‘Forgettable comforts’: What people should get rid of to combat cost of living pressures

Cost of living pressures are continuing to mount for many Australian families, but experts have revealed how you can start saving money immediately and reduce your debt. HPH Solutions financial planner Matt Hern told NCA NewsWire the first thing to cut out was “forgettable comforts”. “You won’t miss them. Forgettable comforts include the sweet treat with your morning coffee, takeaway meals, or at least cut the home-delivery of takeaway,” he said. “Rather than having multiple streaming services at once, subscribe and binge one service every three months.” Finance Quarter director and broker Sean Lee told NCA NewsWire how people spent money on food was a major factor. “Some quick wins people can look at to save a bit of money is reviewing how often they go out to restaurants and using food delivery services, such as Uber Eats,” he said. “Meal planning, sticking to a shopping list, bulk cooking and eating in could easily save a couple at least $200 per week. “Consider replacing more expensive fitness memberships with cheaper alternatives or free outdoor exercises, limit the use of air conditioners and heaters, and turn off any devices that don’t get used often as energy costs are expected to rise.” Craig McDonald, from CBM Mortgages, has seen Australians start to worry about increasing rate rises over the past two months. He told NewsCorp the first thing people are ditching to combat cost of living pressures is eating out. The broker, based in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, said: “Clients are conscious of how the banks are scrutinising their day to day spending, so the avo on toast and $5 coffees at weekends are the first things to go.” Financial planner and Edith Cowan University lecturer Damon Brown told NCA NewsWire that entertainment and travel were the main expenses people should dump if they were struggling financially. “Particularly travel that involves driving based on the fuel costs. The five-hour drive to a camping location and things like that — just because the cost of fuel has just skyrocketed,” he said. “What used to be a cheap holiday ... has become considerably more expensive.” Mr Brown also agreed food delivery services should be scrapped for anyone trying to save money. “That’s a discretionary item that can be cut back on. We’ve just got to be better at budgeting food rather than relying on discretionary buys,” he said. “I don’t think it’s a staple item that you need to have. I ordered out just two nights ago and it cost me $80 ... it’s just mental, it just adds up.” Mr Hern warned having all of your money in a single account made it too easy to overspend. “Limit your likelihood of overspending impulsively by automatically setting aside money in a separate account every pay to cover your commitments, such as bills and essentials,” he said. “Also set up automatic savings for your goals and extra debt repayments. Amounts left over may be spent on impulses and indulgences. “Remove temptation to spend impulsively by unsubscribing from marketing newsletters, and avoid browsing the shops without a list and a set budget.” Mr Lee agreed having a separate account was a good idea and said it was important for people to set up a budget. “Record your weekly income, add up your expenses and calculate how much you have left over, if any, to see if this is enough to meet your annual saving goals. If not, adjust your budget and review your expenses,” he said. “Transfer your budgeted weekly savings to another account to avoid spending this. “Pay your credit card in full every month to avoid interest charges or don’t use credit cards at all to prevent yourself from getting caught in a debt trap.” Mr Hern said cutting spending could be confronting, so people should start with quick and easy steps. “Look at the direct debits from your account and cut subscriptions you no longer use,” he said. “Next, swap to lower cost versions of your current spending habits. “For example, take your lunch to work rather than buying it, and rather than dining out socialise with friends at home with homemade snacks. “Use public transport or carpool if possible, and refuel your car at the lowest point in the fuel cycle.” Mr Lee said he recommend anyone with a loan should speak to a finance broker. “This is usually your biggest expense so it makes sense to review your loan structure and interest rate,” he said. “More often than not people are paying at least 0.50 per cent per annum more than they should be and on a $600,000 home loan — and this equates to $250 per month in interest savings just by reviewing your home loans. “The major banks are forecasting the Reserve Bank of Australia to increase interest rates by at least one per cent by year end. “For the average home loan balance, this equates to a minimum $500 per month increase in your mortgage repayments – be prepared and budget for this.” Mr Lee noted banks were competing hard for business and it paid to shop around. “Some banks are paying a rebate of up to $6000 for you to refinance your loan to them, subject to certain terms and conditions, which could be an added bonus to the interest savings,” he said. Mr Brown agreed mortgage holders should review their mortgages. “Is it still competitive in the market? Because often we find that if we’re stuck in products that are a few years old ... there are better products on the market,” he said. Mr Brown also recommended paying down credit card debt. “We’re gonna see credit card interest rates increase considerably more than what just the Reserve Bank increase in prices,” he said. Mr Brown said if people were feeling under pressure financially they should feel comfortable to talk about it. “Speak to family and friends about it. Don’t feel embarrassed about it because there’s a lot of people that are under financial pressure,” he said. “Historically ... for the boomers, it was all very confidential and they never spoke to friends and family if they were under financial pressure. “I think we’re in a new age now where financial pressures are really common and there’s no judgment.” Mr Brown said it could save you having to go out with friends and family when you could not afford it. “Or if your employer wants to offer you opportunities to work from home more so you don’t have to incur the costs of driving to work and things like that,” he said.