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Topic
Saving money

From shopping for food to tips on budgeting, we help you save your hard-earned cash

Splurge vs save

Splurge vs save: You can spend thousands on a barbecue, but should you?

We compare some pricier grills with cheaper counterparts to help you buy a better barbie this season.
Splurge vs save: Cheaper dishwashers that outshine expensive ones

We test models with vastly different price tags to see which one really performs best.
Splurge vs save: The cheaper air fryers that rival expensive ones

Our tests show some budget buys can outperform models more than twice their price.
Splurge vs save: the cheaper coffee machines that rival expensive ones

Bigger price tags don't always equal better-tasting coffee, our tests reveal.
Splurge vs save: The cheaper microwaves that outscore expensive models

Smeg vs Kmart. Miele vs Panasonic. Our experts reveal the surprising microwave winners.
Splurge vs save: Cheaper washing machines that rival more expensive models

We compare expensive and affordable top loaders and front loaders to help you choose the best.
Splurge vs save: the cheaper robot vacuums that rival expensive models

Why pay more for a clean floor when a cheaper model can do the job just as well?
Splurge vs save: The cheaper fridges that match expensive ones

Our lab testing shows you don't have to spend more to get a better model.
Splurge vs save: The cheaper stick vacuums that compete with expensive ones

Choosing wisely can save you hundreds of dollars, without compromising on performance.
Splurge vs save – the cheaper toasters that rival expensive models

Don't get burnt paying too much for a toaster when a budget one may perform just as well.

Food savings

Making the most of what you spend on food and drink.

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.
Simple swaps to save 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.
Cheapest Christmas groceries

We compare the price of a basket of Christmas grocery essentials.
Cheapest BBQ groceries: Woolies, Coles or Aldi

We compare the price of a basket of barbecue essentials.
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 start a compost system

Divert food waste from landfill and help the environment by choosing the best compost system for your home.
Food box delivery services

We review popular meal delivery services for ease of ordering, freshness, recipe accuracy and more.
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.
Top money-saving tips

Saving on groceries, and more
Make your fresh food last longer

Two is better than one when it comes to the humble crisper.
Is pre-cut fresh veg worth buying?

We weigh up the cost of convenience when buying fresh vegetables at the supermarket.

At the shops

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.
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.
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.

In the laundry

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 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.
Energy and water efficient washing machines

Smarter energy, water and cycle options for your washing machine.

Save on energy bills

Smart swaps to save over $4000 in 2022

Get ahead with these money-saving hacks, and end the year with more money in your pocket.
Air conditioner energy usage and running costs

Which is cheaper to run: a split-system air conditioner or a portable air conditioner? The answer might surprise you.
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.
Four steps to get started with solar

Our expert guide answers all your solar questions.
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.
Top five reasons you're paying too much

Save money and avoid these expensive energy traps.

How to save on holidays

A look at what you can do to save money when you're planning a holiday.

How to save money on fuel

From the latest apps to simple driving tricks, what you can do to save money on petrol.
Is duty-free shopping cheaper?

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?
Frequent flyer points – are they worth it?

We weigh up whether chasing frequent flyer points is worth the time and money.
Travel agent vs do it yourself

With so many websites offering discount holiday bookings, do you even need a travel agent?

Home and living

Health care savings

Looking after your health doesn't need to mean draining your bank account.

'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.
Dump these overpriced Silver Plus health insurance policies

Many Silver and Silver Plus hospital policies cost more than some Gold policies but provide less cover.
Take our quiz and find out

Find out if you need to be spending on health insurance
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?

Industry ripoffs

Sometimes whole industries offer little to no value.

7 ways to spot a scam website

The red flags to look for to avoid being scammed online.
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.
Thinking about 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.
How much is my mattress marked up by?

Manufacturers and retailers make buying a mattress the stuff of nightmares.
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.

Banking

What's the best online payment method?

Poli, Bpay, Eftpos, credit cards or PayPal – find the payment method that works for you.
High interest savings accounts

How do CBA, ANZ, Westpac and NAB compare?
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?