A while back, I left my job when the company I worked for went bankcrupt. Just like that, I was unemployed.
But I didn’t panic—because I had savings. That safety net gave me breathing room to think, plan, and get back on my feet without spiraling into debt.
Here’s how I save money as a frugal person in Australia—without depriving myself or living like a monk.
1. I Stick to a Budget (And Actually Review It)
A budget sounds boring, but it’s the foundation of everything. It gives me control.
I track every dollar using Notion. Each expense gets dropped into a category: rent, groceries, fuel, eating out, subscriptions, etc.
My Process:
- I track daily expenses (takes 2 minutes).
- I review once a week and spot leaks.
- I set realistic caps, especially for food and “fun” money.
Tip: You don’t need fancy tools. Notion, Google Sheets, or even a notebook works. Just be honest with yourself.
2. I Built an Emergency Fund—Slowly
When I started, I couldn’t save much. So I aimed for $500. Then $1,000. Eventually, I built up 3–6 months of living expenses.
That money sits in a high-interest savings account. I never touch it unless it’s urgent.
How I Built It:
- Automated $50–100 transfers every payday
- Used tax refunds and extra income
- Treated it like a bill I had to pay
Having this fund saved me when I left my job. No panic. No debt.
3. I Cut Small Leaks That Add Up Fast
I don’t obsess over every cent, but I do question everything:
- Subscriptions: I cancelled paid software tools, switched to free alternatives
- Food: I meal prep, avoid UberEats, and shop mostly at Aldi
- Mobile plan: Switched to a cheaper monthly prepaid SIM
- Impulse buying: I give it 48 hours before purchasing anything non-essential
These little decisions save me hundreds each month without affecting my quality of life.
4. I Plan for Big Purchases, Never Rush
Whether it’s replacing a phone, buying a couch, or planning a trip—I don’t rush.
My Rules:
- Compare prices across sites
- Wait for sales (EOFY, Boxing Day, Black Friday)
- Buy used if it makes sense (Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree)
- Never finance consumer items
Buying intentionally means I save money and avoid regret.
5. I’m Focused on Paying Off Debt
Right now, my only debt is my mortgage. I keep extra payments going monthly, even if small. In the past, when my parents had credit card debt, I helped them tackle the highest interest one first.
What Helped:
- Listing all debts in a spreadsheet
- Making extra payments automatically
- Saying no to new debt, even when it was tempting
If you’re paying 20%+ interest on a credit card, that’s the biggest “expense” you need to kill.
Final Thoughts
Being frugal doesn’t mean you live like a hermit. It means you spend with intention.
I still enjoy life. I go out. I buy things I value. But I say no to what doesn’t move the needle—and I sleep better knowing I have control over my money.
If you’re just starting, begin with one thing:
- Track your expenses
- Save $500
- Cut one recurring expense
Small wins compound. That’s how I built my safety net—and how I’m working toward financial freedom.
Alright good luck and talk you later.
– AJ