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Although water bills are not usually very high so are probably not on the top of your list to cutting down, it can be worthwhile taking some careful actions to keep your bill and usage down. 

Here are some simple ways to save money on your water bill:  

• Dishes: Don’t wash dishes with running water. Fill up a bowl or one side of the sink with water and dishwashing liquid and use when washing the dishes. If you have a dishwasher, load it up and only turn it on when it is completely full. 
• Laundry: Like dishes, wait until you have full loads of washing to do. This does not only save you money, it saves you time by doing the washing less times a week. You may also want to look into a front-loader washing machine. These are generally more water efficient than top-loaders. 
• Showers: It is recommended to have shorter showers to save money, and we agree. However during winter, we know how hard this is! Look into a low-flow shower head instead. This can reduce the amount of water you use while showering by as much as 50%! 
• Pools: If you have a pool, get a cover for it during the cooler months that you are not using it. This saves you from refilling the water levels as well as keep the water clean. You may even want to talk to a pool professional to discuss sort of filters and pumps that you can use to save you water as well. 
• Taps and Mixers: If you haven’t changed your taps and mixers for a long time, it’s probably time to. There are many new taps and mixers on the market that are great at saving water.

You will be surprised how these simple, yet efficient ways can save you money on your water bill! 

For information about other options for managing bills and debts, ring 1800 007 007 from anywhere in Australia to talk to a free and Independent financial counsellor. Talk to your electricity, gas, phone or water provider to see if you can work out a payment planIf you are on government benefits, ask if you can receive an advance from Centrelink: www.humanservices.gov.au/advancepayments.

The Government’s MoneySmart website shows you how small amount loans work and suggests other options that may help you.

* This statement is an Australian Government’s requirement under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009.

Many people experience credit card debt, so if you are one of them – don’t worry. You are not alone. It can be daunting to see your credit card amount not lowering but there are plenty of ways to which you can get yourself out of debt and into financial freedom. 

Avoid making new purchases:

Try this exercise. Try locking your credit card away for a month. Pay everything with cash and you will be surprised how much you can do without. This will also avoid you making any new purchases.

Calculate the total amount of money you owe: 

Write down how much money you owe in credit cards. It may be more than one credit card that you own, so calculate it all and write it down. Write down the interest you’re paying on each of the amounts and other charges as well. Seeing this in front of you and in writing will help you face the truth.

Set up automated payments:

Getting into the habit of paying a credit card debt might be a little tough. However if you set up a small weekly automated transfer to your credit card, you will be paying it off without realising

Create a budget:

Work out your essential expenses vs your non-essential expenses. By cutting down on the non-essential expenses such as dining out or cutting a habit, you can use that money to put towards your debt-free future. You can read our article 5 steps to create a successful budget  for an easy and simple way to get your budget into shape. 

Contact your credit card provider:

This isn’t an essential step but if you are feeling overwhelmed with your debt amount, contact your credit card provider to renegotiate your terms. Providers usually offer a temporary stop to repayments or a cheaper interest rate. 

If you have multiple credit cards, here are some more tips on beating the debt:

• Consolidate your debts onto one card
• Pay off the card with the highest interest rate first
• Pay off the card with the lowest balance first

For information about other options for managing bills and debts, ring 1800 007 007 from anywhere in Australia to talk to a free and Independent financial counsellor. Talk to your electricity, gas, phone or water provider to see if you can work out a payment planIf you are on government benefits, ask if you can receive an advance from Centrelink: www.humanservices.gov.au/advancepayments.

The Government’s MoneySmart website shows you how small amount loans work and suggests other options that may help you.

* This statement is an Australian Government’s requirement under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009.

Many people experience credit card debt, so if you are one of them – don’t worry. You are not alone. It can be daunting to see your credit card amount not lowering but there are plenty of ways to which you can get yourself out of debt and into financial freedom. 

Avoid making new purchases:

Try this exercise. Try locking your credit card away for a month. Pay everything with cash and you will be surprised how much you can do without. This will also avoid you making any new purchases.

Calculate the total amount of money you owe: 

Write down how much money you owe in credit cards. It may be more than one credit card that you own, so calculate it all and write it down. Write down the interest you’re paying on each of the amounts and other charges as well. Seeing this in front of you and in writing will help you face the truth.

Set up automated payments:

Getting into the habit of paying a credit card debt might be a little tough. However if you set up a small weekly automated transfer to your credit card, you will be paying it off without realising

Create a budget:

Work out your essential expenses vs your non-essential expenses. By cutting down on the non-essential expenses such as dining out or cutting a habit, you can use that money to put towards your debt-free future. You can read our article 5 steps to create a successful budget  for an easy and simple way to get your budget into shape. 

Contact your credit card provider:

This isn’t an essential step but if you are feeling overwhelmed with your debt amount, contact your credit card provider to renegotiate your terms. Providers usually offer a temporary stop to repayments or a cheaper interest rate. 

If you have multiple credit cards, here are some more tips on beating the debt:

• Consolidate your debts onto one card
• Pay off the card with the highest interest rate first
• Pay off the card with the lowest balance first

For information about other options for managing bills and debts, ring 1800 007 007 from anywhere in Australia to talk to a free and Independent financial counsellor. Talk to your electricity, gas, phone or water provider to see if you can work out a payment planIf you are on government benefits, ask if you can receive an advance from Centrelink: www.humanservices.gov.au/advancepayments.

The Government’s MoneySmart website shows you how small amount loans work and suggests other options that may help you.

* This statement is an Australian Government’s requirement under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009.

Having a social life on a budget isn’t as hard as you think. You can still see your friends, do some weekend activities and even have a night out. 

Here are some ways you can still be social without letting your budget get the best of you…

• Be the organiser

Saying no to plans can really be a let down especially when it has to do with being on a budget. If you are the organiser with your friends you can make plans that are cheaper alternatives or cost you nothing at all. 

• Look into no-cost activities

This can include things like going on a picnic, going to a no-cost museum, take a hike, go to the beach or have a look at your local council website to see what free concerts and events are on around you. 

• Open up your home

Set a trend with your friends to have a night in at each other’s places each week. You can watch movies, set up a platter or nibblies that you’ll already have at home and even cook dinner together. By starting this trend saves you money on eating out and each person will have a turn to host.

• Try a hobbie you’ll all enjoy

Join a gym together, look for places around your state that offers you scenery for a nice day hike, start up a beach volleyball team, or take up a sport. This will cost you a fee to start with but it will save you on spending money going out to places that will cost you a whole lot more. 

With a bit of creativity and a willingness to adventure out and try new things, you can definitely maintain a social life on a budget – and it will be more fun too!

For information about other options for managing bills and debts, ring 1800 007 007 from anywhere in Australia to talk to a free and Independent financial counsellor. Talk to your electricity, gas, phone or water provider to see if you can work out a payment planIf you are on government benefits, ask if you can receive an advance from Centrelink: www.humanservices.gov.au/advancepayments.

The Government’s MoneySmart website shows you how small amount loans work and suggests other options that may help you.

* This statement is an Australian Government’s requirement under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009.