12 smart ways Finder staff are saving money right now
With the cost of living remaining high, here are money-saving tips we're using to get by.
Finding cheaper essentials online
"I'm being much more careful with groceries, which are my biggest expense outside of the mortgage.In practice, this means going to the markets more and avoiding my local Coles; identifying the most expensive essentials and finding cheaper replacements. For example, when it's not on special, a big bottle of dishwashing powder is $24. It lasts ages so it offers value.
But, Woolies does a $4 cheapo version you can buy online. That's $20 saved right there."
Richard Whitten, money editor
Moving to a more basic streaming deal
"I changed my Netflix plans, moving from Standard to Basic. I realised that although I had the option for access to 2 streams at the same time on the Standard plan, it was never an issue that came up in our household of 2 people watching Netflix at the same time.So, I moved to Basic and even though it only has 1 stream at a time – it's saving $72 a year."
Mark Neilsen, utilities writer
Buying used furniture
"I always buy furniture second-hand from Facebook Marketplace. Even if an item won't fit in the car, it's still cost-effective to hire an Uber XL. It's often cheaper than hiring a large car or a truck for 1 piece of furniture.Be sure to bring drop sheets or towels to protect their car, and don't expect the driver to help you lift it!"
Elise Stitt, program manager
Comparing car insurance
"Our car insurance renewed in November and I only got around to comparing it in April. It jumped over 30% to more than $180 a month! I shopped around and found a cheaper policy for $133 per month, saving $50 per month. Plus, I was able to choose a lower policy excess.I wish I'd shopped around months earlier, I could have saved hundreds.
Sarah Megginson, head of editorial
Cutting out the second coffee
"By not buying my second takeaway coffee, I save $5 each day.That might not sound like much, but it's $35 per week, which is $140 a month, or just under $1,700 per year. Also, I like to think that monthly saving of $140 now covers my phone, internet and streaming."
Dougal Warby, publisher
Getting money back on cans and bottles
"I always use Return and Earn. It's not just good for the 10c back each time you recycle an eligible container; you also get points boosters, meaning you can bag money off your regular groceries too."Matt Corke, head of publishing ventures
Finding last-minute eats
"I use apps such as EatClub that show last-minute restaurant deals near me (both eating in or takeaway). Recently, I've seen $5 takeaway dishes and scored 30% off at a local restaurant."Francesca Guerrera, publisher
Claiming back on health insurance
"This week I finally got around to making manual extras health insurance claims, which gave me around $130 back. I claimed money back for contact lenses and Cancer Council sunscreen. I always put off my manual claims because it feels like it will take ages – but it doesn't and it's worth it!Check how much you have left that you could claim, and any stuff you might have missed that you can still claim for if you need to."
Amy Bradney-George, editor
Selling on Marketplace
"I've been selling things on Facebook Marketplace that have been laying around the house collecting dust and have been meaning to sell for some time."Alex Reid, marketing
Going without a second car
"Even though my family is about to go from 3 to 4 people, we can't justify the cost of a second vehicle. Factoring in my monthly costs for petrol, insurance and rego – I reckon I'm saving just under $300 per month."James Martin, editor for insurance
Using discounts at the supermarket
"Doing my grocery shop online ensures I'm only buying what I actually need for the week. Woolies has been advertising $10 off when buying online, which I claimed last week. And, recently, 5% off when buying online. I did my groceries in-store yesterday and spent $100 more than I usually do when buying online – and I couldn't claim any discount."Peta Watson, associate publisher
Being smart with the freezer
"Use your freezer wisely – it lets you make and buy food in bulk and freeze for later, capitalise on sales as you come across them, or save veggie scraps to make stock for soup."Richard Fairbairn, associate publisher
Find more ways to save on the cost of living in 2023.