From groceries and bills to clothes and everyday essentials, small, realistic changes can help your money go further – without cutting joy or living on noodles.
Everyone’s feeling the cost-of-living pinch right now.
Groceries, rent, power bills and phone plans are more expensive than ever – not just in South Australia, but globally. And for many people, pay hasn’t kept pace with the rising cost of everyday essentials.
The good news? Steffany Woolford from the South Australian Financial Counsellors Association, says small, practical shifts can make your “needs” budget go further – without cutting the things that matter.
(And if you don’t have a budget yet, head here first – it’s the crucial first step in taking control of your money.)
How to cut your grocery bills
Food is one of the biggest weekly expenses – and it seems like it’s getting more expensive all the time.
Steffany says this isn’t about sucking the joy out of eating or surviving on two-minute noodles. It’s about a few realistic habits that make life easier (and cheaper).
“Creating a meal plan, even for a few nights ahead helps” she says “You’re less likely to waste food and you’ve got a backup plan if you’re tired.”
“Just thinking ahead a few nights helps.”
Easy, manageable tips that actually work
- Meal planning without the faff: Pick three or four dinners you actually want to eat (and aren’t stressful to cook). You don’t need a full seven-day schedule – just enough to take the pressure off midweek. Fewer last-minute decisions usually means fewer expensive takeaways.
- Shop once a week – and go in prepared: Checking the specials and making a list sounds basic, but it works. Those small top-up shops add up fast – and often end with extra snacks or “just in case” items you didn’t plan to buy.
- Consider ordering groceries online: it allows you to easily see current specials and plan meals around them, while also helping you avoid the temptation to buy unnecessary items. It also can save you time, which is more time for you to do other things you enjoy.
- Food prep, but keep it easy: If you’ve got the energy, cook an extra serve or two when you’re already making something you like. Freeze leftovers for easy dinners or work lunches later in the week – no bulk-prep marathon required.
- Take your lunch to work: It doesn’t need to be fancy. Leftovers or simple sandwich basics can save serious money over a week – and avoid another $18 sando that didn’t even hit the spot.
- Use what you’ve already bought: Saveful is a free app supported by Green Industries SA that helps you cook with what’s already in your fridge. Plug in what you’ve got – even if it’s random – and it’ll suggest meal ideas, leftover fixes and seasonal swaps, so you’re not buying more when there’s still dinner hiding behind the milk.
- Use the free help on hand: If you want more guidance around meal planning and affordable recipes, the LiveLighter site – supported by the SA Government – offers free, practical advice designed to work with everyday routines, not overhaul them.
Skip full price – not style
Clothes and household basics are other big non-negotiables – but new doesn’t always mean better.
Need something for a job interview or special event? More South Australians are opting to thrift or rent instead.
Alongside South Australia’s many op shops, rent-a-rack stores offer quality pieces at second-hand prices, and dress rental services are ideal for weddings or formals (you can find these online). It’s an easy way to show up in style without blowing your budget.
Online buy and sell groups – especially suburb-based or brand-specific ones – are also gold. From kids’ shoes and school supplies to spare linen (and yes, even bulk fruit), even furniture, you can often pick things up cheaply or for free.
Steffany says second-hand shopping is good for your wallet and the environment. “You’re still getting what you need – just without paying as much for it.”
And if you’ve got things you’re not using? Selling them on Facebook Marketplace, Depop or eBay can give your budget a quick boost.
Cut the cost of the bills you can’t avoid
Some bills just have to be paid – but that doesn’t mean you have to pay more than necessary.
Steffany suggests starting with a quick check of the big ones:
- Mortgages: Sometimes a quick call to your bank can reveal that you’re eligible for a better interest rate – and it’s worth checking in from time to time about whether it’s time to switch your home loan. All the details (plus a mortgage calculator) here.
- Insurances: Review your insurance policies at least once a year to make sure you’re on the best plan. Ask for a better deal, don’t be afraid to shop around and – most importantly – make sure you understand exactly what you’re covered for.
- Phone and internet: Compare what you’re paying with how much data you actually use. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, there’s probably a better deal out there.
- Energy: Comparing providers through Energy Made Easy, a free and independent government service, can take just a few minutes and help lower your next bill. There are also plenty of simple ways to cut usage at home here.
- Water: See our guide to cutting your water bill for small swaps that add up over time.
Looking after yourself and your family for less
There are also cheaper ways to access essential services – including grooming, health and pet care – if you know where to look.
- Haircuts: TAFE SA’s student-run salons offer cuts from $13.20, with barbering services from under $8.
- Vet care: PETSinTuition is a supervised vet clinic providing health checks, vaccinations and basic surgeries for much less than standard clinics.
- Physio: Adelaide University’s student clinic offers appointments from around $20, covering everything from sports injuries to chronic pain.
- Private Dentist for Children: Child Dental Benefits Schedule – This scheme allows eligible children to access services at most private dentists.
All services are supervised by qualified professionals. Appointments might take a bit longer, but the care is real – and the savings are significant. Check out our full guide here.
Borrow it, fix it, or skip the spend
Before you hit “add to cart,” it’s worth asking: can I borrow it, fix it, or do without it for now? Another good question to ask yourself is: is this a want or a need? And if it’s a want, what impact will it have on the things you actually need?
Repair cafés are popping up across SA, with volunteers helping fix everyday items – from clothes and toys to tools and tech – while showing you how to do it yourself next time. They’re donation-based, community-led, and surprisingly satisfying.
Steffany says it’s a mindset shift. “It’s not always about going without – it’s about keeping something you already love working a bit longer.”
And don’t forget your library card for a whole lot of freebies that might come in handy: Alongside the books, eBooks, films and audiobooks, libraries also offer free access to newspapers and magazines online, study and upskilling resources, and low-cost printing, scanning and internet access.
If you’re in debt and struggling to get your finances back on track, help is available. The South Australian Government offers free financial counselling that you can find through the Affordable SA website. Alternatively, contact the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 or visit ndh.org.au for free and confidential financial counselling, or the Mob Strong Debt Helpline for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (1800 808 488). See other cost-of-living options available to South Australians here.
