We’ve all felt the pinch at the petrol pump and the sting at the supermarket lately. Even Easter eggs seemed to be egg-stremely egg-spensive this year. With interest rates back on the rise alongside escalating international unrest, it’s time to buckle down and get serious about your spending.
It can feel overwhelming to know where to start with such a big issue as spending, so why not get started with some simple strategies and dive into the amazing resource that is the Australian Mutual Bank article archives? You will find many years’ worth of fabulous money saving articles and all kinds of useful tips and tricks woven into the article below.
Release and renew
Before you begin budgeting, start with a little Autumnal declutter to make some money and create space. Gather up what you no longer use and try your hand at selling them. Anything else you have lying around which you don’t use or want donate or throw away. Reset your home and your attitude with a fresh start with some careful releasing this Autumn.
Simplify spending
How can you simplify your spending this year? Consider only buying what you actually need in 2026. Make considered rather than compulsive purchases and budget for them. Establish a solid savings strategy for the year with a simple budget to follow and allocate a percentage of your income toward either paying off debt or building up savings.
Take a moment to peer at your various bank statements. Looking at your expenditure with fresh eyes may result in more money at your disposal. As you go through your expenses take some time to review your accounts and check to see which small and large expenses could be reduced or even eliminated.
It’s time to review all subscriptions and assess which are essential.
Who would have thought snuggling at home under a doona could save you money? Find out how you can keep more money in your pocket over the cooler months of the year. Autumn and Winter might just be the best time of the year to save money.
Brave budgeting and set SMART savings goals
It's time to commit to your savings goals and take inspired action to make it happen. Use the SMART framework to help you achieve attainable and measurable goals within a set time frame.
If you need further support setting financial goals try a budgeting tool such as Australian Mutual Bank’s budget planner to help keep track and get more savvy with your savings.
Cultivate clothing care and a capsule wardrobe
Save money on clothes with a mindful approach to mending and taking better care of what you already have with these tips. Mending is a slow fashion practice which focuses less on consumption and more on care. Save money, reduce waste and extend the life of your garments by tending to your textiles.
Consider simplifying your wardrobe altogether and curating a classy and timeless capsule wardrobe to reduce the need for regular wardrobe updates.
When it does come time to refresh your wardrobe, consider a visit to the local op shop instead of fast fashion outlets to keep your spending down over the year.
Be more frugal with your fuel
This article was written back when petrol peaked at $2.06 per litre back in 2022. Well, pump prices have now peaked well beyond that, but the tips to saving still apply. Read here for some tips on how to be more frugal with your fuel.
Save at the supermarket
Shop seasonal produce, buy in bulk and support small business over the big supermarkets and you will likely save on your weekly shop.
Economise your electricity
Power prices are not going down any time soon and the cooler months can see us turning up the heat which can also increase the cost of our power bill. Keep your bills at bay with these tips on how to save on rising energy costs.
Stop stockpiling stuff
Stop buying more stuff for the kids and rotate their toys instead. Your home will be less chaotic plus you will save money and trips to the mall. Most importantly you will help to teach your kids to value what they already have.
Consider gifting experiences instead of physical items for birthdays and Christmas for loved ones and build lasting memories instead of piles of stuff.
Holidays ’On the House’
Skip the international holiday this year and try housesitting as a way to expand your horizons but keep your spending less adventurous.
Nothing New is nothing spent
October is Buy Nothing New Month, which is a while away, but what if you applied the same principles throughout the year and really worked on limiting your purchasing for the remainder of 2026? It might not come naturally, but it’s certainly possible if you are committed to reducing your spending.
Curb your credit card costs
Let this year be the one that sees you tackle credit card debt for good. Commit to paying off your bills monthly and work to reduce the balance as you implement all the savings tips above.
Give generously
Many families are struggling during these challenging times. If you are able to volunteer your time or donate to charities (even if things are tight at home) not only will you be helping those in need, you will improve your own sense of wellbeing and broaden your perspective on prosperity. Even better if you can introduce concepts of charity to your children and lead by example. It costs nothing to be kind, but the ripple effect is mighty.
Wealth wisdom
Wealth truly is a matter of perspective. Perhaps you are actually better at money than you think….this checklist will help you determine where you are at financially.
Your relationship with money determines your own money story, so perhaps it’s time you wrote a love letter to money and clear the air. A negative attitude toward money could actually be limiting its flow into your life. The good news is it’s not too late to rewrite your money story and shift your mindset to attract more abundance.
The most content people in the world are able to appreciate what they have in their lives already. They can cherish and celebrate their wins no matter how small and can acknowledge the abundance they have access to everyday. They often live simple lives with less stuff and more room for experiencing the joys of everyday life.
True wealth encompasses all that you value. It honours your resources and supports your wellbeing. Being wealthy is something you embody. It’s not actually a bank balance, it’s how you show up in the world. When we expand our perception of wealth into more than just ‘finance’ or ‘money’ but rather a sense of wellbeing and abundance we can more easily tap into this flow and live a fulfilled and enriching life, no matter what is going on in the world around us.
Alison Gallagher is a freelance writer, resourcefulness expert and entrepreneur. She has been featured in various publications including Stellar Magazine, Australian Health and Fitness Magazine, and Cleo Magazine. Alison is particularly passionate about sharing practical tips on how to live simply, sustainably and seasonally.
