Make Every Dollar Count

Your mortgage is likely the biggest line item in your budget, and it's often a rewarding place to cut costs. With the RBA hiking three times in 2026 so far, many borrowers may be feeling the pressure of higher repayments. Refinancing to a new lender is one way to put serious dollars back in your pocket, but it's not the only way.

• Ask your existing lender for a discount before you switch

  A quick call could land you a better rate with almost zero effort.
• Refinance with a new lender

  Our research found 80% of borrowers who switched lenders said they had a positive outcome - with most reducing their costs or gaining better features.
• Review your home loan fees

  You could be paying hundreds each year for a package home loan with perks you rarely use.
• Make more frequent repayments if you can

  Switch to weekly or fortnightly repayments to help reduce your interest bill. When you pay fortnightly, you end up making the equivalent of an extra month’s repayment each year.

Swapping big-name products for home-brand alternatives could slice your grocery bill by 41.7%, according to July 2025 Canstar Research. You don't have to overhaul your trolley; start small with the staples first.

• Plan meals around weekly specials

  Use half-price staples to prep big-batch meals and freeze.
• Supermarket loyalty programs

  Join for free or pay for extras. Just ensure savings outweigh membership costs.
• Bulk-buy pantry and freezer staples

  Stock up on sale items or buy in bulk for bigger savings.
• Buy gift cards at a discount

  Even 3% off your weekly shop can cut your annual grocery bill by hundreds.

When it comes to insurance, loyalty doesn't pay. Auto-renewing your policy may subject you to a 'loyalty tax', and new customers often get the sharpest pricing.

• Consider a higher excess

  A higher excess can lower premiums, just ensure you can still afford the excess in the event of a claim.
• Don’t bundle car & home insurance with one insurer

  Don't assume bundling saves, you could be paying more than you need to for convenience.
• Review your home insurance sum insured

  If your sum insured is too low, you won't get enough to rebuild or replace. If it's too high, you could be paying more in premiums than you need to. Use a rebuild-cost calculator to make sure it reflects what it would actually cost.
• Pay annually if you can

  Insurance providers will often give you a discount for paying up front. For car insurance, around 62% of providers on our database charge more for monthly payments, costing $300 more per year on average.
• Don't just auto-renew

  Auto-renewing your policy may mean you're paying a 'loyalty tax'. Of those who have switched, 78% of car insurance holders and 80% of home insurance holders said they reduced their costs*.

  *Data: CIP17, HCP16 (switching timing), HCP16A (switching outcome), HCP15A/CIP15 sub-item "More competitive renewal premiums."

Premiums went up again on 1 April 2026. Most funds let you carry over served waiting periods when switching to the same or a lower level of cover, so there's little reason to stay on a policy that no longer fits.

• Review what your policy covers, not just what it costs

  Consider the inclusions and extras you really need.
• Understand the Medicare Levy Surcharge

  If the cost of insurance has you thinking about dropping your cover, check whether you're liable for the Medicare Levy Surcharge. For some Australians earning above the income threshold, paying the surcharge can cost more than a basic hospital policy.
• Consider using your fund's preferred provider network

  Many funds offer higher rebates or capped costs when you visit a provider in their network, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket.
• Consider a higher hospital excess

  A higher excess can reduce premiums, provided you can afford it.
• Mix and match your cover

  Hospital and extras cover don't have to come as a package deal. Buying them from separate insurers could give you better value and cover that's more tailored to your needs.

Almost one-third (30%) of Aussies named energy as their biggest financial worry for 2026, according to December 2025 Canstar Research.

• Check for solar rebates

  Check for rebates and subsidies for home solar and batteries.
• Use or store your solar - avoid selling it

  Feed-in tariffs are now just 0-10c/kWh, but using your own power avoids 25-40c/kWh usage charges - worth 3-6 times more than exporting.
• Get off your standing offer plan

  Roughly 10% of people nationally are on standing offers. The highest return for the least effort: switching takes under 10 minutes, costs nothing and doesn't interrupt supply.
• Consider off-peak rate plans

  Save heavy electricity use for off-peak hours when rates are low.
• Check bundles

  Your retailer may offer incentives for bundling services: A gas-and-electricity bundle only wins if it beats the best standalone electricity plan plus the best standalone gas plan.
• Small wins (real, but smaller)

  Trim the everyday stuff. Shorter and cooler showers, line drying instead of the dryer, keeping heating and cooling at efficient temperatures, and unplugging that old second fridge.

Small habits at the pump and on your route can add up fast. Here's how you could trim this cost.

• Use fuel‑price apps

  You might find savings hidden just one street over.
• Fill up on the cheapest day

  Fill up mid-week before the weekend spike hits your wallet.
• Use E10 if your car is compatible

  Check your manual and save.
• Combine errands into single trips

  Group your errands to save petrol and time.
• Check public transport or commuter options

  Parking, petrol, and tolls can add up fast.