How to Save Money on Bills in Australia in 2025: Joel Gibson’s Expert Tips

By Molly Benjamin, Founder of Ladies Finance Club

Listen to the full podcast here.

With the rising cost of living in Australia, finding ways to reduce bills is a must. Whether it is utilities savings, grocery shopping tips, or negotiating bills, there are many savings strategies to help you manage your budget in 2025. In this episode of Get Rich, I sat down with Australia’s leading bill hacking expert Joel Gibson, author of Kill Bills and Easy Money, to share the best tips on cutting household expenses.

Stop Overpaying How to Cut Your Household Bills Instantly

Many Australians do not realise that bills are negotiable. A recent Ladies Finance Club survey found that most people either never negotiate or did not know they could negotiate bills. Joel explains that many companies offer under the table deals reserved for customers who ask or threaten to leave. Most businesses have a standard advertised rate, but they also have cheaper rates for those who negotiate. If you want to reduce your bills, you must ask for a better deal.

The Best Ways to Lower Utility Bills in Australia

For quick and easy savings, start with your utilities bills and telco providers. These are some of the easiest to switch and can offer instant energy savings. Government comparison websites like Energy Made Easy and Victorian Energy Compare can help you find the cheapest deals for energy. When it comes to mobile and internet plans, platforms like WhistleOut can compare different providers. Many people overpay for car insurance as well. Paying annually instead of monthly can help you avoid the 15 percent surcharge, and increasing your excess can further lower costs.

Grocery Shopping Hacks to Save Big in 2025

Groceries are one of the biggest household expenses, but making smarter choices can lead to significant savings. Aldi consistently beats Coles and Woolworths in pricing by 10 to 25 percent, making it a great option for budget conscious shoppers. Costco is another way to cut costs, particularly for bulk purchases of non perishable goods. Shopping around for specials and taking advantage of store loyalty programs can also make a difference. Apps like 7 Eleven and Everyday Rewards allow users to lock in the lowest petrol prices, helping cut down fuel costs over time.

Proven Strategies for Negotiating Lower Bills

Negotiating bills can seem intimidating, but Joel insists it is easier than most people think. The trick is leverage, having a better offer from a competitor gives you the upper hand. Before calling your provider, check a comparison site for a lower price. Then, call and ask them to match or beat it. If they refuse, be prepared to switch. A simple script like “I have been a loyal customer for [X] years, but I found a better deal with [Competitor]. Can you match or beat their price” can make a big difference in reducing your bills.

How to Find Affordable Health Insurance in Australia

Health insurance is a significant expense for many Australians, but there are ways to lower your premiums. Choosing the right policy tier Gold, Silver, Bronze, or Basic ensures you are not paying for unnecessary extras. Using comparison services like iSelect or Compare the Market can simplify the process of finding a more affordable plan. Additionally, reviewing your extras cover and removing anything you do not need, such as naturopathy or acupuncture, can lead to further savings.

Streaming Services Hacks Save Money on Subscriptions

Streaming services can quickly add up, with many households subscribed to multiple platforms at once. A simple way to cut costs is by opting for family or duo plans on music streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music. Another strategy is rotating subscriptions, only keeping one or two services active at a time instead of subscribing to everything at once. Many platforms also offer cancellation discounts, so before unsubscribing, check if they will offer you a discount to stay.

Government Rebates and Financial Assistance You Should Not Miss

Many Australians are unaware of government rebates and financial assistance programs that can help lower expenses. The federal government currently offers a $300 energy rebate applied in four instalments, which helps offset rising power costs. If you have a smart meter, ensure you are on the right tariff plan, some time of use tariffs can actually increase your bills if your energy use is concentrated during peak times. Each state also has different rebates available, and websites like NSW Savings Finder can help you check for discounts on utilities, transport, and other essential services.

Another overlooked area is unclaimed money. Many Australians have forgotten funds sitting in old bank accounts, rental bonds, or overpaid insurance premiums. The MoneySmart unclaimed money tool allows you to search for any funds you might be entitled to.

Small Changes Big Savings Take Control of Your Finances

If you have never negotiated your bills before, now is the time to start. Whether it is switching energy providers, haggling with your telco company, or optimising your grocery shopping, small tweaks can lead to massive savings over time. Start today, put that extra cash back in your pocket, and take control of your financial literacy in 2025.

Want more expert money saving advice Follow Joel Gibson and check out his books, Kill Bills and Easy Money. If you loved this episode, hit subscribe and let’s get rich together

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