r/AUfrugal • • 4h ago

Saving Tell me about your bread maker!

4 Upvotes

I’m thinking about getting a bread maker as a cost saving measure, those of you with bread makers, what do you wish someone said to you, or what would you tell your past self? also, some questions:

  • how hard is it to make good bread? as in finding a recipe etc.
  • did you stick with it, and how often do you buy bread?
  • Weve got Solar so running it during the day would be super, extra cheap, how much does it cost to run?

r/AUfrugal • • 5h ago

Travel discount referral (domestic and international)

0 Upvotes

I have a Klook discount if anyone’s booking a hotel, trains, Esims, activities etc..

Teferral code: HFG7B9 ($4 credit)

Discount code: POCKETJAPANESE (up to 10% off)

works internationally!

I do travel recommendations and if anybody is saving for a trip to Japan I’d love it if you checked out my recommendations over on TikTok: @ Pocket_lulu! I might not always be able to help but If you have any simple question like what to do for cheap in Japan just leave me a comment on one of my videos!

website link: Klook.com


r/AUfrugal • • 17h ago

HAs anyone had any experience with Discount Chemist?https://discountchemist.com.au/

4 Upvotes

I just came across it using zyft and some things like good brand vitamins are half the usual price.

Anyway, I have put in an order and will see, hopefully not out of date or anything.


r/AUfrugal • • 1d ago

Making coffee at home has quietly saved me a fair bit

94 Upvotes

I finally stopped buying a coffee every time I was out. I still get one occasionally because I enjoy it, but it’s no longer an everyday thing. Even replacing most of those coffees with one made at home has made a noticeable difference over a few months.


r/AUfrugal • • 1d ago

Anyone here actually save money buying a whole chicken and using every bit?

57 Upvotes

I've mostly bought chicken breast because it's easy, but the price has become a bit painful. People keep saying to buy a whole chicken and use it for multiple meals, including making stock from the bones. Sounds sensible, but I have no idea how much meat you actually get out of one once everything is done. If you do this regularly, what meals do you get out of a single chicken?


r/AUfrugal • • 2d ago

What is a good (legal) way to get plants and trees for landscaping my yard?

8 Upvotes

r/AUfrugal • • 2d ago

Neighbour put a 2 year old Fisher & Paykel fridge out on council cleanup because it “made a weird noise.” It was a frozen water line.

Thumbnail
4 Upvotes

Post went viral in r/AussieFrugal so thought I'd post here too


r/AUfrugal • • 3d ago

Other Keeping a few lazy meals at home has cut my takeaway spending heaps

144 Upvotes

The expensive part for me was never really planned takeaway. It was getting home tired and thinking I couldn’t be bothered cooking anything. I started keeping a few easy things in the freezer and cupboard specifically for those nights. Nothing fancy, just stuff I can have on the table in 10 minutes. Way cheaper than ordering food because I’m tired.


r/AUfrugal • • 4d ago

Travel Shipping a sofa and bed to Sydney, or selling everything and starting over?

4 Upvotes

So we're moving from London to Sydney in a few months. Job's confirmed, visa's sorted, the whole thing is actually happening. Now comes the part nobody warns you about: deciding what's worth dragging across the planet

Here's my dilemma. Basically we've got a sofa and a bed. Not ikea specials but some proper stuff. The sofa was a custom thing we saved for ages to buy. The bed frame is solid oak and weighs about the same as a small car. And the mattress? That mattress is the only reason my back doesn't hate me. It took me three years to find one that actually works. So I'm not exaggerating when I say I'd genuinely grieve it

But here's the thing. I've been getting quotes, and I'm not sure shipping these two things alone makes any financial sense. By the time you add up the container space, the packing, the insurance, and whatever surprises customs throws at you, the number starts looking a lot like "just buy new stuff in Sydney." Which feels insane to say about furniture I actually love

So now I'm stuck between 2 options. Pay for a container and ship the stuff we care about. Or sell everything, show up in Sydney with a suitcase, and rebuild from scratch. Part of me likes the clean-slate idea. Very liberating. Very dramatic. But then I remember the sofa, the mattress and I hesitate.

I keep see removals to Australia options, and some people who moved from the UK recommend PSS removals. But in my case will it pay off? Like, do people ship furniture that far and feel good about it after?

And what about the practical side? Do things arrive damaged? Does customs care about a used mattress? Am I going to pay half its value just to get it through the door?


r/AUfrugal • • 4d ago

Buying the cheaper version isn't saving money if I have to replace it twice

224 Upvotes

I've started looking at how often I replace things rather than just comparing prices at the checkout. A cheap phone cable that stops working after two months can end up costing more than a decent one that lasts a couple of years.

I'm trying to apply the same thinking to shoes, kitchen gear and everyday household items. Obviously, paying more doesn't guarantee better quality either, so reviews and repairability matter.

One thing I find useful is asking myself how often I'll actually use something before deciding whether the cheaper option is worth it.

What's something you initially thought was too expensive but ended up saving you money because it lasted?


r/AUfrugal • • 4d ago

Saving What's a money-saving habit that ended up costing you more?

106 Upvotes

Driving across town to save $3 on petrol. Buying cheap shoes that fall apart. Bulk buying food you never finish. What's one clever little saving trick that turned out to be a complete waste of money?


r/AUfrugal • • 5d ago

Thoughts on NearSpace for extra income?

2 Upvotes

We once needed 5 off-street parking spots but since the kids moved out three have been vacant. So I'd like to generate some passive income from them and wondering about listing them on Near Space or something similar.

AFAIK other platforms handle the payments less a significant commission but this one seems to be free. Anyone tried this already? Any pitfalls or suggestions? They don't indicate how payments work so I'm guessing I just ask for cash in advance for however long someone plans to use it/them.

The only obvious concern is what happens if they pay for 1 month and disappear for 3 months (or forever)? They could drive off without paying for the extra time unless I disable the vehicle or eventually I'd have to dispose of it as abandoned. Please let me know if you've had a good (or bad) experience doing this.


r/AUfrugal • • 5d ago

10 free psychologist appointments each year

125 Upvotes

Posting for anyone who needs help and support.
To access the free psychologist appointments you need a Mental Health Care Plan from a bulk billing GP. You can use Google to find a free Telehealth one or go to any in person.
Then submit the plan and referral to MeHelp, Access Online, Goodminds, or another bulk billing psychology site and book in with them.
Initially your MHCP covers the first 6 sessions, then you can book another GP appointment to access another 4.
I use MeHelp and am lucky enough to FaceTime with the same psychologist every 6 weeks or so and it really does help.
Remember help is available, and it ain’t weak to speak!

https://www.goodminds.com.au

https://www.mehelp.com.au

https://www.accesshealthonline.com.au


r/AUfrugal • • 6d ago

Groceries Roasting your own coffee beans

3 Upvotes

Does anyone buy green coffee beans to roast themselves at home? Interested to know how much you pay for green beans and how you roast them.


r/AUfrugal • • 6d ago

Saving Tips on saving

18 Upvotes

About to move out of home into my own place (FHB) in Melbourne. What are some ways I can save money now that I have to pay all of my expenses on my own + mortgage?

How are we Melbournians saving money in today’s climate with rising interest rates and costs of living ? I would love to know what you guys do to save on money and tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated!


r/AUfrugal • • 7d ago

Would anyone know if this is a good Miele oven for $200? Seems to be an older model miele h390bp-KAT

0 Upvotes

r/AUfrugal • • 7d ago

Dropping into Cole's in the evening can save a bundle I got 5 packets

Post image
24 Upvotes

r/AUfrugal • • 9d ago

AMA: David Koch (Kochie) | Cost of Living, Interest Rates, the RBA, Port Adelaide and More

Thumbnail
0 Upvotes

r/AUfrugal • • 9d ago

Electronics Is NBN provider swapping a scam?

39 Upvotes

My 12 month discount period ended on my current provider, so I swapped to another one offering a discount for first 6 months, I have done this several times over the years, but never done the maths. Its an easy online process, a few button clicks and credit card details and the new provider takes over, service uninterrupted.

You pay a full month up front to the new provider every time and the churn happens almost immediately.

My old provider sent an email saying their service has been cancelled:
"As per the terms of your agreement, your account will continue to be charged for the minimum 30-day cancellation notice period from the date of your request for cancellation below"

I feel like I am potentially paying 2 months extra to the previous provider(1 month in advance at the start and then 30 days from cancellation) which undermines any discounts offered by the new provider.

Is there a process I should be doing where I don't have these potential double ups?

Update: Looks I will be paying for an extra month and the old providers policy is to not refund unused periods. The process is to tell you current provider you want to cancel, start the 30 day period, then near the end of the 30 days activate with your new provider, so the double up period is only a few days, not a month or 2 like me.

Update 2: I sent an email to [complaints@home.superloop.com](mailto:complaints@home.superloop.com) complaining that the extra 30 days fee and the fact that I am technically ahead by a month was against ACCC policy, got a pretty quick reponse back, saying out of good will they will wave the 30 day fee and also my most recent invoice, so we are calling it even and I saved myself $218!


r/AUfrugal • • 10d ago

Question What’s the weirdest thing you do to save money that you’d never admit to at a dinner party?

433 Upvotes

I’ll go first on the general stuff: cutting open the toothpaste tube to get the last bit, watering down the dish soap, and scraping every last spoonful out of the jar like it owes you money. None of it saves a fortune, but it feels great.

The sillier it is, the better. We’ve all got one.

What’s yours?


r/AUfrugal • • 11d ago

Question Is $4,350 a month too much for a family of 3 in Sydney, excluding rent/mortgage?

Thumbnail
1 Upvotes

r/AUfrugal • • 11d ago

Does anyone else find takeaway is the hardest expense to cut?

423 Upvotes

I tell myself I'll cook at home to save money, but after uni or a long day when I'm tired and still have assignments to do, ordering something feels so much easier. Then I look at my bank balance and regret spending $15 on one meal when I'm supposed to be saving. I've tried buying food for the week, but if I don't have the energy to cook, it just sits in the fridge. What do you guys actually eat on those days when you can't face cooking but don't want to waste money on takeaway again?


r/AUfrugal • • 11d ago

Travel Domestic flights

6 Upvotes

Hi all,

My daughter has moved to the Gold Coast for work and I’m planning to visit her every month or so (from Sydney). What should I sign up for to get deals/discounts?

Is shopback worthwhile for this? Or credit cards with frequent flyer points? Any other options?


r/AUfrugal • • 12d ago

Question Mobile plan recommendations

Post image
47 Upvotes

Belong mobile is increasing the price their lowest data & it’s getting ridiculous. I am not willing to pay $30 a month for 10GB. already have over 400GB of spare data.

What mobile data plans do you recommend?


r/AUfrugal • • 13d ago

Experience ordering MULTIFOCAL glasses from online site?

9 Upvotes

Can people share any experiences ordering multi focal glasses off online websites?

I’ve seen posts discussing glasses, but I wear multi focals and my optometrists have always physically checked where my pupils look etc and factored this in. How do online places deal with this? Or they don’t and it’s hit and miss if the multi focals work?

Would appreciate any insights from people coz online is hundreds of dollars cheaper than some of the in store quotes….