From groceries to fuel, prices are climbing fast. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), inflation hit 3.6% in early 2025—impacting food, housing, and energy costs the most. Here’s how to fight back with practical, proven money-saving strategies:
🛒 1. Shop Local for Better Value
How to: Visit your local fruit shops, markets, or cultural grocers (e.g., Asian, Indian, or Middle Eastern stores). Compare prices weekly—especially for produce, rice, and sauces. Bring cash (some smaller stores offer discounts for cash purchases). Shop 30–60 minutes before closing to snag final markdowns.
💡 My real example:
It’s a myth that big supermarkets always have the best prices. In many cases, local stores can be significantly cheaper—and offer better service. I Put This to the Test and I compared wombok (Chinese cabbage) prices at three stores:
Woolworths: $7.90
Local fruit shop: $4.99
Asian grocer: 2 for $4
That’s a 75% saving by shopping local and supporting small businesses! Shopping at smaller, culturally diverse grocers can be a game-changer, especially for vegetables, herbs, rice, and sauces.
2. Be Flexible with Ingredients
How to: If a recipe calls for an ingredient that’s out of stock or too expensive, replace it: Carrots → zucchini Beef → lentils Cheese → nutritional yeast Check your pantry first before planning meals.
🔍 Use SuperCook or Fridge to Table to find recipes based on what you already have at home.
🛍️ 3. Stock Up During Sales
How to: Watch weekly supermarket catalogues (online or in-store). Stockpile items like canned goods, grains, coffee, detergent, and toilet paper when they’re discounted. Store them properly (airtight containers, cool dry places) to maximise shelf life.
📱 Use apps like Frugl and Trolley Saver to compare prices between supermarkets.
📚 4. Buy Books & Puzzles Online or Go Digital
How to: Check Amazon or Booktopia for discounted books. Search direct publisher websites for printable puzzle books (often under $5). Opt for eBooks or digital PDFs—you’ll save on shipping and get instant access.
💡 Harvard Business Review notes that digital goods offer long-term value and flexibility.
📅 5. Plan Meals Ahead and Stick to a List
How to: Choose 3–5 dinners for the week based on what’s in your fridge or what’s on sale. Write a list before going shopping—stick to it. Cook double portions and freeze extras for busy days.
✅ Apps like Mealime and Paprika help you organise meals and reduce waste.
🌽 6. Buy In Season & In Bulk
How to: Visit Seasonal Food Guide to learn what’s cheapest and freshest now. Visit weekend markets or bulk food stores to stock up on staples like rice, lentils, spices, and flour. Consider splitting bulk items with a friend or neighbor to save space and money.
👩🍳 7. Cook More Meals at Home
How to: Choose simple one-pan or slow cooker meals to save time and energy. Make meals in batches and freeze portions. Set aside a meal prep day each week (e.g., Sunday) to prepare key ingredients.
💸 According to Canstar, Aussies spend around $90 a week eating out—cutting back saves big.
🔌 8. Lower Utility Bills with Small Habits
How to: Air-dry clothes instead of using the dryer. Turn off lights and power strips when not in use. Shorten your showers by 2 minutes. Use thick curtains and draft stoppers to regulate indoor temperatures.
Compare energy rates on Energy Made Easy and switch to a cheaper provider.
🚫 9. Cancel Unused Subscriptions
How to: List all current subscriptions (Spotify, Netflix, apps, gym). Cancel any you haven’t used in the last 30 days. Check for free or cheaper alternatives. Set calendar reminders to review subscriptions every 3 months.
✅ Use MoneySmart’s Budget Planner or Rocket Money to track recurring expenses.
🍱 10. Bring Your Own Snacks and Drinks
How to: Prepare snacks like cut fruit, trail mix, muffins, or muesli bars at home. Invest in a reusable water bottle and keep it in your bag or car. Make coffee at home and bring it in a thermal cup.
💡 CHOICE recommends top reusable bottles for savings and sustainability.
📦 11. Use Cashback, Rewards & Discounts Online
How to: Sign up for Cashrewards and ShopBack to earn cashback on everyday purchases. Install the Honey browser extension for automatic discount codes at checkout. Join supermarket and pharmacy loyalty programs for points and offers.
🧽 12. Make DIY Cleaning Products
How to: All-purpose spray: mix 1 cup white vinegar + 1 cup water + a few drops of lemon essential oil. Sink scrub: baking soda + a little water to form a paste.
🧼 These are cheap, safe, and backed by research (CleanLink).
💳 13. Avoid “Buy Now, Pay Later” Traps
How to: Think carefully before splitting payments—especially for non-essentials. Wait 48 hours before buying anything over $50 to avoid impulse shopping. Use debit instead of BNPL services like Afterpay or ZipPay.
📘 Read MoneySmart’s BNPL Guide to understand the risks.
💡 Final Thoughts: Small Changes, Big Results
Inflation may be rising, but your expenses don’t have to. By: Thinking strategically Shopping intentionally Swapping habits gradually, you’ll not only save money—you’ll stress less and gain more financial freedom.
💬 Got a money-saving tip? Share it in the comments—we’re all in this together.
