Get more value from your money

Last updated: 29 October 2026

Every spending decision is an opportunity to make your money go further. Here are six ways to get better value. 

Compare before you buy 

The cheapest option isn’t always the best value. Before you buy, think about what matters to you and make sure you’re comparing like with like.  

Look at the measures that help you make a fair comparison, such as unit prices for groceries, fees and interest rates for financial products, or inclusions and exclusions for insurance. For electricity and gas, compare plans based on your household’s energy use, not just the advertised rate. 

For bigger purchases or services, decide which features matter before you compare. If you use a comparison website, remember it may not show every product or provider. Learn how to use comparison websites. 

Check product reviews to see what other people say about the product or business. Look at reviews from more than one source, and keep in mind that online reviews can sometimes be manipulated. 

Try this: To compare a product, decide on your three must-haves, then compare a few options against them. 

Look at the total cost 

The upfront price may be only part of what something will cost. Check for fees, interest and ongoing costs that can add up over time. 

For example, if you’re borrowing money, look beyond the repayment amount. With a personal loan or home loan, check the interest rate, fees and loan term. For subscriptions, work out what you’ll pay over the time you expect to use the service. 

For bigger financial decisions, use Moneysmart calculators to help you work out what something could cost over time. 

Try this: Before committing to a bigger purchase, ask: What will this cost me upfront, what will I keep paying, and what will I pay in total? 

Review your regular bills 

Regular bills can creep up while your needs change. Reviewing them can help you spot services you no longer use, plans that no longer suit you and opportunities to pay less. 

Review bills such as electricity and gas, phone, internet and insurance. Check what you’re paying, what’s included and how much you actually use. You may be able to move to a cheaper plan, remove extras you don’t need, cancel an unused service or find better value with another provider. 

Check when contracts or discounts end and set a reminder before they renew. 

Try this: Choose one regular bill and check three things: what you pay, what you use and whether there’s a better option. 

Ask for a better deal 

You don’t always have to switch providers to get better value. If you find a better price or deal elsewhere, ask your current provider what they can offer, whether it’s your home loan, insurance, phone or another regular expense. 

Show them the deal and ask if they can match it. You can also ask about a cheaper plan, better rate or discount. If they can’t improve their offer, consider whether switching is worth it. 

Try this: Have a competitor’s offer handy and ask: Can you match or beat this deal? 

Don’t let sales pressure rush you 

A sale isn’t always good value. Discounts, limited-time offers and “selling fast” messages can make you feel like you need to decide quickly. 

Before you buy, pause and check whether you need it, can afford it and have compared your options. Take extra care if you’ll be using a credit card or buy now pay later. Fees or interest can add to the cost, and repayments can affect what you have available for other expenses. 

For an unplanned purchase, waiting 24 hours can give you time to decide whether it’s really worth it. 

Learn how to avoid sales pressure. 

Try this: Feeling rushed? Step away and give yourself time to decide, especially if you’ll need to borrow to pay for it. 

Check before you pay 

A great price isn’t good value if the offer isn’t legitimate. Be on high alert with unfamiliar sellers, unexpected offers or unusual payment requests. 

Before you pay, stop and check who you’re dealing with. Find their contact details independently rather than relying on information you’ve been sent. And be suspicious if you’re asked to pay using gift cards or cryptocurrency. 

Learn how to protect yourself from scams. 

Try this: Paying someone new? Stop and check the person, business and payment details before you send any money. 

Value doesn’t stop with the purchase 

If something you buy is faulty, doesn’t work as it should or isn’t what you were promised, you may have rights to a repair, replacement or refund. Check your rights before spending more money to fix or replace it. 

Check your consumer rights with the ACCC and find out how to make a complaint.