Money

Cost of Living Crisis: 27 Ways to Actually Save Money This Month

Real, practical ways to cut your spending without living on two-minute noodles.

Published by NoBS Finance · 1 July 2026 · 3 min read

Key Takeaways

The biggest savings come from refinancing, switching energy providers, and reviewing health insurance.
Medium wins like switching to Aldi, meal planning, and auditing subscriptions can save $50 to $200 per month.
Small wins like cashback apps, generic medications, and bringing lunch add up to $10 to $50 per month.
Saving money is about redirecting spending toward things that matter, not deprivation.
Track your spending for one month to see where money leaks out on things you do not value.

27 Real Ways to Save Money Now

No "just do not buy avocado toast" garbage. Here are 27 things you can actually do this month to save money. Some are big wins, some are small, but they all add up.

The Big Wins (Save $200+ Per Month)

Refinance your home loan. A 0.5% lower rate saves roughly $250 per month on a $600,000 loan. Check whether your current lender will match a competitor rate before paying break fees
Switch energy providers. Use EnergyMadeEasy.gov.au to compare. Many households save $300 or more per year by switching
Review your health insurance. Do you actually use your extras cover? Many young, healthy people are paying for dental and optical they never claim
Negotiate your internet and phone. Call your provider, ask for a better deal, and mention you are comparing. They often have retention offers
Cancel unused gym memberships. Try free outdoor alternatives, community fitness groups, or YouTube workouts

The Medium Wins ($50 to $200 Per Month)

Switch to Aldi. A typical household can save a meaningful amount by switching from Coles or Woolworths for staples.
Meal plan. Planning meals for the week reduces food waste and impulse buys. It also means fewer last-minute takeaway orders
Use library streaming. BorrowBox, Kanopy, and Hoopla are free with your library card. Many libraries also offer free e-books, audiobooks, and magazines
Review subscriptions. Audit what you actually use. Cancel anything you have not used in the last 30 days
Buy second-hand. Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and Vinted for clothes, furniture, and electronics
Drive less. Combine trips, walk short distances, or cycle. Fuel and wear-and-tear add up fast
Switch to a low-fee super fund. See our guide to the superannuation fee mistake for how fees eat your retirement balance

The Small Wins ($10 to $50 Per Month)

Use cashback apps. ShopBack and Cashrewards give you money back on purchases you were already making
Switch to generic medications. Same active ingredients, a fraction of the price. Ask your pharmacist
Bring lunch to work. Buying lunch at $15 per day adds up to $300 per month. Making it at home costs a fraction of that
Use a reusable coffee cup. Many cafes offer a discount for bringing your own cup
Compare petrol prices. Use FuelCheck (NSW), RACQ (QLD), or similar state-based apps to find the cheapest fuel nearby
DIY basic home maintenance. YouTube is free. Learn to patch walls, fix leaky taps, and paint
Use public transport. Off-peak fares are cheaper in most Australian cities
Host potluck dinners. Instead of restaurants. Everyone brings a dish, you split the cost, and it is more fun
Buy in bulk. For non-perishables only. Toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and pantry staples
Use Afterpay responsibly. Or better, do not use it. Buy-now-pay-later is not free money, it is a debt
Check for government rebates. Energy, childcare, medical, and state-based cost-of-living relief. Search "energy rebate" plus your state name
Freeze leftover food. Reduces waste dramatically. A freezer is a money-saving tool
Repair, do not replace. Clothing, electronics, furniture. A $10 repair beats a $200 replacement
Use your local Buy Nothing group. Free stuff daily. Your neighbours are giving away things they no longer need
Wait 48 hours before non-essential purchases. Kills impulse buys. If you still want it after 2 days, it is probably worth buying

The Mindset Shift

Saving money is not deprivation. It is redirecting your money toward things that actually matter to you. Track where your money goes for one month. You will be shocked at how much leaks out on things you do not care about.

For a complete framework on where to start, read our No-BS Order for Sorting Out Your Finances.