It’s no secret that the cost of living is on the rise. Like many people, you may be thinking about reassessing your budget or creating a new one. The good news is there are simple changes you can make to your lifestyle to be more financially savvy.
10 Money Saving Tips
If you’re ready to whip your budget into shape, here’s 10 tips for saving money that’ll help you get started.
1. Draw up a budget
To see where you could squirrel away some more money, first you need to see where it's going. Record your expenses for yourself (and your family, if applicable) for a fortnight. You can do this manually in a spreadsheet or with a budget tracking app. From there, you can create your budget. Once you have calculated how much you will need for each of your expenses, set yourself a spending limit. Be sure to add a savings column where you can set aside what is comfortable for you. For step-by-step instructions, check out MoneySmart's guide to budgeting.
2. Mull over big ticket items to save money
We’re all prone to treating ourselves on pay-day from time to time. Next time you hit the shops, consider whether you really need that item or if it is an impulse purchase. Whether it’s a new pair of shoes or on a one-way ticket to Ibiza, as a rule of thumb, sleep on it!
3. Write a shopping list
Before you set out to do your weekly grocery shop, write yourself a list. Start with the ingredients you will need for your meals and then any other household items that need replenishing. The key to success here is not so much writing the list as it is sticking to it! Heading to the shops with a plan of attack will reduce the risk of spending money on unnecessary items. That being said, allow yourself a treat section at the bottom of the list. You’re only human!
4. Make your meals go further
You’d be surprised how far a few pantry staples can go. Bulking up your meals with tinned vegetables or rice can help both your tummy and your wallet feel fuller. Cooking in bulk can help you save money while also reducing food waste and prepping your meals for the next few days. If you have leftovers, keep them in the freezer for an easy mid-week dinner.
5. Cut down on unnecessary spending
Sometimes you need more than one paid subscription to access all of your favourite entertainment. But how many is too many? If you have a pile of magazines that are piling up or are watching one streaming service more than others, consider culling one. For another money saving challenge, try replacing takeaway coffees with a home brew. Or, instead of a gym membership, you could do an online workout or exercise out in the fresh air.
6. Save money by getting the best deal on utilities
Check whether you’re getting the best deal on your internet, energy and phone bills. Doing a bit of online research can show you if there's an opportunity to save money with a better offer. For example, Energy Made Easy is a free government tool that can help you compare energy providers. Or if you’re in the market for a new phone plan, check out the benefits you can enjoy as a Everyday Mobile from Woolworths customer.
7. Go bargain hunting
Timing is everything. Going shopping at the end of the week can help you score the best deals on sale items at the supermarket. Flicking through catalogues will also let you know what weekly specials to look out for. The same goes for fashion. While you might not feel like wearing a warm and woolly coat in the middle of summer, chances are the price will be much more appealing if you buy it out of season.
8. Make money saving automatic
One of the best ways to save money is to make it super easy for yourself. Set up an automatic transfer that puts a percentage of your income straight into your savings account each pay day. That way, even if you forget, you will be making regular contributions to your nest egg. Your future self will thank you later.
9. Enjoy free activities
The best things in life are free, like friends! Next time you are planning quality time with your loved ones, brainstorm how you could have fun without spending a cent. From a scenic walk to a game of backyard cricket, there is endless potential. Good times with good company is priceless anyway. If you’re looking for something kid-friendly, the NSW government has a guide to outdoor activities.
10. Get 10% off your shop with Woolies Mobile
For most families, grocery shopping is the second biggest expense after rent or a mortgage. If you’re keen to save some cash, consider switching to Everyday Mobile from Woolworths. As well as offering great deals on phone plans, you can also get 10% off your grocery shop in-store once a month. Whether that means one tub of ice cream for yourself or a meal for the whole family, every bit counts.
So there you go! Beat the pinch and try these 10 easy ways to save money.
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Pick a plan, any plan
Half price Prepaid 30 day plans.o
Includes:- 10% off a Woolworths shop in-store.1
- Up to 5% off gift cards.⌀
- 4G and 5G options available.
Up to $40 off Long Expiry plans.∞
Includes:- 180 or 365 days sorted.
- Up to 5% off gift cards.⌀
- 4G and 5G options available.
10% off 5G SIM Only plans.~
Includes:
- 10% off a Woolworths shop in-store every month.1
- Get up to 5% off gift cards.⌀
All plans are 5G.
Learn more
5G SIM Only plans.
~ Sign up to a new $40, $50, $60 Everyday Mobile from Woolworths SIM Only Plan between 9 August 2023 00:01 AEST and 1 July 2025 23:59 AEST and link your Everyday Rewards card during the checkout process to receive 10% off plan monthly price every month as long as you stay active on the plan and have an Everyday Rewards card. Offer not available to existing customers who change to a SIM Only Plan. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Everyday Mobile from Woolworths reserves the right to amend the offer at any time without notice. Everyday Rewards Terms and Conditions apply.
Prepaid 30 day plans.
o $25 Starter Packs for $12.50, $30 Starter Packs for $15 and $35 Starter Packs for $17.50 available for new customers between 26 March 2025 00:01am AEDT and 3 June 2025 11:59pm AEST. Offer only available for new Starter Pack purchases and does not include any ongoing recharges after the 30 day credit expiry. Offer is available in store at Woolworths Supermarkets or online at https://mobile.everyday.com.au/. This offer is not available in conjunction with any other offer. Everyday Mobile from Woolworths reserves the right to amend this offer at any time without notice.Long Expiry plans.
∞ $130 Starter Packs for $120, $250 Starter Packs for $230 and $320 Starter Packs for $280 available for new customers between 26 March 2025 00:01am AEDT and 3 June 2025 11:59pm AEST. Offer only available for new Starter Pack purchases and does not apply to any ongoing recharges made to an existing Everyday Mobile from Woolworths Starter Pack after credit expiry. Offer is available in store at Woolworths Supermarkets or online at https://mobile.everyday.com.au/. This offer is not available in conjunction with any other offer. Everyday Mobile from Woolworths reserves the right to amend this offer at any time without notice.
e 30GB Bonus Data Offer (Offer) applies to new customers who activate a $320 Everyday Mobile from Woolworths Long Expiry Prepaid Plan by 23:59 PM AEDT on 2 June 2025. Bonus data will be applied within 48 hours of activation. Any unused bonus data will rollover in the customer's Data Bank with the next recharge on the same or higher value Plan . This Offer is for new Everyday Mobile customers only. Everyday Mobile from Woolworths reserves the right to withdraw or amend this Offer at any time without notice.
General & Other.
1 Visit mobile.everyday.com.au/offers/10-off-your-shop for applicable terms and conditions, including eligibility criteria.
2 If you are signed up to an eligible Everyday Mobile plan in 2025, the base plan price will not be increased for the duration of 2025 (i.e. until 31 December 2025). For the purposes of this promise, ‘eligible Everyday Mobile plan’ means the following plans currently available to purchase from Everyday Mobile: $25, $30, $35 Prepaid 30-day plans, $40, $50, $60 SIM Only plans, and $130, $250, $320 Long Expiry plans. Furthermore 'base plan price' means the Cost of Recharge for Prepaid 30-day plans and Long Expiry plans, and the Minimum Monthly Charge for SIM Only plans, as defined in the Critical Information Summaries for these plans. Everyday Mobile reserves the right to offer promotional or discounted pricing on eligible Everyday Mobile plans at any time. This Price Promise does not apply to discontinued plans or promotional or discounted pricing on the eligible Everyday Mobile plans for applicable terms and conditions.
† Everyday Mobile from Woolworths uses the Telstra Wholesale Mobile Network with a mobile coverage area that reaches more than 98.8% of the Australian population (at least 75% with 5G) and covers more than 1.7 million square kilometres of the Australian landmass. 5G requires a 5G enabled plan and compatible device. 4G & 5G speed caps apply. Download speeds are capped. Refer to the Prepaid 30 days CIS, SIM Only CIS or Long Expiry CIS for the capped speeds for each mobile plan. This will state the maximum potential download speed. Typical speeds may often be slower and will vary due to factors such as location, device capabilities, distance from the base station, local conditions, concurrent users, hardware and software configuration and download/upload destination. Refer to the CIS for more information.
* Visit mobile.everyday.com.au/support/refer-a-friend for applicable terms and conditions for Refer a friend.
^ To maintain Data Bank, you must recharge your Prepaid service before credit expiry or keep your payments up to date on your active Postpaid service. Refer to the CIS for more information.
※ Gift up to 50% of your Included Data per recharge or usage period to another active Everyday Mobile from Woolworths plan that includes the Data Gifting feature.
⌀ Up to 5% discount on Everyday WISH Gift Cards, Woolworths Supermarket Gift Card, BIG W Store Gift Card, BWS Store Gift Card and Dan Murphy's Store Gift Card purchased via the Woolworths Gift Cards Portal. Discount amount depends on the type of Gift Card purchased (3% off Everyday WISH Gift Cards, 4% off Woolworths Supermarket Gift Card and 5% off BIG W Store, BWS and Dan Murphy's Gift Cards). Discount will not be applied to the delivery fee if purchasing a physical Gift Card. This offer is available 1 November 2021 00:01am AEDT to 1 July 2026 11:59pm AEST for Everyday Mobile from Woolworths customers who have registered and can login to the Everyday Mobile from Woolworths My Account Portal or Everyday Mobile from Woolworths app. Offer valid on Gift Cards purchased via the Woolworths Gift Cards Portal only. A minimum of $5 and a maximum of $500 can be loaded onto an Gift Card upon purchase. Maximum of 5 Gift Cards per transaction. Woolworths Group Limited ABN 88 000 014 675 is the issuer of the Everyday WISH, Woolworths Supermarket, BIG W, BWS and Dan Murphy's Store Gift Cards. All Gift Cards have no expiry date and are redeemable at participating stores only. For a list of participating stores and full Gift Card Terms and Conditions visit woolworths.com.au/giftcards. Discount will not be applied to purchase of Gift Cards purchased directly through https://giftcards.woolworths.com.au or https://www.woolworthsgiftcardstore.com.au/deal/default.
< eSIM quick connection is available on Everyday Mobile from Woolworths Prepaid, Long Expiry and SIM Only plans. If you are transferring your number from a different provider please allow for porting time, typically 4 hours (during porting hours). For coverage information please visit Network Coverage.