Trying to save money on family expenses? You’re not alone. With the cost of living rising across Australia, many families are feeling the pressure from higher grocery bills, power prices, petrol costs and mortgage repayments.
The good news is that small, practical changes can make a real difference. From cutting everyday household costs to saving on kids, food, travel and family fun, these 101 money-saving tips are designed to help Australian families stretch their budget without sacrificing lifestyle or enjoyment.
Whether you’re trying to pay down debt, build a savings buffer or simply make your money go further, this guide brings together our best ideas — plus links to more detailed savings guides for each major household expense.
Save money on baby & kids expenses
Babies and kids can be expensive, but many costs are short-term or unnecessary.
- Buy clothes, shoes and gear during end-of-season sales and size up
- Accept hand-me-downs from friends or family
- Buy second-hand baby items from Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree or eBay
- Borrow short-term items like bassinets, baby capsules and bouncers
- Start a clothing swap with friends or neighbours
- Make your own baby food using fresh fruit and vegetables
- Stock up on nappies when they’re on sale and keep receipts for exchanges
- Make reusable baby wipes using cloth and water or a gentle sorbolene mix
- Visit your local library for free baby literacy sessions and book packs
- Join a local playgroup for free or low-cost activities. For information on local playgroups, check out our local Playgroup guide.
- Delay non-essential baby purchases by 30 days — many items feel urgent but go unused
- Ask “how long will we use this?” before buying anything new
For more tips, visit our ways to save money on baby expenses guide.
Save on fashion & beauty
Staying stylish doesn’t need to come with a big price tag.
- Shop end-of-season sales and clearance racks
- Sign up to retailer emails for sale alerts and VIP discounts
- Host a clothes swap with friends
- Borrow outfits for weddings or special events
- Shop at op shops, consignment stores and preloved markets
- Buy second-hand fashion via Facebook Marketplace or eBay
- Extend time between haircuts or colours and choose low-maintenance styles
- Look for salon loyalty programs or off-peak discounts
- Visit local TAFEs or community colleges for discounted beauty services
For more tips, read our article on ways to save money on clothes.
Save money on utilities, banking & insurance
Household bills are one of the biggest pressure points for families.
- Compare electricity and gas plans regularly
- Call your provider and ask for a better deal
- Review private health insurance and remove extras you don’t need. Also, keep claimable receipts in a central place and remember to claim them.
- Check car insurance details like kilometres driven and garaging
- Negotiate phone, internet and mobile plans, and ask about new discounts and plans
- Ask your bank about lower home loan or credit card interest rates
- Review transaction account fees and savings interest rates
- Consider term deposits for short-term savings
- Avoid doubling up on insurance through superannuation
- Check with Centrelink to make sure that you are registered for eligible payments. If you’re a CCB recipient with a family, you might qualify for the NSW Family Energy Rebate.
For more tips, visit our step-by-step guide on how to save money on your power bills.
Save money on groceries & food
Food is one of the easiest areas to cut spending with a few habits.
- Create a two-week meal plan to save money, time and food wastage
- Shop with a list and avoid impulse buys
- Check supermarket catalogues for specials
- Compare unit prices carefully
- Buy home brands or shop at Aldi
- Look for markdowns on meat and produce
- Always check your receipt before leaving
- Split bulk fruit and vegetables with friends
- Shop at farmers markets near closing time. Locally, you can visit Newcastle Farmers Market or Lake Macquarie City Farmers Market and buy fresh food in season straight from the farmers.
- Buy non-perishables in bulk when on sale
- Grow herbs and vegetables at home
- Cook in bulk and freeze leftovers
- Pack lunches instead of buying them
- Use cheaper cuts of meat in slow cookers
- Bake snacks instead of buying packaged ones
- Add veggies like carrot and zucchini to meat dishes like bolognese. It makes meat go further and it adds healthy veggies to meals.
- Stock pantry staples ready so you can whip up some easy meals to avoid buying takeaway meals or going out for a meal.
- Make homemade juices and icy poles using water and fresh fruit.
- Google fast, easy and affordable recipe suggestions to use up what you have in your pantry.
For more tips, read our guides to save money on your grocery shop, what generic products to buy and the best vegetables to grow to save money.
Save on exercise
Staying active doesn’t need an expensive gym membership.
- Borrow exercise DVDs from the library
- Follow free YouTube workouts
- Walk, run or train at local parks
- Use council outdoor fitness equipment
- Swim at beaches or use pool passes
- Join Parkrun (free weekly 5km events)
- Walk with friends instead of meeting at cafés
- Ask gyms about off-peak or trial specials
For more tips, check out our guide to exercising with kids at home.
Save money on socialising
You can still enjoy time with friends without overspending.
- Choose restaurants with specials or kids eat free nights
- Meet at parks or playgrounds with a picnic
- Host pot-luck dinners at home
- Hold wine or cocktail nights where guests bring a bottle
- Swap babysitting with friends
- Host spa or movie nights at home
Save money on travel & holidays
Holidays don’t have to blow the budget.
- Travel off-peak where possible
- Book flights using BPAY to avoid card fees
- Share accommodation with family or friends
- Choose places where kids stay or eat free
- Book apartment-style accommodation with kitchens
- Join hotel loyalty programs to get savings on accommodation. Sometimes you get can upgrades, early and late checkout, free wifi and other bonuses.
- Use public transport at your destination
- House swap with friends or relatives
- Camp at holiday parks or national parks.
- Use Entertainment Book or NRMA membership for attractions
For more tips, check out our guide to saving money on travel & holidays.
Save on family fun
Family fun doesn’t have to cost much — especially locally.
- Head to local parks and playgrounds. Here’s our playground map for Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter containing reviews of our favourite parks.
- Head to the beach or your local community pool
- Look for free community events
- Use vouchers and coupons for attractions
- Review and cancel unused streaming services
- Ask about group discounts for attractions
- Enter local competitions and giveaways
- Buy bundled attraction passes
- Join a toy library
- Borrow books, DVDs and games from libraries
- Go to the movies on cheap days or head to a drive in
For more information, check out our free family fun guide. We’ve included free kids activities you can enjoy at home both indoors and outdoors as well as in your local community without breaking the budget.
Save money on school expenses
Back-to-school expenses can be one of the biggest yearly costs for families. Uniforms, shoes, tech and stationery quickly add up.
- Shop Back-to-School sales early in January. Shop around to get the best prices on shoes, computers, tablets and stationery
- Buy second-hand uniforms. Some schools have used clothing for sale organised by the school office or P&C or organise a second-hand Facebook group.
- Purchase basics in school colours from Best and Less, Lowes, Kmart and Big W
- Use free school holiday programs and activities offered by your local government
- Share holiday care with other families
- Apply for means-tested Active Kids and Creative Kids vouchers and save money on after school activities.
For more tips, read our detailed guide on how to save money on back-to-school expenses.
Save money on cars & transport
Transport is a major household expense for many families.
- Track petrol price cycles
- Use fuel price apps like Motor Mouth to find cheaper prices
- Combine errands into one trip
- Keep tyres inflated
- Remove unnecessary weight from the car
- Carpool where possible
- Walk, cycle or use public transport
- Wash, vacuum and detail your car at home instead of paying to get it professionally done.
For more tips, read our detailed guide on how to save money on back-to-school expenses.
Save money on kids birthday parties
Kids’ birthday parties can get expensive quickly, especially with venues, decorations and party bags. The good news is you can still create a fun, memorable celebration on a budget.
- Host birthday parties at home, in a local park or community centre.
- Choose a smaller guest list to keep food and activity costs down
- Make your own birthday cake or buy a slab cake instead of a custom cake. Go retro with a Australian Woman’s Weekly birthday cake.
- Buy party decorations and supplies on sale or choose reusable, plain colours
- Borrow party items like tables, decorations or games from friends
- Skip the expensive party entertainer and organise DIY games instead
- Avoid party bags or choose a simple take-home activity instead
- Stock up on toys and games when they’re on sale. If your kids are attending lots of birthday parties, buy extra and store in designated present cupboard.
- Instead of buying birthday cards, buy bulk packs of cards or get the kids to make their own cards.
For more tips, check out our guide to save money on your kids birthday party.
Save money at Christmas
Christmas can put pressure on household budgets, but planning ahead makes a huge difference.
- Set a Christmas budget early and track spending
- Save small amounts throughout the year in a dedicated Christmas account
- Buy gifts during mid-year and end-of-year sales
- Shop early to avoid last-minute panic spending
- Make handmade or photo gifts instead of buying everything new
- Buy wrapping paper, cards and decorations after Christmas when heavily discounted
- Use gift cards purchased on sale to stretch your Christmas budget further
For more tips, check out our guide to save money and have an amazing Christmas on a budget.
Miscellaneous Tips
- Join a sharing library. In Newcastle, we have The Share Shop. It’s a library of things in the where you can borrow things instead of buying them.
- Trade your skills with friends. If you can cut hair, do massages, bake cakes, babysit, fix computers or can mow lawns, barter with a friend or neighbour and help each other out.
- Use energy-efficient appliances and light globes
- Switch off appliances at the wall
- Keep receipts and track warranties. That way, if something breaks or goes wonky, you can get it repaired or replaced under the warranty.
Want even more money-saving tips?
If you want to dive deeper, check out our mega guide: Money Saving Tips: 250+ Ideas to Cut Your Spending & Make Your Money Go Further. This extended series includes detailed guides, NSW rebates, vouchers and even more ideas to help Australian families manage the cost of living.