Does it ever feel like your kids are eating you out of house and home? Between rising grocery prices, endless snacks, and the cost of keeping a household running, it’s no wonder most families are feeling the financial squeeze. The good news? Saving money doesn’t have to mean living like a monk or sacrificing all the good stuff.

With a few clever tricks, you can keep more dollars in your pocket while still running a happy, thriving household. From making your own cleaning products to growing your own veggies (and keeping the kids busy!), here are 7 top hacks to help families save money without losing your sanity.

1. Make Your Own Cleaning Products

Do you know what’s more satisfying than a sparkling home? A sparkling home that didn’t cost you a fortune to clean. Making your own cleaning products is super cheap, quick to whip up, and way better for your family (no nasty chemicals!).

Here’s my go-to recipe for an all-purpose cleaner:

2 cups water
2 tbsp On Guard Cleaner Concentrate
10–15 drops of tea tree, lemon or eucalyptus essential oil

Mix it in a spray bottle, and you’re sorted. It works on pretty much everything and costs next to nothing. Plus, no chemical smells to make your eyes water while you’re wiping down the dining table (again) after the kids have been at it.

Want more low tox recipes? Jump into the Balanced Space community where I share all things low tox, and have a green cleaning resource guide with ALL the recipes you will need!

2. Grow Your Own Veggies (Yes, Even in Pots!)

It’s amazing how quickly kids can inhale a whole fridge of food. If your grocery bill feels like it’s skyrocketing, why not start growing some of your own veggies? You don’t need a big backyard—pots, tubs, or even an old laundry basket will do the trick.

Start small with herbs, lettuce, or cherry tomatoes—quick wins that even the kids will think are cool. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also get the satisfaction of telling the kids, “That salad came from OUR garden!” Cue proud parent moment.

3. Shop Smarter with Aussie Cashback Apps

Raise your hand if you’re already shopping online. (Yep, me too.) Cashback apps like Cashrewards and ShopBack can save you money on things you were going to buy anyway. Whether it’s school shoes, groceries, or that LEGO set they’ve been begging for, these apps give you a little something back every time you shop.

Think of it like a virtual rewards program—only better because you can spend the cashback on whatever you like. I mean, a coffee for yourself sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?

Here is a $15 sign up bonus for you when your join ShopBack CLICK HERE

4. Buy Seasonal and Local Produce

We’ve all been there: the kids demand strawberries in the middle of winter, and you nearly fall over when you see the price. Buying in-season produce is a simple way to keep costs down. In summer, load up on mangoes, zucchini, and peaches. Winter? Think citrus, broccoli, and pumpkin.

Shopping local (hello, farmers' markets!) is another great way to save and get fresher produce. And if you can rope the kids into picking out veggies, they’re way more likely to eat them without complaint. Winning!

5. Embrace Op Shops and Buy-Swap-Sell Groups

Kids grow faster than weeds, and buying brand-new clothes every time they shoot up a size can empty your wallet pretty fast. Enter op shops. These are goldmines for everything from clothes and toys to furniture.

Bonus tip: involve the kids in the treasure hunt, even as teenagers my kids love to get involved and find bargains - they have both been known to find $100 items that are on their wish list for just a few dollars! We make a day of it, add sushi for lunch and everyone loves it - especially my wallet.

6. Cut Energy Costs Without Feeling the Pinch

Electricity bills have a way of sneaking up on you, but a few small tweaks can make a big difference:

Hang washing on the line instead of using the dryer. (Yes, I know it’s a pain, but think of the savings!)
Switch appliances off at the wall—standby power is a sneaky money-sucker.
Use LED lightbulbs—they last longer and are more energy-efficient.
Make the most of off-peak energy rates if your provider offers them.

And if you’ve got a sunny day, let the sun do some of the work. Now Melbourne weather doesn’t always allow for it, but use it when you can!

7. Meal Plan to Avoid the Hangry Chaos

If your house is anything like mine, the kids are “starving” every 15 minutes, and dinner can feel like a daily surprise quiz. Meal planning saves your sanity, time, and money. Start by checking what’s already in the pantry and freezer, then plan meals around it.

Pro tip: Bulk cook family favourites like spag bol or curry and freeze portions for those nights when you’re too tired to cook (or too tempted to order takeaway). Not only will this cut down on food waste, but it’ll also save you from the “Mum, what’s for dinner?” interrogation at 5 pm.

Saving money doesn’t have to be a chore—it’s about making small, manageable changes that add up over time. Whether it’s growing your own veggies, cutting back on energy use, or making your own cleaning products, these hacks are simple, effective, and totally doable for busy Aussie families.

Which of these money-saving hacks will you try first? Let me know in the comments, or if you are apart of The Balanced Space community keep an eye out for more tips and ideas dropping next month! We’re all in this together—every dollar saved counts!

Top 7 Money-Saving Hacks for Families