TAX TIME TWEAKS

Get ready for the start of the new financial year- and save some money in the process

- Kimberly Gillan

Barely a night goes by that the news doesn't report B a bleak outlook for household budgets. Wild weather in the last year has spiked the price of fresh produce and the war in Ukraine is sending other costs soaring.

However, Helen Baker, financial adviser and founder of On Your Own Two Feet, says it's possible to shave costs and still enjoy the good life. Here's how to achieve it!

INSURE APPROPRIATELY

Health, home, income and car insurance can be major costs each year, but a policy tweak could help ease your bills. "If your children are older and you're not providing for little ones any more, you might not need as much life insurance," Helen points out. "It's often worth 'ripping apart' your policy to see what you can let go of and what you can take some risk on - if you live on a hill, do you need flood cover?"

EAT YOUR FOOD

Your mum was onto something when she insisted you finish your dinner before leaving the table. "It's estimated that 15 per cent of food in Australia is wasted, so if you have a grocery bill of $200, there's $30 wasted every week," Helen points out.

"We all need to manage how we shop and use our leftovers. Maybe try a meal swap with friends where you aim to make different things and drop off servings to each other."

TRACK YOUR SPENDING