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TopicAustralia's cost of living is soaring and many of us are feeling the pinch. Whether you're trying to cut down what you spend on food and appliances or even insurance, our budgeting tips and advice can help you be a savvy spender.
Food and shopping
Make the most of what you spend on groceries with these tips for keeping costs low and reducing household waste.
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Our 30 top money-saving tips
With the cost of living on the rise, find out how you can soften the blow to your hip pocket with our expert tips to save money. -
Smart grocery swaps to save you money
A few switches in your shopping basket can save you hundreds or even thousands on your annual grocery bill. -
Saving money with refillable products
We compare refillable products at Aldi, Coles and Woolworths to see what your options are and how much you can save. -
Food storage mistakes costing you money (and wasting food)
Follow these tips to get the most mileage out of your grocery budget. -
Which supermarket has the cheapest groceries?
We investigate prices at Coles, Woolworths, Aldi and IGA to see which chain offers the most savings. -
How to reduce food waste with your kitchen appliances
The gadgets you choose and how you use them can have a big impact on the environment – and save you money. -
Best reusable water bottles
We road-test 14 reusable stainless steel water bottles including Cheeki, Frank Green and Klean Kanteen. -
How unit pricing can help you save
Take a closer look at supermarket pricing labels to see where you can save. -
Cheapest BBQ groceries: Woolies, Coles or Aldi?
We compare the price of a basket of barbecue essentials. -
Easy swaps to save you money in the kitchen
Changing up the way you do things in the kitchen can save you time and money – and help the environment too. -
How a food processor can save you money
Chop, dice and slice your way to big savings. -
How to start a compost system at home
Divert food waste from landfill and help the environment by choosing the best compost system for your home. -
How to store food and drink in your fridge
Keep food fresher longer and cut down on your energy bills with these tips. -
14 ways to reduce food waste at home
Smarter ways to shop, store and cook your food. -
Best reusable food pouches for children
We trial reusable food pouches from brands including Cherub Baby, ChooMee and Sinchies. -
Are packaged groceries cheaper?
Compare the price before you check out. -
The best tasting premium ice cream isn't the most expensive
Ice cream or gelato? Low-cal, budget or luxury? We've got the scoop on which ice creams taste best. -
Are wine clubs worth it?
They may take the hassle out of choosing wine, but do wine clubs offer value for money? We pore over the pros and cons. -
Make your fresh food last longer
Two is better than one when it comes to the humble crisper. -
How to bargain – haggling tips to help you get the best deal
Top tips from marketing experts, and why bargaining is about more than just getting the lowest price. -
Is pre-cut fresh veg worth buying?
We weigh up the cost of convenience when buying fresh vegetables at the supermarket. -
Cheapest supermarkets for Christmas groceries
We compare the price of a basket of Christmas grocery essentials.
Around the home
Don't spend more than you need to – here's how to save water and energy so you can be kinder to both the environment and your wallet.
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6 money-saving tips for using your dryer
When line drying isn't an option, here's how to use your clothes dryer without breaking the bank. -
How to cut your laundry costs by more than $500 a year
These simple tricks will save you money on electricity, water, detergent and more. -
How to reduce your home heating costs
As we're holed up at home and heading into winter, here's how to avoid power bill shock. -
How to switch to the best electricity provider
Get a better deal and keep more money in your pocket. -
How much can you save by choosing a water-efficient washing machine?
Spending a little more upfront can actually save you water and money over time. -
Air conditioner energy saving tips
Save power and money with these expert tips for summer and winter. -
How ceiling fans can slash your winter heating costs
Running a fan and heater together can cut costs by more than half, our test reveals. -
Reduce your energy bills with smart appliance choices
Energy prices are increasing across the board, but smart appliance choices can help keep bill shock at bay. -
How to avoid power-hungry TVs and home entertainment appliances
Cut down on energy costs by choosing the right device. -
How to buy the best solar panels for your home
What you need to know before you install. -
Top five reasons you're paying too much for electricity
Save money and avoid these expensive energy traps. -
Four steps to get started with solar
Our expert guide answers all your solar questions. -
How to avoid power-hungry kitchen appliances
Choose the right appliance to help cut your energy costs. -
The cost of leaving appliances on standby
How much are you paying each year to leave your appliances in standby mode? -
5 ways to reduce household energy use
Reduce your carbon footprint, help save the environment and save money to boot. -
Six ways to keep the heat in
Simple changes you can make to keep the warmth in and the cold out.
Splurge vs save
Bigger doesn't always mean better – especially when it comes to price. Our lab testing reveals the budget buys that outshine their costly opponents.
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Splurge vs save: Dishwashers
We test models with vastly different price tags to see which one really performs best. -
Splurge vs save: Electric heaters
The budget heaters that ranked alongside more expensive ones in our tests. -
Splurge vs save: Air fryers
Our tests show some budget buys can outperform models more than twice their price. -
Splurge vs save: Coffee machines
Bigger price tags don't always equal better-tasting coffee, our tests reveal. -
Splurge vs save: Microwaves
Smeg vs Kmart. Miele vs Panasonic. Our experts reveal the surprising microwave winners. -
Splurge vs save: Stick blenders
We compare some pricier stick blenders with cheaper models to help you buy better. -
Splurge vs save: Washing machines
We compare expensive and affordable top loaders and front loaders to help you choose the best. -
Splurge vs save: Robot vacuums
Why pay more for a clean floor when a cheaper model can do the job just as well? -
Splurge vs save: Fridges
Our lab testing shows you don't have to spend more to get a better model. -
Splurge vs save: Barbecues
We compare some pricier grills with cheaper counterparts to help you buy a better barbie this season. -
Splurge vs save: Stick vacuums
Choosing wisely can save you hundreds of dollars, without compromising on performance. -
Splurge vs save: Toasters
Don't get burnt paying too much for a toaster when a budget one may perform just as well.
General advice
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Simple money habits to adopt right now
If you've long taken a 'set and forget' approach to your finances, it's time to get things in order and avoid paying too much for the services you use.
To help you on your way, our industry experts have revealed their best tips and tricks for getting the most out of your:
• health insurance
• superannuation
• car insurance
• home insurance, and more.
Health insurance
Looking after your health doesn't need to mean draining your savings. Use our expert advice to land yourself a better health insurance deal (or ditch it altogether!)
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Will private health insurance save you money?
Don't fall for misleading marketing – taking out cover isn't always a necessity. -
Tips to save on extras insurance
How to get the best value cover for extras like dental, optical and physio. -
How to avoid health insurance price hikes
Find out how you could secure your current health insurance price until 2024. -
5 steps to better, cheaper health insurance
With many premiums set to increase in April, here's how you can secure a cheaper price for your health cover and save money. -
'I saved $1800 by switching my private health insurance'
CHOICE writer Pru Engel didn't pay much attention to her health insurance payments... till she was about to get ripped off. -
Is health insurance for tax a rip-off?
Basic policies from Medibank, Bupa and HCF can help with tax, but are they value for money? -
How to avoid out-of-pocket healthcare costs
Tips on how to get cheaper health care and negotiating with your surgeon. -
Bad health insurance deals: Medibank, Bupa, HCF, HBF, NIB
We name poor-value health insurance policies from the big private health funds. -
Save up to $935 by switching health insurance
Save money, time and confusion with our expert advice and policy comparison tool. -
Should you buy health insurance before 30 June?
Is there really a 'deadline' to buy health insurance after you turn 31? Here's what you need to know. -
Health insurance savings: we find three people better policies for less
How CHOICE experts helped Anna save $1797 on health insurance cover. -
The cheapest Basic health insurance policies to save on tax
These AHM (Medibank), HCF, Westfund and Frank policies will save you money, but don't rely on them for health cover. -
Do you have one of these overpriced Bronze health cover policies?
Australia's most expensive Bronze health insurance policies. -
Dump these rip-off Silver Plus health insurance policies
Many Silver and Silver Plus hospital policies cost more than some Gold policies but provide less cover. -
Are you paying too much for Gold health insurance?
Dump these overpriced Gold policies and lock in better cover. -
Bad value extras health insurance
Is it worth paying for a top-shelf extras policy? -
Save money on medicine
Does the cost of medicine make you feel ill? Reduce your costs with these simple tips. -
The rise of dental tourism
Overseas dentists can offer cheaper rates, but what's the risk?
Be money wise
There's never been a better time to take charge of your finances and make money moves.
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How to save money on car insurance
Pay less for car insurance with our expert tips. -
How to find the best account and switch banks
If you're paying high fees, it's time to demand a better deal from your bank – or bid it farewell. -
Top high interest savings accounts
How do CBA, ANZ, Westpac and NAB compare? -
Government payments worth knowing about
You may qualify and not even know it – so it pays to check. -
The 10 costliest credit cards – and why you should avoid them
With interest rates higher than 20%, these credit cards can really cost you in the long run. -
Fee-free bank accounts
Paying a monthly fee on your everyday bank account? If so, it could be time to switch to a fee-free option. -
Low-interest credit cards
Why pay high rates with CBA, NAB, ANZ and Westpac? -
How to compare super funds
Five simple tips to keep in mind when shopping for a super fund. -
How to find the best financial planner
Before you pay an adviser, make sure they're putting your needs first. -
What's the best online payment method?
Poli, Bpay, Eftpos, credit cards or PayPal – find the payment method that works for you.
Worst-performing products
We scientifically test appliances of all sorts in our labs and rate how well they work so you'll never waste your money on a dud again.
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Stick vacuums to avoid
If you want clean floors and carpets, steer clear of these suckers. -
TVs to avoid
Don't make a costly mistake – our lab tests reveal the mediocre models you might want to think twice about buying. -
Air fryers to avoid
These not-so-hot air fryers will leave you underwhelmed. -
Dishwashers to avoid
We dish the dirt on the poorest performers in our latest lab test. -
Electric heaters to avoid
These models rated lowest in our independent lab test. -
Fridges to avoid
Beware these subpar shockers that rated lowest in our lab tests. -
Washing machines to avoid
We reveal the models that rated lowest in our lab test. -
Wireless speakers to avoid
These poor-performing Bluetooth and Wi-Fi speakers are anything but music to your ears. -
Breadmakers to avoid
Three machines that just aren’t worth your dough. -
Ceiling fans to avoid
Don't lose your cool this summer with these poor performers. -
Clothes dryers to avoid
It's back to the drying board for these low scorers in our lab test. -
Coffee machines to avoid
Don't make a bad coffee mistake – these models rated lowest in our product tests. -
Mattresses to avoid
Don't wake up on the wrong side of the bed – give these low-scoring mattresses a miss. -
Portable air conditioners to avoid
Keep your cool and steer clear of these loud and lousy units. -
Rangehoods to avoid
These ducted and recirculating rangehoods received the lowest scores in our lab tests. -
Soundbars to avoid
Check 1, 2? These models set the bar lowest in our lab tests. -
Barrel and upright vacuums to avoid
If you want suck for your buck, skip these models from Kmart, Vax, Bissell, Electrolux and Dyson. -
Electric kettles to avoid
Don't settle for an inferior kettle – here are the models that rated lowest in our lab tests. -
Microwaves to avoid
Don't get burnt by these poor-performing microwaves. -
Ovens to avoid
It's the hero of your kitchen, so make sure you buy an oven that's up to the task. (Hint: steer clear of these three models.) -
Toasters to avoid
These models from Kmart, Sunbeam and DeLonghi definitely won't give you the toast with the most. -
Barbecues to avoid
Set yourself up for a summer of brilliant barbecues by avoiding these duds. -
In-ear headphones to avoid
These earbuds performed so poorly they should be called ear-duds. -
Inkjet and laser printers to avoid
These printers were the lowest scorers in our lab tests. -
Noise-cancelling headphones to avoid
Looking for headphones that deliver both great sound and silence? Listen to our experts and give these a miss. -
Prams to avoid
These prams from Babybee and Milly & Coup failed our safety test and pose serious safety risks to your baby. -
Reverse-cycle air conditioners to avoid
The models that rate lowest for cooling and for heating in our small-size air con review. -
Robot vacuum cleaners to avoid
Need some help around the house? Don't count on these poorly performing robot vacs. -
Steam mops to avoid
Mops that could turn your steam clean dream into a messy nightmare.
Your rights
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Do you know what you're entitled to?
There are some powerful tools at your disposal to stop you from getting ripped off – if you know how to use them. Find out where you stand with our consumer rights guides and use our strategies and advice to make sure your complaint gets heard. We'll help you navigate:
• using your consumer guarantees
• repairs, refunds and replacements
• unsafe products, recalls, and more.
Industry ripoffs
Decades of investigative journalism has shown us that sometimes whole industries offer little to no value.
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How much is my mattress marked up by?
Manufacturers and retailers make buying a mattress the stuff of nightmares. -
Junk insurance in super: 'I got nothing' says Wayne
Stroke survivor Wayne won't work again, but his total and permanent disability (TPD) cover was worthless. -
The pros and cons of pet insurance
Is it worth buying pet insurance for your cat or dog? Here's what you should consider. -
Should you get a prepaid funeral?
Part 3 of our investigation: How well-meaning advance payments fuel a questionable funeral-plan industry worth billions. -
The truth about holiday resort timeshares
A new CHOICE investigation reveals widespread dissatisfaction with timeshare schemes. -
What we learned at mortgage broking school
The bar is set low for becoming a certified mortgage broker, and the emphasis of the course work is sales and marketing. -
How online ticket scalpers cash in on your confusion
In the world of online ticket scalping, supply and demand is king. -
7 ways to spot a scam website
The red flags to look for to avoid being scammed online.
Big-name stores
We round up the best and worst picks from some of the major retailers in Australia.
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Aldi: Best buys and what to avoid
Should you just buy everything at Aldi? Well, no. We look at ski gear, TVs, coffee machines, nappies and more. -
Kmart Anko: Best buys and what to avoid
We reveal the products that impressed in our tests – and the duds that disappointed. -
Ikea: Best buys and what to avoid
From mattresses and ovens, to one of the dodgiest fridges we've seen. -
Kogan: Appliances to avoid
Beware these Kogan buys that rated poorly in our lab tests. -
Is a Costco membership worth it?
We look at whether you'll get great deals or if it's all just a jumbo-sized novelty. -
Bunnings: Best buys
We look at popular Bunnings buys to help you with your next hardware purchase. -
Big W Contempo: Best buys
We reveal the products that impressed, and those you might want to think twice about before adding to your cart.
On holidays
A look at some of the ways you can keep costs down when planning a holiday.
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Tips for saving money on petrol
From the latest apps to simple driving tricks, what you can do to save money on petrol. -
Will duty-free shopping save you money?
We compare the costs. -
Where to find the cheapest flights
Is it cheaper to buy airfares through a comparison site or directly from the airlines? -
How to score the best deal when booking accommodation online
CHOICE staff share their secrets to using sites like Booking.com, Wotif, Airbnb and more. -
Car hire excess and hidden fees
Hidden fees such as excess insurance are one of the biggest troubles travellers have with car hire. -
Travel agent vs do it yourself: which is cheaper?
With so many websites offering discount holiday bookings, do you even need a travel agent? -
How to save money at the cinema
You shouldn't need a Hollywood budget to go to the movies. -
Frequent flyer points – are they worth it?
We weigh up whether chasing frequent flyer points is worth the time and money.
CHOICE membership
- Instant online access to 5000+ expert test results for products and services
- Free assistance from our consumer rights advisers
- Support a nonprofit that campaigns for your consumer rights