‘No breakfast on weekdays’: How many are dealing with cost of living

A small online call-out quickly spiralled into a slew of tips on how to best curb the cost of living crunch. SEE THE LIST

Hundreds of everyday Aussies struggling with cost of living have shared their “tips” for saving money as prices soar.
It was prompted by a post on Reddit asking for tips on how to make ends meet.

What started as a small call-out quickly spiralled into a slew of tips on how to best curb the rising prices across the country.

Hundreds of people took to social media to reveal their top “tips” for staying frugal amid the cost of living crisis. Picture: Getty Images

“My husband changes internet providers every six months or so and has recently saved us a bucket load after calling our home and health insurance,” one Reddit user commented.

“Salvos have (a) 50 per cent off clothing sale every Wednesday (depending on the tag colour), also Salvos Sinnamon Park has free bread every Wednesday, too,” another said.

“I allocate $250 a fortnight on groceries etc. (I) wear $10 shirts from Target and repurpose them when they get holes. Same with shoes, (I) wear them until they become unhealthily worn down,” another user suggested.

One Brisbane resident said they “deliberately lived a frugal lifestyle” and had cut out multiple items many would deem necessary, including coffee, alcohol, tampons, pads, shampoo and razors.

Brisbane residents have suggested avoiding Woolworths and Coles altogether and heading to Aldi and Fresh & Save for their weekly grocery shop. Picture: AFP / Getty Images by Alex Wong

While most advice focused on quick and easy methods to become more frugal, other responses revealed the harsh reality some are facing.

“One meal at night, only black coffee during daytime,” one user said.
“(My family and I) only eat out twice in a week. And one of them just lunch at Costco. No breakfast on weekdays for me and my wife,” another said. The Reddit post amassed 162 comments in just two days, with a plethora of advice for saving on bills and groceries, to hobbies and library memberships.

Best frugal living tips:

1. Bulk batch cooking and bulk shop

2. De-clutter and sell non-essential items

3. Buy clothes from op shops

4. Try affordable hobbies e.g. hiking

5. Buy herbs, spices, and typically expensive ingredients from independent stores

6. Head to discount stores and reject shops for basic items e.g. dish tablets, soaps

7. Have five work outfits in rotation

8. Avoid Woolworths and Coles and head to Aldi or Fresh & Save for weekly shopping

9. Buy coffee beans and make coffee from home

10. Opt for a library membership instead of buying books

11. Shop at fresh produce markets

12. Revisit old books and games to avoid purchasing new ones

13. Keep an eye out for discounts and sale tickets

14. Reduce alcohol consumption

15. Stocktake direct debts to find unnecessary recurring purchases

16. Reassess or contact providers for things such as internet, insurance, phone

17. Bulk batch cooking and bulk shop

18. Use ChatGPT or AI websites to research how best to use ingredients and reduce waste

19. Learn how to cook a meal rather than buy it takeaway