If you’re able to, try to put aside a small amount each fortnight into a savings account, even if it’s just a few dollars. Setting up automatic transfers can make it easier and less tempting to spend.

When it comes to shopping, keep an eye out for sales, use coupons, and compare prices online before buying. It might also be worth checking out second-hand stores or online marketplaces for things like clothes and toys for your kids.

I’m not a single mum but I can suggest subscribing to “the Thrifty issue” Theres some great ideas and they send emails with money saving tips all the time.

Menu planning. I swear it saves money. Aso, borrow things you’ll only use once r twice (eg tools) rather than buying them.

I think that a budget is really important and also shopping around for the best deal you can on energy, insurnace etc.

Are you based in Victoria? If so you can go to Victorian Energy Compare and follow the instructions to claim $50 just for comparing electricity companies. Don’t even need to switch. You need to have an energy bill handy and it’s under your name to claim. Runs until 30/06/2019. Bulk cooking and freezing. Buying clearance items and half price specials. Shopping at Aldi first for essentials and specials then buy other items. Use rewards cards like flybuys and Woolworths discount and discounted fuel. Fuel up when the cycle is low. Check out cashrewards website as you can get cashback for shopping. Pay off credit card in full always. Check you can get government assistance if you qualify. Put money in a high interest account unless you have a mortgage in which case put extra into mortgage. Read ‘Barefoot Investors’ got lots of excellent tips for anyone who wants to have a healthier financial future.

Do a meal plan and stick to it. That way you are buying only what you need. Create a spending account and buy things on special not full price

This may not be so applicable to many people nowadays, many just use cards and don’t carry cash. But I come home and empty out the coins in my purse and put them in a jar or money box. If you manage to not touch it (you may need a money box you can’t open) it doesn’t take long to get a few $$$s saved. A jar full of $2 coins is a couple of hundred dollars

I, too, am trying to save money wherever possible. I really like watching Lydia Senn on you tube. She has so many great ideas on her channel about saving money. All the best with your endeavours.

I agree with shopping around for your utilities. Check what deals other people are getting so you know what you can push for when you call.

I agree with an above comment. I rang my electricity company and asked for a discount, and I got a 26 percent discount! lots of money will be saved there.
kind of related, but changing banks can save you money. Some offer more interest than the main banks.
Another tip is don’t spend any of it on thing you don’t need! Desserts, decor, clothes etc. Even furniture.
Selling things that you don’t need or use on gumtree/facebook is even a thing to do these days!

It’s also important to revise all your policies regularly. Phone to your company and see if they have some promotions or they can revise your situation. I was able to get a better price with both my health insurance and the gas company. More money in your pocket.

Also find out on which days and times food is marked down at your local supermarket and at the markets. Food and in particular dairy, fruit and veg and meat can be bought at heavily discounted prices.

Plan your meals for at least 2-3 days, even better one week. Make a shopping list and go shopping using that. Before going out check fridge, pantry and freezer to be sure you don’t buy stuff double.
Check the supermarkets’ catalogues on Wednesday. There are often very good special, sometimes even 50%. If they are items you use regularly, you could stock on them.
A lot of supermarkets products with their own labels, are just fine. Think pulses, tinned tomatoes, milk, yogurt…
Make a budget, so you know exactly where you money goes. That way it’s easy to spot where you use more money and where is the problem you need to address.

Making a budget and sticking to it is essential and using menu planners and shopping planners is also essential and we save a lot of money by using them. Also depositing any leftover budget money into a savings account is a good way to save money. It becomes a challenge to find specials and to have leftover money to deposit into the account.

Depends on your circumstances but go through why you are spending money on its the best way to get an idea of where you are can save. Check local services too they often have discounts. If you can shop late when everything is marked down you can get some great savings.