Opinion

Money contributor April 18, 2026 — 5:01am

We’re all feeling an immense expense squeeze. Suddenly, it seems the price of everything, not just petrol, is up. So, get forensic about your finances with an emergency expense audit – really a life audit – that saves more than an instant average of $800 a month.

You could be paying more than you need to across various aspects of your life. Istock

Ditch and switch your expensive suppliers

On everything from gas and electricity to your insurances, price checking your so-called fixed costs will reveal they are anything but.

Indeed, if you’ve been with your providers two years or more, you could likely slash hundreds off your monthly bills.

Comparison websites make the process easy too. The independent government outfits energymadeeasy and – in Victoria – compare.energy.vic.gov.au show you how to save on energy.

Many commercial comparators do the same but also on most insurances and other financial products.…