Important Update
As of January 1st, 2025 the Affordable SA app will no longer be available. If you're looking for assistance or to connect with programs and services near you, please refer to our website: affordablesa.com.au, to access the assistance you need.
Affordable SA will still be available as a FREE service via website, where you can find all the services you need, in the palm of your hand.
50 Ways to Save This Christmas
The holiday season is a time of joy and togetherness, but it can also come with financial stress. From expensive gifts to lavish dinners and decorations, the costs can quickly add up. However, with thoughtful planning, creativity, and a focus on meaningful moments rather than extravagant spending, you can enjoy a magical Christmas without breaking the bank. This guide will show you how to save on gifts, food, decorations, and more, while still making the season special. Whether you’re looking to cut costs on presents, host an affordable dinner, or find ways to decorate your home on a budget, these tips will help you make the most of the holidays without overspending.
Here's some tips to start:
Borrow or Swap Items
Need something special for your Christmas celebration? Borrow from friends or family instead of buying new. Whether it’s a serving dish or decorations, sharing saves money and resources.
Embrace Free Fun
Focus on free or low-cost traditions like watching Christmas movies, driving around to see holiday lights, or hosting a board game night. Sometimes the best moments are the simplest ones.
Remember, saving money this Christmas doesn’t mean sacrificing joy or festive spirit. By planning ahead, getting creative, and prioritising what truly matters, you can celebrate the season without financial stress. Whether it’s through thoughtful gifting, resourceful decorations, or embracing community events, these tips will help you enjoy a budget-friendly holiday that’s rich in meaning.
You can sort Christmas savings tips by category below.
Understanding Electricity Costs and Renewable Energy in 2025
The way Australians generate and use electricity is evolving rapidly, with a significant shift toward renewable energy sources. South Australia, once known for power shortages, became the first major jurisdiction to be powered entirely by solar energy—a remarkable milestone. As renewable energy technology becomes more widespread, you may wonder: 'will electricity become cheaper, and what steps can I take to reduce their bills today?'
The answer is promising: electricity costs are expected to decrease over time, but you can start saving now with smarter energy habits, better provider choices, and a deeper understanding of your rights as a consumer.
Your Rights as an Energy Consumer
As an energy customer in Australia, you’re protected by laws that govern your dealings with energy retailers and distributors. These rights ensure transparency, fair pricing, and access to essential energy services. Familiarising yourself with these regulations helps you make informed decisions when choosing providers and addressing billing concerns.
Choosing the Right Energy Provider
1. Use Energy Made Easy
The Energy Made Easy website is a free government service that allows households and small businesses to compare electricity and gas plans. Simply input your details to view a range of offers that suit your energy usage and location. You can also contact them directly at 1300 585 165 for assistance.
2. Key Factors to Consider
When evaluating energy plans, don’t focus solely on price. Keep these factors in mind:
- Contract Length: Are you locked into a long-term agreement, or can you switch plans easily?
- Fees and Discounts: Look out for hidden fees or discounts that may expire after a set period.
- Special Deals: Some plans offer incentives like sign-up bonuses or rebates, but read the fine print to understand long-term costs.
3. Time-of-Use Tariffs
Did you know the time you use energy can affect how much you pay? Time-of-use tariffs mean energy costs vary depending on peak and off-peak periods. Adjusting your habits, like running appliances during off-peak times, can lead to substantial savings. In South Australia, off peak times for residential is 10am - 3pm.
4. Specific Plan Types
Certain plans may cater to your unique situation:
- Smart Meter Plans: These allow for detailed tracking of your energy use.
- GreenPower Plans: For those committed to renewable energy, these plans offset your consumption with sustainable energy sources.
- Solar Energy Plans: If you have solar panels, look for plans with competitive feed-in tariffs.
- Regional Plans: Some plans are better suited for urban or rural areas, depending on infrastructure.
Reducing Energy Usage to Lower Bills
One of the simplest ways to save money on electricity is to use less of it. Conducting a home energy audit can help identify energy inefficiencies and opportunities to save. You can conduct this audit yourself by borrowing a free Home Energy Audit Toolkit from your local library.
Living Areas
- In Summer: Close windows, doors, curtains, and blinds during the day to keep the heat out. Use fans instead of air conditioners when possible, and if using air conditioning, set it to 26°C.
- In Winter: Seal draughts by closing windows and curtains. Set central heating to 18°C.
- Lighting: Switch to energy-efficient LED lights and turn them off when not in use.
- Standby Power: Switch off appliances at the wall to eliminate standby power usage.
Kitchen
- Ensure adequate space around your fridge for ventilation and check that its seals close firmly.
- Cover pots and pans when cooking to retain heat and reduce energy use.
- Only run the dishwasher when it’s full.
Bathroom and Laundry
- Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. If using hot water, set it to 60°C.
- Dry clothes on a line instead of using a dryer.
- Install low-flow showerheads to reduce hot water usage and aim for showers no longer than four minutes.
Accessing Financial Help for Energy Bills
If you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, financial assistance may be available. Options include:
- Temporary or ongoing bill relief through government programs.
- Guidance from us at Affordable SA, call us today on 1800 025 539.
Additionally, explore our Utilities Programs listed on Affordable SA, which provide tailored solutions for reducing energy costs and managing bill payments.
The Future of Renewable Energy and Costs
As renewable energy becomes the backbone of Australia’s power grid, the overall cost of electricity is projected to decline. Solar power, wind energy, and advancements in battery storage are paving the way for a greener, more affordable future. Programs such as GreenPower and feed-in tariffs for solar customers offer opportunities to actively participate in this transition while saving money.
However, the key to maximising these savings lies in understanding your energy consumption and making adjustments today. By selecting the right provider, using energy-efficient appliances, and tapping into available support programs, you can enjoy both immediate savings and long-term benefits as Australia transitions to a renewable energy future.
Take Charge of Your Finances with ‘Be the Boss’
Managing money can be overwhelming, especially in today’s challenging economic climate. The Salvation Army’s "Be the Boss" program is here to help. This free, self-paced, three-week online course offers practical guidance to empower Australians to take control of their finances for good. Whether you're feeling out of control with your spending or just need a little help staying on track, this program provides the tools to set you on the path to financial security.
What is "Be the Boss"?
"Be the Boss" is a straightforward, user-friendly online course designed to help you assess your financial priorities, make meaningful changes, and stick to them. Here’s what makes the program stand out:
- Flexible Format: While the course is structured over three weeks, participants can choose to focus on individual sections as needed.
- Video Tutorials & Action Plans: Short, engaging videos break down financial concepts into easy-to-follow steps, and accompanying action plans help you implement what you learn.
- Tailored for Real-Life Challenges: The course addresses common financial hurdles like budgeting, saving, and managing debt, providing actionable advice to meet your specific needs.
What Will You Learn?
This program focuses on three key areas to help you master your finances:
- Understanding Your Values
- Explore what’s most important to you financially. Whether it’s saving for a home, reducing debt, or having a safety net, understanding your goals is the first step to creating a financial plan that works.
- Identifying Changes
- Identify areas where small, consistent adjustments can make a big impact. This might include tracking your expenses, cutting unnecessary costs, or prioritising essential bills.
- Taking Action
- Turn good intentions into lasting habits. The program offers strategies for staying motivated and holding yourself accountable as you work toward financial independence.
Why Participate in "Be the Boss"?
- Free of Cost: This valuable resource is completely free, making it accessible for everyone, regardless of financial situation.
- Practical and Empowering: Designed to be realistic and achievable, the program focuses on building confidence and clarity in managing money.
- Supports Broader Financial Wellbeing: It’s not just about budgeting. You’ll also gain insights into setting life goals and managing unexpected expenses.
Access Additional Support with Moneycare
For those looking for a personalised approach to financial challenges, the Salvation Army’s Moneycare service offers free and confidential financial counselling. A Moneycare counsellor can guide you through complex financial situations, provide advice on debt management, and offer a compassionate ear.
How to Get Started
Getting started with Be the Boss is easy:
- Visit the Be the Boss course page to access the course materials.
- Watch the introductory video to understand how the course works and choose the topics most relevant to your needs.
- Follow along with the videos and complete the action plans at your own pace.
Taking control of your finances doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The Be the Boss course empowers you with knowledge, practical tools, and confidence to create a brighter financial future. Start today and take the first step towards becoming the boss of your money.
For personalised advice, reach out to Moneycare on 1800 722 363.
Anti-Poverty Week is a National event, happening from the 11th to the 17th of October 2020.
During the week surrounding the UN’s International Anti-Poverty Day on 17 October, individuals, communities, organisations and governments are encouraged to act to address poverty, through research, discussion and a multitude of other activities.
https://antipovertyweek.org.au/
During these unprecedented times, it is more important than ever to support those in the Australian community who are struggling the most. The health and economic impact of COVID-19 is hitting marginalised people and communities the hardest. We know that for many people being sick can make your poor and being poor often makes you sick.
Unemployment has doubled as a result of the COVID-19 induced shut-down, affecting many people who may never have needed support as well as those who were already out of work or didn’t have enough work before the bushfires and pandemic hit. In August 2020 there were at least 12 people receiving DSS unemployment payments for every job advertised on the internet.
Poverty in Australia
In Australia, the poverty line is generally defined as 50% of median household income.
This was $457 a week for a single adult, $731 for a sole parent with two children or $960 for a couple with two children in 2017-18.
The ACOSS/UNSW Poverty in Australia 2020 report found:
• In Australia, there are more than 3.24 million people or 13.6% of the population living below the poverty line. That includes 774,000 children or more than 1 in 6.
• Many of those affected are living in deep poverty – on average $282 a week below the poverty line.
https://antipovertyweek.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Poverty-in-Australia-APW-2020.pdf
Child Poverty
Growing up in poverty impacts the hopes and dreams of young people.
How many children are living in poverty in Australia?
774,000 children or 1 in 6 Australian children aged 0-14 years lived in poverty in 2017-18 (the latest available data). At 17.7%, the percentage of children living in poverty is higher than the percentage of any other age group – including those aged 65 years and over.3
https://antipovertyweek.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Child-Poverty-Revised-APW-2020.pdf
Poverty & Housing
Poverty puts pressure on people – it’s constant and strong. If the pressure builds up, people can be pushed into homelessness. We can relieve the pressure on people’s lives by creating affordable housing and helping people get decent jobs. We can also help people withstand this pressure by strengthening our social welfare system and ensuring all payments stay above the poverty line. We can end homelessness and increase housing affordability. Investing in social housing is both the right and smart thing to do.
https://antipovertyweek.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/APW-Poverty-and-Housing-Fast-Fact-September-2020.pdf
Poverty & Work
While ‘paid employment can be a route out of a state of disadvantage, it does not guarantee an absence of recurrent disadvantage as some jobs, particularly low-skilled jobs, are low-paid and hours of available work not assured.’
968,000 people or 38% of the 2.6 million people living in poverty (excluding self-employed people) came from households where wages were the main source of income.
https://antipovertyweek.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Poverty-Work-APW-2019.pdf
Poverty in Rural & Regional Australia
More than 4 in 5 people agreed that nobody deserves to live in poverty and that Australia should be a country that looks after those in need. People in rural and regional Australia have even stronger empathy than those in metropolitan locations. Nearly two thirds of people in rural areas said that there are no differences between them and those experiencing poverty, compared with just over a half of people living in metropolitan areas.
https://antipovertyweek.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Poverty-in-Rural-Regional-Aus-APW-2019.pdf
Poverty & Disability
Just under 2 of the 5 Australians living in poverty have a disability (739,200 or 38% of the nearly 2 million adults Australians who are living in poverty).
1 in 6 people with disability were living in poverty, compared with just over 1 in 10 Australians without disability.
https://antipovertyweek.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Poverty-Disability-APW-2019.pdf
Global Poverty
The World Bank states that ‘Poverty is hunger. Poverty is lack of shelter. Poverty is being sick and not being able to see a doctor. Poverty is not having access to school and not knowing how to read. Poverty is not having a job, is fear for the future, living one day at a time. Poverty is losing a child to illness brought about by unclean water. Poverty is powerlessness, lack of representation and freedom.
Lack of income is not the full story – living in poverty can mean limited access to safe water, good schools, health care, stable and clean housing, and electricity. Where 1 in 10 people live in extreme poverty, it is estimated that 1.3 billion people live in multi-dimensional poverty. For example, the number of people living in households without access to electricity is far greater than those living in monetary poverty. Hence, poverty is not solely linked to finances - it also can include sanitation, housing, and proper education.
https://antipovertyweek.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Global-Poverty1-APW-2020.pdf
With Anti-Poverty Week coming up and the South Australian government making recent announcements about changes to the delivery of homelessness services in South Australia, now is a good time to look at homelessness in South Australia.
South Australia has an enviable standard of living and quality of life. However, a lack of housing security for some individuals and families can compromise their health, safety and ability to engage in social and economic activity.
South Australia praised for supporting the homeless during coronavirus pandemic but long-term solution needed
Nearly 400 people — including rough sleepers — were housed in hotels and motels across Adelaide after the pandemic began.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-28/advocates-call-for-long-term-solution-to-homelessness-in-sa/12194210
Future Directions for Homelessness in SA
The State Government has committed to working with its partners to reform the homelessness system, to get the best outcomes for people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.
The reforms aim to provide better services that:
- prevent people from falling into homelessness
- ensure people get the right support they need, when they need it
- rapidly rehouse people into safe, stable and long-term housing so they don’t cycle in and out of homelessness
Find out more here: https://www.housing.sa.gov.au/our-housing-future/future-directions-for-homelessness
Facing Homelessness
If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness, contact the SA Government services below (24 hours, 7 days):
- Homelessness (including families) phone 1800 003 308 (freecall from a landline)
- Domestic Violence and Aboriginal Family Violence phone 1300 782 200 or 1800 800 098 (freecall from a landline).
- https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/housing/emergency-shelter-and-homelessness/homelessness-service-providers
Affordable SA has listings for Accommodation, Housing and Homelessness with a range of programs for people in all kinds of situations:
- https://www.affordablesa.com.au/programs/homelessness
- https://www.affordablesa.com.au/programs/accommodation-services
- https://www.affordablesa.com.au/programs/home-purchase-and-rent
If you are overwhelmed and need to discuss the options, the Affordable SA helpline can connect you with the help you need:
- Call the Affordable SA Helpline on 1800 025 539
It’s school holiday time and there’s plenty of opportunities to get your kids out and about without breaking the budget. With the restrictions put in place for social distancing being lifted and the weather starting to warm up again, it’s a great time to get out and explore South Australia.
In order to inspire you and get you thinking about the possibilities, we’ve listed a selection of cheap and free activities for children to experience across South Australia.
Some of the best places to find low cost activities for young children during the holiday season are your local Public Library, Community Centre and Community Gardens. From Lego construction and fun craft activities to gaming and learning new tech. There are a host of school holiday programs to keep the kids minds engaged or at the very least amused.
As there are still some social distancing restrictions in place, please check booking requirements carefully and book early to avoid missing out.
If we’ve missed a great, low cost activity or location, let us know about it on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
South Australian Museum
- Always a fantastic place for the family to explore! The SA Museum is one of the most visited museums in Australia and holds collections of national and international significance.
- https://www.samuseum.sa.gov.au/
MOD at UNISA
- Visit a futuristic museum of discovery. Explore the current exhibition: SEVEN SIBLINGS FROM THE FUTURE
- https://mod.org.au/
Art Gallery of South Australia
- The Art Gallery’s collection comprises almost 45,000 works of art and design, featuring an extensive Australian collection – including works by Aboriginal and South Australian artists – contemporary art, and European and Asian collections.
- https://www.agsa.sa.gov.au/
St Kilda Adventure Playground
- The playground offers many attractions including a huge castle with slides and a draw bridge, a bouncy boomerang, flying fox, pirate ship, a large Volcano with multiple slides, a basketball court, swings and more.
- https://www.salisbury.sa.gov.au/Play/Community_Facilities_and_Parks/Parks_and_Facilities/
Botanic Gardens of South Australia
- The Botanic Gardens of South Australia comprises three beautiful public gardens – Adelaide Botanic Garden (and Botanic Park) in the city, Mount Lofty Botanic Garden in the Adelaide Hills and Wittunga Botanic Garden in suburban Blackwood.
- https://www.botanicgardens.sa.gov.au/
Public Swimming Pools
- With the weather warming up, it's a great time to go swimming! Here's a great listing for indoor and outdoor public pools:
- https://playandgo.com.au/adelaides-indoor-outdoor-swimming-pools/
- For the adventurous, here's 8 ocean pools you can visit in South Australia: https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/goodliving/posts/2019/04/ocean-pools
Holiday Fun Fair (Sept 25 – Oct 5)
- Are you missing the excitement and fun of the sideshows, rides and showbags of the Royal Show? If you said yes, you might like the Holiday Fun Fair being held in Bonython Park. Featuring a range of children’s rides, thrill rides, show bags, sideshows, and food trucks, Mix 102.3 Holiday Fun Fair is the place for the whole family.
- Tickets are $3 per person, children under two-years-old are free. Tickets must be pre-booked and purchased on the Mix102.3 website.
- Plan ahead and budget carefully as rides and showbags can be expensive.
- https://www.mix1023.com.au/events/mix-102-3s-holiday-fun-fair/
Facing Financial Mail: Why Avoidance Isn’t the Answer
Do you have a pile of unopened mail sitting on your kitchen table? It might seem harmless to let those letters gather dust, but buried within those envelopes could be utility bills, overdue notices, or even disconnection warnings. Ignoring them won’t make them go away, but facing them head-on—with help—can relieve the stress and set you on a path to resolution.
The Avoidance Cycle
It’s all too common to hear phrases like:
- “I haven’t been opening my mail.”
- “I just put my head in the sand and hoped it would all go away.”
Avoiding bills and official notices can feel like a temporary relief, especially if you’re experiencing financial hardship. However, unopened mail can quickly snowball into bigger problems, like increased late fees, service disconnections, or legal demands. As the pile grows, so does the anxiety, making it even harder to take that first step.
Why It’s Important to Open Your Mail
1. Prevent Escalation
Many creditors and utility providers have processes in place to support customers experiencing financial hardship—but only if they know about your situation. Ignoring their attempts to reach you could result in disconnections or default notices that are harder to reverse.
2. Access Help Early
Opening your mail allows you to understand the state of your finances and identify where help is needed. For example, you might qualify for a payment plan, concessions, or financial assistance programs.
3. Take Control
Facing your financial situation head-on can reduce the fear of the unknown. Once you know what’s in those envelopes, you can take action to regain control, even if it feels overwhelming at first.
How Financial Counsellors Can Help
If you feel paralysed by your financial mail, you don’t have to go through it alone. Financial counsellors are trained professionals who can:
- Review your financial situation and prioritise urgent matters.
- Discuss your options, such as payment plans, debt consolidation, or hardship programs.
- Advocate on your behalf, negotiating with creditors and utility companies to find manageable solutions.
These services are free, confidential, and designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to take charge of your finances.
Your Next Steps
1. Open the Mail
Start with one envelope at a time. You don’t have to deal with everything all at once, but you need to understand what’s in front of you.
2. Seek Support
Contact a financial counsellor to guide you through the process. They can provide clarity and reduce the emotional burden of tackling debt alone.
3. Reach Out to the Affordable SA Helpline
Call 1800 025 539 to book an appointment with a financial counsellor or search on the Affordable SA website to find financial counselling services near you. These services are compassionate, professional, and here to help.
Final Thought
Opening your mail might feel like a daunting task, but it’s also the first step towards reclaiming control of your financial life. With support from financial counsellors and organisations like Affordable SA, you’re never alone in this journey. Take a deep breath, grab that cup of coffee, and remember—help is just a call away.
Paying bills is a regular part of life, and with so many payment options available, everyone has their own preferred method. Whether it’s taking a bill to the post office, using BPAY, or setting up an automatic direct debit, there’s a way to suit most lifestyles. However, if you’re receiving Centrelink payments, there’s an additional, highly convenient option: Centrepay.
What is Centrepay?
Centrepay is a free bill-paying service provided by Centrelink. It allows a portion of your Centrelink payment to be automatically allocated to specific bills before the rest of your payment is deposited into your bank account. This service is designed to help you stay on top of essential expenses without the stress of managing multiple due dates.
With Centrepay, you can pay for a wide range of goods and services, including:
- Utilities like electricity, gas, and water
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Childcare fees
- Medical expenses
- Educational costs
For a full list of eligible expenses, visit Services Australia’s Centrepay page.
How Does Centrepay Work?
Using Centrepay is straightforward:
- Select the Service Provider: Choose the organisation or company you’d like to pay through Centrepay. Many major utilities and rental agencies are registered for the service.
- Determine the Amount: Decide how much money you want to allocate to each bill.
- Set Up the Payment: Contact Centrelink directly or log in to your myGov account to set up the deduction. You’ll need to provide the details of the company, the amount to be paid, and which Centrelink payment the money should come from.
Once everything is set up, Centrepay automatically deducts the agreed amount each fortnight, giving you peace of mind that your essential bills are being paid on time.
Why Use Centrepay?
1. Convenience
Centrepay eliminates the hassle of remembering due dates or making last-minute payments. Your bills are paid automatically, saving you time and effort.
2. Budgeting Support
By managing payments directly from your Centrelink benefits, Centrepay helps you avoid overspending and ensures that your essential expenses are prioritised.
3. Fee-Free Payments
Centrepay is a free service, meaning there are no additional charges for using it. This can be particularly helpful if you’re on a tight budget.
4. Reduce Financial Stress
Knowing your bills are being taken care of can provide relief, especially if managing multiple payments has been a source of anxiety in the past.
How to Get Started
To set up Centrepay, you’ll need to:
- Log in to your myGov account linked to Centrelink or visit a Centrelink office.
- Provide details about the organisation you wish to pay, the amount to be deducted, and the frequency of payments.
- Confirm your setup and ensure the deduction works for your budget.
Take Control of Your Bills
Centrepay is more than just a bill-paying service—it’s a tool that empowers you to take control of your finances. By automating essential payments, you can focus on other priorities without worrying about falling behind. If you’re eligible, it’s a simple yet powerful way to make managing your money a little easier.
For further assistance, visit the Centrepay information page.