5 Simple Ways to Save Money in Western Australia
Saving money in WA doesn’t have to be complicated. With the cost of living rising, a few smart changes can easily put hundreds — or even thousands — of dollars back into your pocket each year. Here are five practical ways to cut your expenses without lowering your quality of life.
1. Switch to a better-value telco plan
One of the easiest wins is reducing your mobile and internet bills. Most people in WA are still on expensive Telstra, Optus or Vodafone plans without realising there are cheaper options on the same networks.
That’s where Churna helps.
Churna compares your current plans against all major Australian providers, finds the best-value option based on your needs, and handles the entire switch for you in person. You keep the same mobile number, same NBN setup and same network — just pay less.
Most households save between $700 and $1,200 per year, and Churna only charges a one-off fee of 30% of first-year savings. If you don’t save money, you don’t pay anything. A free Bill Health Check is available anytime.
2. Use FuelWatch to save on petrol
WA has one of the most useful fuel-price tools in the country: FuelWatch. Fuel prices can vary by 20–40 cents per litre depending on the day and suburb.
If you fill up 50 litres per week and save even 20 cents per litre, that’s:
50 L × $0.20 × 52 weeks = $520 saved per year.
Always check FuelWatch before filling up — and try to fill on the cheapest day of the weekly price cycle.
3. Store your money in a high-interest savings account
If your savings are sitting in an account earning less than 4%, you’re leaving money on the table. Many banks now offer high-interest savings accounts with bonus rates if you meet simple conditions like minimum monthly deposits or making no withdrawals.
Even a $10,000 balance earning an extra 2% gives you an extra $200 per year with zero effort.
4. Refinance your mortgage
Western Australians with a home loan should be reviewing their mortgage at least once a year. With interest rates moving frequently, refinancing to a lower rate can save thousands.
For example, on a $400,000 loan, dropping your rate by just 0.50% saves around $2,000 per year. Many banks offer cashback incentives and lower rates for new customers, so switching can be well worth it.
5. Negotiate your insurance and gas plans
Many providers quietly increase prices each year, but will offer discounts if you call and ask. Whislt in Wa we do not have a choice of electricity suppliers, this applies to:
Home insurance
Car insurance
Gas retailers
A 10–15 minute phone call can save you $100–$400 annually per service. If you’re not comfortable negotiating, simply saying “I’m thinking of switching to a cheaper provider — what can you do?” usually triggers a better offer.
If you’d like a free check of your mobile or internet bill, or want to see how much you can save with Churna, you can visit www.churna.com.au or send a quick message anytime.
