Here are some simple and quick money hacks that I use to help keep me on top of spending (or overspending) especially as a forgetful ADHD girl. I have implemented things like this that are just a habit now. And literally every time I always find something or see where I can make a change, and it honestly saves me so much and all adds up!!

The modern internet world has made it far too easy to spend your money, forget what you are paying for, and do not get me started on subscriptions – WHY IS EVERYTHING SUBSCRIPTION!!!

So anyway I can cheat the system and not get sucked in – I like it!!

Here are some key hacks that I swear by, as well as a little quick cheat sheet at the end!!

Subscriptions Audit

A quick check-in that keeps your subscriptions and spending in check. Check these 3 key places for sneaky charges you might be missing:

1. Apple Subscriptions
Go to: Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions
Cancel any unused apps like Apple TV, Arcade, or forgotten free trials.

2. PayPal Pre-approved Payments
Go to: PayPal > Settings (Gear Icon) > Payments > Manage Automatic Payments
Cancel anything still billing you unexpectedly (e.g. Klarna, DoorDash, Canva).

3. App Store / Google Play
Open your app store to check recurring charges for fitness, photo editing, or game apps.

Check Your Utilities (Energy, Internet, Phone)

You could be overpaying by hundreds as deals offer and promotions change often and are usually only offered to new customer. Once they have you, they don’t bother, so don’t be afraid to change around or at least see what your current providers can to do keep your business.

• Review plans every 6–12 months and compare to other plans
• Check your usage, and are you paying for what you actually use?
• Call your provider and ask: “Am I on your best plan?” and don’t be afraid to change
• Loyalty deals often aren’t offered unless you ask

Unsubscribe from Retail & Marketing Emails

Use services like unroll.me or search “unsubscribe” in your inbox. Helps reduce any temptation and emotional spending.

I’m finding very often these days, I am getting marketing emails from businesses I swear I mever even signed up to as sadly data leaks or even other people you have shopped with sell your data!

Burner Email Setup

Moving on from that, start using a dedicated email for online shopping and freebies going forward. Especially if you are using one email for personal and work – it just gets SO messy!!

• Gmail tip: Use “yourname+deals@gmail.com” to filter promo emails easily.
• ProtonMail: Free, private, and secure with no spam.

Clear Cookies & Cache to Avoid Targeted Ads

You know everytime you accept those “cookies”, you make it easier to taget you with ads!! I do this often for a number of reasons, but retailers use tracking to inflate prices or bombard you with ads as well as impliment dynamic pricing based on demand.

• Safari: Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data
• Chrome: ⋯ > Settings > Privacy > Clear Browsing Data
• Use Incognito Mode for flight searches or big purchases

Rotate Streaming Services

Back to me hating subscriptions. Why are there so many streaming services now? I hate it, so I decided I have my core (Netflix/Disney+) but a lot I only watch when a particular series comes on so I plan and rotate.

Instead of paying for 10+ platforms all year round, rotate them monthly or quarterly. This means you’re only paying for what you’re actually watching and you’ll probably appreciate the content more too!

Often, when you go to cancel with a swervice, they offer a period of time discounted, so you could also take this up!!

Points, Cashback & Rewards

I have shared heaps on this and much more indepth which you can read here. But making cash back or earning reward points can literally save you hundreds if not thousands down the track!

I have a full guide here, with all the reward and cash back programs you can join. But here are the top ones you should be using:

Points & Rewards

• Qantas Frequent Flyer: Shop via Qantas Shopping portal for extra points
• Everyday Rewards: Convert to Qantas Points or $10 off
• Flybuys: Shop at Coles & convert to Velocity Points

Cashback Platforms

• Use ShopBack or Cashrewards before online shopping
• Stack with points-earning cards or discounted gift cards for bonus wins

Stack Rewards

It’s not just the cashback or reward points, but stacking the deals to really make it worthwhile. Look for discount codes. Deals on gift cards or using a points earning card to double dip on reward points.

Lots of Cashback programs now have extra cashback with particular banks!

Round-Up Investing

I only started this a few years ago, but use apps like Raiz or Spaceship to have a little rainy day fund!! I have one for us and individual ones for the kids, which we manage together!!

• These apps link to your everyday spending account and round up each transaction to the nearest dollar.
• That spare change gets automatically invested without you even thinking about it.
• For example, buy a coffee for $4.50 and 50c goes into your investment.
• It’s passive, consistent, and over time, really adds up!
• You can also set recurring contributions or invest windfalls for a bigger impact. I do this for the kids, they put a % of pocket money into theirs regularly and love watching it go up. They are always like “Look how much money I got for free” LOL

Keep a ‘Gift Cupboard‘

Avoid panic buying by buying or poor planning (so me coded LOL) I have been doing this for years!!

• Keep a stash of versatile, budget-friendly gifts on hand for birthdays, teachers, fundraisers, or last-minute events.
• Stock up during sales or clearances, and look for items like LEGO sets, movie vouchers, candles, or skincare minis.
• Personalise with a Cricut or cute wrapping supplies to make them feel luxe, even if they were affordable.
• Store neutral wrapping paper, cards, and ribbons so you’re always ready to go.
• Saves you time, money, and stress – especially around holidays and school events!

I have some details on what I keep in my gift cupboard here.

Talk to Kids About Money

Make saving and budgeting a regular conversation in your household. THis is something I am so passionate about and financial literacy is key!! My girls will sometimes even question me “Mum, do we really need that” because I’ve instilled it in them.

• Let them help you plan a grocery trip, show them how you track spending, or explain why you’re skipping a purchase or perhaps thinking about it.
• Use real-world examples (like toy sales, birthday budgets, or savings goals) to make it relatable.
• My kids have Spriggy cards which we use to help them save, set goals, and track their money.
• It’s a super helpful way to introduce them to budgeting and financial literacy in a fun, visual way. You can sign up via my link here

Track Deliveries & Returns

Girl, I know you cannot be bothered! It is so annoying, so much effort and energy – but you don’t need stuff lying around you do not need!! Or to waste that money!!

• Create a note or calendar reminder with items you’ve ordered, when they’re due, and return dates.
• This avoids accidental duplicate buys, missed returns, and clutter.
• Add email filters for “Your order has shipped” so it’s easy to cross-check weekly.

Credit Card Golden Rule

Always pay your balance in full – that’s the RULE!!

• I only have a small credit card limit and I use it purely for the perks and points – not for spending money I don’t have.
• I pay the full balance off right away after purchases, so I never pay interest or carry debt.
• It’s like a funnel: money goes onto the card and straight back off.
• I personally use the AMEX Qantas Platinum card as it works for me because the included flight voucher basically offsets the annual fee, and the points earned are excellent.
• This only works if you are super disciplined; don’t use a card for perks if you’re likely to carry a balance.

This advice is general and of my own experiences, always speak to your financial advisor or accountant for advice on your personal circumstances.

The 24–48 Hour Rule

Pause before purchases to avoid regrets, which is MUCH easier said than done when you have ADHD. Do we all remember the inflatable nightclub? Not that I regret it. I did actually think about that one for weeks HAHA

• If I see something I really want, I screenshot it, leave the tab open, add it to my Notes app, or leave it in the cart – and wait 24 to 48 hours.
• Nine times out of ten, I realise I don’t actually want or need it. Or forget about it!!
• But if I still want it after the pause? Then I know it’s not just a dopamine hit, and I can buy guilt-free.
• Bonus reminder: Don’t get sucked in by flash sales or marketing. If it wasn’t something already on your list or part of your budget, it’s not a saving – it’s a spend.

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TL:DR – 13 Money Hacks/Habits You Need To Know

Here’s a quick summary and cheat sheet for you to find some money habits that might work for you!! Let me know if you’d like me to share more on these!!

1. Weekly Money Checks: Choose a day to review and check accounts and subscriptions
2. Regularly Check Utilities: Always make sure you are getting the best deals
3. Clear Cookies Before Shopping: Avoid price hikes and dynamic pricing
4. Use a Burner Email: Out of sight out of mind, just use when you want the perks
5. Round-Up Investing: Use apps like Raiz or Spaceship (I use Raiz)
6. Cashback & Reward Points: Make sure you get every last penny of value
7. Rotate Streaming Services: Only pay for a few at a time
8. Stack Rewards: Cashback + rewards points + gift card + credit card points = max value
9. Talk to Kids About Money: Make saving a family habit
10. Track Deliveries & Returns: Always return things if I didn’t want them or did not fit etc
11. Keep a Gift Cupboard: Avoid panic buying by buying during sales
12. Credit Card Golden Rule: Always pay your balance in full, never pay interest
13. The 24/48 Hour Rule: Pause before purchases to avoid regrets (I struggle but I try)