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With the festive season comes plenty of expenses, leaving many of us wishing for a money tree in the backyard, or at least some decent tips to save money at home. While we know money doesn’t grow on trees, smarter shopping, planning and saving can help you reap the rewards all year long. To help you get started, we’ve gathered expert advice on budgeting tips and strategies for saving money on household bills in Australia as you step into the new year.
Unlock savings at major retailers using cashback apps or discounted gift cards. Seasoned bargain hunter Stacie Mckee says these are often available through insurance companies or unions and are a smart way to save money on household bills. “Stack them with Flybuys offers and weekly specials for more savings,” Stacie says. To further cut spending, she suggests shopping at meat/grocery factory outlets, taking advantage of price-matching policies and negotiating better rates with utility providers.
Australians spend an average of $1,261 a year* on services they no longer use, according to Melissa Browne of the My Financial Adulting Plan program. When it comes to reducing energy bills, Melissa advises: “Plug the leaky holes in your expenses by using smart tech like smart plugs, thermostats, sensors or light globes to reduce electricity wastage.” Another effective tip to save money at home, according to Melissa, is to regularly review monthly expenses to see what you can swap, pause or cancel.
Avoid impulse food purchases and takeaway temptation with smart meal planning - an essential tip to save money at home. Start by creating a shopping list, cooking in bulk, and freezing meals. “Build a stockpile of diverse options by freezing leftover portions – this way, you’re not eating the same thing every night,” suggests Stacie McKee. To help save money on household bills, include quick-defrost options like budget cuts of steak or a frozen pizza. “Having these on hand makes it easier to skip ordering in when hunger strikes,” says Stacie.
Clutter can be a major money waster, with misplaced items often leading to unnecessary replacements, says Amy Revell from The Art of Decluttering. One of the best tips to save money at home is to declutter and organise. “Start by clearing out expired pantry items and investing in affordable baskets or containers to group similar items, like baking ingredients,” she suggests. “Declutter your wardrobe too, keeping only clothes you love, wear and feel great in.” For extra savings, Melissa says another budgeting tip is to consider selling unwanted items to free up some cash or pay off credit cards.
Slash cooling costs with these practical tips on how to reduce energy bills in summer and save money at home. “Switch to a ceiling fan instead of an air conditioner whenever possible – it costs a fraction of the cost to run,” says Stacie McKee. “Focus on cooling only the rooms you’re using, and install blackout or insulating blinds on sun-facing windows to keep the heat out.” For long-term energy efficiency, consider topping up or upgrading insulation in your walls and roof space, helping you cut cooling costs and save money on household bills.
Growing your own fruit and vegetables is a great way to save money at home and reduce household bills. “A single packet of carrot seeds costs about the same as a bunch of carrots at the supermarket but can yield hundreds of carrots,” says Bunnings Greenlife buyer, Victoria, Mill Wallasvaara**.
For those wondering how to get started, Mill’s budgeting tips include understanding your garden’s soil type and microclimate, reading seed packets carefully, and starting with easy-to-grow, low-maintenance vegies like silverbeet, capsicum, lettuce, parsley, and spring onion. These practical steps not only save you money on household bills, but also contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Discover how to declutter as a way to save money on household bills with these 16 expert tips.
Photo credit: Alamy Stock Photo; (vegetables) Adobe Stock.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
