Living on one income isn’t always a choice, it’s often the reality of Defence life, parenting, chronic illness, or navigating a career shift.
And while budgeting advice is everywhere, a lot of it assumes you’ve got unlimited energy, time, or spreadsheet brainpower. You’re already managing a lot, and the goal is to make things easier, not harder.
So here are some real-world, low-pressure ways to save money on one income without going full survival mode.
1. Start with What’s Already There
You don’t need a colour-coded budget to begin. Just take a peek at your last couple of bank statements and ask:
- What am I paying for that I forgot about?
- What’s on autopilot that I don’t use anymore?
- What’s worth the money, and what’s just draining it?
Things like unused subscriptions, streaming services, or double-ups on food delivery can be quietly stealing from your future self.
One of the quickest ways to find out just how many subscriptions you actually have is to cancel your bank card! Yes, really.. You’ll quickly be reminded about who is getting your money..
2. Cut Costs Without Cutting Quality
Saving money doesn’t mean living on the bare minimum. The aim is to swap, not sacrifice:
- Groceries: Shop with a loose meal plan (no need to be a chef), and grab basics in bulk when it makes sense. Aldi, local markets, and food co-ops can be budget game-changers.
- One of my favourites has been ‘ugly’ fruit and vegetables. We save a tonne with these deliveries (not to mention time!)
- Utilities: Cold washes, turning off unused devices, and switching to energy-efficient globes might seem small, but they compound over time.
- Insurance & Bills: Compare providers once a year – it takes a few minutes but could save you hundreds.
3. Plan Big Expenses Ahead
The scariest bills are the ones we forget are coming – rego, insurance, school fees, the annual dental check-up…
Instead of being blindsided, set up a “calm fund” (aka: mini savings buckets). Break those big costs down into weekly or fortnightly transfers. Some banks even let you label those little buckets: car, kids, moving costs, coffee for sanity – whatever works.
4. Buy Secondhand and Swap Where You Can
Secondhand doesn’t mean second-best.
Marketplace, op shops, swap groups, and local Buy Nothing pages are goldmines, especially for kids’ clothes, furniture, school supplies, and whitegoods. It’s often better quality, too.
Defence tip?
As soon as you know your next posting location, join the school groups and ask about secondhand uniforms or supplies. Defence family Facebook groups are full of people coming and going, and there’s usually someone looking to pass things on.
5. Add Income (Without Adding Overload)
Sometimes the answer isn’t more saving, it’s just a little more earning.
Not everyone has capacity for a full side business, but there might be small, seasonal, or casual ways to top up the buffer:
- Sell unused items
- Offer a one-off service locally
- Take on a short-term gig (survey sites, freelance admin, etc.)
- Consider affiliate links if you love sharing your faves
- Join a Mystery Shopper company
No pressure to become an entrepreneur overnight, but even a few hundred dollars can soften the blow of back-to-school costs or unexpected car trouble.
6. Prioritise the Right Kind of Self-Care
One of the fastest ways to burnout is cutting out everything that brings you joy.
A weekly coffee, a low-cost hobby, or a gym membership might be the difference between holding it together or completely crumbling.
The trick? Be intentional.
- Keep what truly restores you
- Let go of what’s become habit or pressure
- Budget for joy the same way you budget for bills
Because surviving isn’t the goal, living is.
Making One Income Work for You
Living on one income doesn’t have to feel like a constant squeeze.
Start where you are. Cut what you don’t need. Keep what matters. Plan gently. And most importantly, give yourself grace. Your household might not look like everyone else’s, but it’s yours to shape.
👉 Got tips for managing money on a single income? I’d love to hear them. Drop them in the comments and let’s create a go-to resource for others walking this path too.
