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Analysing data, as we do every day, can sometimes bring to mind Mark Twain’s famous quote: "Lies, damned lies, and statistics" when cuts of the same data tell completely different stories.

Wednesday’s inflation results are a prime example. While none of it is a lie, there are two narratives in the data. Annual headline inflation has dropped for the fourth month in a row – great news on paper – however, core inflation, which takes out much of the volatility, hasn’t dropped for the last eight months.

The takeaway is clear: if you have a mortgage, prepare for another cash rate hike, potentially as soon as September as that’s what NAB is predicting.

Threatening to leave your bank often triggers a better rate, but that strategy shouldn't stop at your mortgage. I tested this out with Apple TV the other day. After hitting that ‘cancel’ button, I was offered a price of $4.99 for the next three months – an $11 a month saving. Not exactly a windfall, but use this same strategy with your energy bill, your health cover and your phone plans and you might find a pot of savings at the end of that retention rainbow.

Finally, inflation may be pushing grocery bills up, but shoppers aren't taking it lying down. Canstar research reveals that 81% of us have changed our shopping tactics over the last year to cut costs. As for which supermarket took out Australia's top rating this year? No spoiler alerts today, I’m afraid, but the results are here.

Your extras cover more than trips to the dentist. Check out the list of providers that offer gym and fitness benefits and discounts.

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A price match policy is the savvy shopper’s secret weapon; letting you secure a competitor’s lower price without trekking across town.

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It's been a term deposit rate-cutting frenzy from the big four, with CBA, ANZ, Westpac and NAB all taking the knife to their top rates within 24 hours of each other. And it's not just the majors — Canstar tracking shows 16 banks have cut term deposit rates since the start of August alone. The big question for savers is whether rates have now peaked. The banks' own economists think so, tipping the next RBA move to be a cut, but not until next year. The RBA hasn't given the same certainty — inflation's still running hot, so another hike can't be ruled out. For savers wanting certainty, a term deposit can still make sense, but read the fine print either way.

Bunnings’ Perfect Plant Promise is a genuine wallet win for budget-conscious green thumbs. Under this policy, all plants, excluding short-lived seedlings and potted colour, are backed by a 12-month guarantee. If a plant dies or fails to thrive within its first year, you can bring it back alongside your receipt for a full refund or replacement. By removing the financial risk of plant mortality, this guarantee protects your household budget while letting you build a garden or indoor jungle stress-free.

Your laundry can burn a hole in your power bill, especially on rainy days. Running a 6kg vented dryer costs about $1.65 a pop. At just 2 loads per week that's $172 a year. Upgrading to a heat pump dryer isn't cheap: a 7kg Fisher & Paykel one sits at around $1,199 compared to $549 for a 6kg vented model. However, because heat pump dryers recycle warm air instead of constantly heating new cold air, the running cost drops to just 70 cents a load. Two loads a week could save a typical Sydney house $99 annually, more for busy households, which could see the equation stack up for you and the environment.

This advice is general and has not taken into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is not personal advice. Consider whether this advice is right for you, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs. You may need financial advice from a suitably qualified adviser. For more information, read Canstar’s Financial Services and Credit Guide (FSCG) and our detailed disclosure.

Canstar is a comparison website, not a product issuer, so it’s important to check any product information directly with the provider. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Target Market Determination (TMD) and other applicable product documentation before making a decision to purchase, acquire, invest in or apply for a financial or credit product. Contact the product issuer directly for a copy of the PDS, TMD and other documentation.

Before you elect to terminate or modify existing lending or service arrangements, we recommend that you consider all associated fees and application costs, as well as the timing and impact these changes could have on your wider financial arrangements and personal circumstances.

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