How to Reduce All Your BIG ExpensesComing to the end of the year can be stressful with big expenses rolling in such as bills, groceries increasing, rent or interest rates changing, not to mention the school holidays, gifts, events etc. Here are some tips to reduce all your big expenses and hopefully give you some breathing room in your budget. How to save money on housing/accommodation How to make your home pay for your mortgage How to save money on groceries 18 tips to reduce your groceries to under $150 has been super popular BUT it was written a few years ago, the tips are still good though. How to get free and super cheap food How to reduce the cost of transport 17 ways to reduce your electricity bill How to Make the Most of Black Friday and Cyber MondayFirstly, don't buy anything you do not need and have not budgeted for! If you are planning some specific purchases, there are ways you can save even more with your shopping such as cash back programs, loyalty cards, comparing prices etc. Use the tips in this article to see how you can maximise your savings with the sales if you do shop. Fast Money This MonthThe end of the year is coming up fast and you are probably wondering how you are going to cover all your expenses. Get $21 instantly from Up Bank AND I just discovered you can switch off interest on your savings accounts if you want which is important for some for religious and other reasons. I am super excited they introduced this feature to be more inclusive. This is a feature you have to opt to change as earning interest is the default option. Get bonuses and cash back if you are doing any online shopping with these apps. Octopus Group is Australia and New Zealand's highest-paying online survey site plus they now offer market research for even better pay. I've gotten quite a few surveys lately which could be $20 to $150 this month with minimal effort. You can cash out instantly via a gift card or get actual cash the following week. There is free money and vouchers available for different circumstances in every state which you can find here. Get all sorts of freebies and discounts here in our huge list which was updated this morning! Our Meal PlanThis week and the coming weeks are all over the place for us so we have to be a bit more creative. In the coming weeks we have a year 10 formal, 4 people working in 4 different locations, an extremely short trip to Vanuatu (business related), a work Christmas party, a 4 day trip to Brisbane, another quick trip to Kiama and a few other things so we are only home a few days at a time here and there in the next 4 weeks. This week I opted for 4 meals from HelloFresh (get a free box here) and we caught fish on the weekend which is prepped in the freezer. If you're looking to save on groceries, here are some tips: What I Am ReadingThe Money Reset by Gemma Mitchell. Start over stronger ― with a plan that works for you 'Clear. Kind. Actionable. This 12-step plan is everything a money book should be.' ― Molly Benjamin, founder, Ladies Finance Club Are you ready for a reset? When life throws you off balance with divorce, job loss, illness or another unexpected shake-up, your finances often feel the impact first. In The Money Reset, financial advisor Gemma Mitchell helps you get back on track with a practical, step-by-step plan tailored to your new reality. Whether you're rebuilding over 12 days, 12 weeks or 12 months, you'll discover simple but powerful strategies that lead to big change. It's time for you to take control ― so you can thrive no matter what comes your way. With the right tools, you can turn financial upheaval into a fresh start and build a future that reflects your life today. Blending real-life stories with expert guidance, The Money Reset is your roadmap to stability, confidence and long-term financial security. You'll learn how to:
It's time to look forward with a plan that's practical, personal and designed to protect. The Money Reset equips you with the mindset and methods you need to build a new future on your own terms. The Thrifty Issue CommunityFor more and to connect with others check out The Thrifty Issue Facebook group, Facebook page, Instagram, Pinterest. |
Tips to make and save money, especially for Aussies. How I am clearing $59,973.72 worth of debt,As featured on ABC, Nine and Channel 7. Sign up for weekly tips plus freebies and discounts.
How to Get Freebies How good does it feel when you get something for free? While it can be true that most freebies have a catch, it's up to you to decide if that 'catch' is worth it or not. If you do want to get some freebies, here are some ways you can: Enter competitions: It's not guaranteed you'll win so it might be a waste of time but last year I won thousands of dollars in gift cards and products, this year I have won a few hundred in the few I have entered so far. Admittedly, I am not...
$100 Winner is.... Thank you so much to all who did our survey and the results were interesting and have given me a lot to think about. Also, thank you so much for the well wishes with running The Thrifty Issue and sharing my experiences. Our winner is Catherine, who has been emailed separately as well. Tips and Advice There were a few common themes in the survey, some of which have been covered on the site. By far, the biggest issue was groceries, followed by housing. I share some tips for...
How to Make and Save More in the Last Quarter of 2026 There are only 3 months left of the year and even if you haven't achieved what you set out to achieve this year, you still have time to improve your finances and start 2027 in a better position. What can you do in the next 3 months to improve your finances? Establish an Emergency Fund Having an emergency fund that is used for true emergencies creates peace of mind and helps avoid debt. Aim for $2,000 and do whatever you need to get this...