storage containers.
Old towels can become cleaning cloths.
Before buying something new, ask yourself whether you already have something that could do the job.
45. Repair before replacing
A broken button, loose handle or small household repair doesn't necessarily mean something needs to go in the bin.
46. Borrow occasionally
If you need a specialised tool for one job, consider borrowing it from a friend or family member rather than buying something you'll rarely use.
47. Buy quality when it matters
Saving money doesn't always mean buying the cheapest option.
Sometimes paying a little more for something durable can save money over its lifetime.
48. Don't buy duplicates
Before buying another kitchen gadget, cleaning product or household item, check what you already have.
49. Declutter before shopping
You may discover you already own something similar to what you're about to buy.
50. Use what you already have
This is perhaps one of the simplest money-saving rules:
Before buying something, ask yourself: "Can I use something I already own instead?"
Stop Spending Money on Things You Don't Really Want
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51. Wait 24 hours before making an impulse purchase
If you see something you want, wait a day before buying it.
If you still want it tomorrow and it fits your budget, you can make a more considered decision.
52. Unsubscribe from shopping emails
If you constantly receive emails telling you about sales, you're constantly being reminded to spend money.
Unsubscribe from retailers you don't genuinely need to hear from.
53. Remove shopping apps from your phone
Make impulse shopping slightly harder.
Sometimes an extra few seconds between seeing something and buying it is enough to reconsider.
54. Don't confuse a sale with a saving
You haven't saved $50 if you spent $100 on something you didn't need.
You've spent $100.
55. Use the "cost per use" test
A $200 pair of shoes worn 100 times may be better value than a $40 pair worn twice.
Think about how much use you'll actually get from something.
56. Avoid shopping for entertainment
If browsing the shops is your favourite way to spend a Saturday afternoon, try replacing some shopping trips with free or inexpensive activities.
57. Make a wish list
Instead of buying things immediately, put them on a wish list.
You may find that after a few weeks you don't want half of them anymore.
58. Have a "no-spend" day
Choose one or two days each week when you spend absolutely nothing beyond essential bills.
59. Try a no-spend week
A no-spend challenge can be a great way to discover how much you can do with what you already have.
60. Stop trying to keep up with other people
Someone else's holiday, car, kitchen renovation or wardrobe doesn't need to become your financial goal.
Save Money on Entertainment
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There are plenty of inexpensive ways to have a lovely day out.
61. Look for free local events
Check your local council website, libraries, community centres and local Facebook groups for free events.
62. Visit your local library
Libraries offer far more than books these days.
Many have magazines, newspapers, eBooks, movies, events, talks and community activities.
63. Visit museums and galleries on free days
Many Australian cultural institutions offer free entry or free exhibitions.
64. Go for a picnic
A homemade picnic can be just as enjoyable as an expensive restaurant lunch.
65. Explore your own neighbourhood
You don't always have to travel far to have an enjoyable day out.
Visit a suburb, park, beach, market or walking trail you've never explored.
66. Take advantage of seniors' discounts
If you're eligible, ask.
You may find discounts on transport, cinemas, attractions, restaurants, memberships and activities.
67. Look for free concerts and performances
Local councils and community organisations often host free music and cultural events.
68. Have friends over instead of always going out
A simple meal, barbecue, cheese platter or afternoon tea at home can be much cheaper than going to a restaurant.
69. Have a movie night at home
Make some popcorn, get comfortable and watch a movie you've been meaning to see.
70. Make an outing out of a simple activity
A walk followed by coffee, a trip to a farmers' market or a picnic at a local park can turn an inexpensive activity into something special.
Save Money on Holidays and Travel
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The trick is to make your travel budget work harder.
71. Travel outside peak periods
School holidays, long weekends and major events can push accommodation prices up considerably.
72. Compare accommodation prices
Don't automatically book the first hotel you find.
Compare the hotel's own website with booking sites and check whether memberships offer a discount.
73. Consider staying slightly outside the main tourist area
A hotel a few kilometres away can sometimes be considerably cheaper while still being convenient.
74. Use public transport when practical
When travelling in cities, public transport can be considerably cheaper than taxis and rideshares.
75. Take some food with you
Breakfast supplies, snacks and drinks can save you from buying expensive food while travelling.
76. Look for accommodation with breakfast included
A slightly more expensive room that includes breakfast can sometimes work out cheaper overall.
77. Have one expensive meal rather than three
If you enjoy eating out while travelling, you don't necessarily have to do it for every meal.
Enjoy one memorable meal and keep the other meals simple.
Buy some supermarket options for the meal and only order one part of the meal, for example buy a garlic bread and green salad from the supermarket and a supreme pizza from the local Pizzeria.
78. Take advantage of hotel-room facilities
If your room has a refrigerator, microwave or kitchenette, use it.
A supermarket picnic dinner can be surprisingly enjoyable.
79. Look for free attractions
Beaches, parks, markets, walking trails, galleries and public gardens can provide some of the best travel experiences without an entry fee.
80. Start a travel fund
Put a small amount into a separate travel account regularly.
Saving gradually makes future holidays much less painful financially.
Save Money as a Couple
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81. Talk about money regularly
Money doesn't have to be a taboo subject.
A quick weekly or fortnightly conversation about upcoming expenses can prevent unpleasant surprises.
82. Set a fun budget
Give yourselves permission to spend a certain amount on enjoyable things.
A budget works much better when it includes some fun.
83. Find inexpensive things you enjoy doing together
Walking, cooking, watching movies, exploring new places and having a picnic don't have to cost much.
84. Have a "cheap date"
You don't need an expensive restaurant to have a lovely date.
Try coffee and cake, a picnic, a walk, a local event or dinner at home.
85. Cook together
Cooking together can turn an ordinary evening into something enjoyable while saving money on takeaway.
Save Money in Retirement
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But retirement shouldn't mean never spending money.
86. Create a realistic retirement budget
Work out what you actually spend rather than relying on a generic retirement budget.
87. Separate needs from wants
You don't need to eliminate wants.
Just make sure you know which expenses are essential and which are optional.
88. Take advantage of senior discounts
Always ask whether a senior discount is available.
You may be surprised by how many businesses offer one.
89. Look for free daytime activities
Libraries, galleries, gardens, markets, community events and walking groups can provide inexpensive entertainment.
90. Travel in the shoulder season
If you're retired and have flexibility, take advantage of travelling outside school holidays and peak periods.
91. Make lunch your restaurant meal
Lunch specials can offer much better value than dinner.
92. Enjoy your own backyard
A morning coffee, lunch outside or an afternoon with friends can be every bit as enjoyable as an expensive outing.
93. Downsize your subscriptions
Review streaming services, memberships, apps, magazines and other recurring expenses.
Cancel anything you're no longer using.
94. Review your insurance
Don't automatically renew every policy without checking whether you're still getting good value.
95. Make a list of free things you enjoy
When you're looking for something to do, you'll have a ready-made list rather than automatically reaching for your wallet.
The Best Money-Saving Tip of All
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96. Don't try to save money on everything
This might sound strange in an article about saving money, but it's important.
If you try to cut every single expense, you'll probably become frustrated and eventually give up.
Instead, decide what's important to you.
Perhaps it's travel.
Perhaps it's good food.
Perhaps it's going to the theatre.
Perhaps it's having coffee with friends.
Perhaps it's your garden.
Keep spending on the things that genuinely bring you happiness.
Look for savings elsewhere.
97. Spend money on experiences you value
A cheap life isn't necessarily a good life.
If spending $50 on lunch with a friend gives you hours of enjoyment, that may be money well spent.
98. Stop feeling guilty about spending
A budget isn't supposed to punish you.
If you've planned for something and can afford it, enjoy it without guilt.
99. Celebrate the money you save
If you save $30 at the supermarket, don't just think about the things you didn't buy.
Think about what that $30 can now do for you.
It could go towards your next holiday, a nice lunch, your mortgage, savings or something you've been looking forward to.
100. Remember that saving money is about choices, not deprivation
Perhaps the most important money-saving lesson I've learned is that being careful with money doesn't have to mean having a miserable life.
It's about being intentional.
Spend money on what matters to you.
Cut back on what doesn't.
Cook something delicious instead of buying takeaway.
Have a picnic instead of an expensive lunch.
Enjoy a weekend away, but find ways to keep the accommodation and food costs reasonable.
Buy something you genuinely love instead of ten things you don't really need.
And most importantly, don't confuse frugality with deprivation.
You Don't Have to Do All 100
Looking at 100 ways to save money can seem overwhelming, so don't try to change everything at once.
Choose five things from this list that would make the biggest difference to your household.
Perhaps you'll:
plan your meals each week
reduce your grocery bill
compare electricity plans
have one less takeaway meal
cancel two unused subscriptions
make coffee at home
have one no-spend day each week
start a holiday savings account
shop your pantry before going grocery shopping
look for free activities at the weekend
Once those changes become habits, choose another five.
You might be surprised at how quickly those small savings add up.
Saving money isn't about having less of a life.
It's about making your money work harder for the life you actually want to live.
And that's something worth doing.
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