30 WAYS TO SAVE MONEY

Stash cash every day with our helpful tips!

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1 BACK OFF THE BARISTA

Takeaway coffee costs around $5 a cup these days. Brew one at home and you're saving around $25-30 a week. That adds up to around $1500 a year.

2 TAKEAWAY AT THE END OF THE DAY

Yes, you read that right. Readymade salads and meals often get marked down as cafes try to sell them - swoop in and save!

3 REPLACE YOUR BULBS WITH LEDS

LEDs use about 75 per cent less energy than halogen light bulbs and cost around $4 a year to run in the average Aussie home, saving around $253 a year if you replace all your bulbs.

4 PLAN YOUR MEALS

Write a list of what you'll need rather than wandering the aisles and only buy what's on the list - you'll be amazed at the savings when you're not browsing.

5 DON'T SHOP HUNGRY

Make sure you've eaten before you head to the supermarket so you won't be tempted to buy snack foods you don't need!

6 PAY BILLS ON TIME

Some energy suppliers even offer discounts if you pay your bill before the due date. Use them.

7 ASK FOR A DISCOUNT

Phone your mobile company, mortgage broker or utility supplier and ask them if they can offer you a better deal. Try the Government's Energy Made Easy website. Or Victorian Energy Compare, if you're in Victoria.

8 TAKE YOUR CREDIT CARD OFF YOUR ONLINE ACCOUNTS

It's harder to shop and spend big online when you have to enter your details every time!

9 USE CASH

Seems obvious but if you spend what you have rather than what you could owe on a credit card, you'll naturally reduce debt.

10 GO MEAT-FREE FOR A DAY