It’s October 2025, and if you’re anything like me, the rising cost of living has you double-checking every receipt. We’re living on one income, and that means getting creative. Not cutting everything. Not going without. Just swapping.
Here are 25 swaps we’re using at home right now:
Food + Groceries
- Swap Friday night takeaway for homemade pizza, or toasties, or platters – cheaper and fun to make together.
- Swap daily café runs for a good reusable cup + beans at home – keep the ritual, lose the $7 flat whites.
- Swap Coles or Woolies for Aldi wherever you can – you’ll barely taste the difference.
- Swap mid-week dinners out for backyard BBQs – social, but without the bill shock.
- Swap supermarket specials for subscription fruit + veg boxes – better value and less food waste.
Household + Utilities
- Swap long showers for timers or music tracks – save water and cut your bill.
- Swap single-use cleaning sprays for bulk refill packs – so much cheaper long-term.
- Swap clothes dryer use for a fold-up rack – slower, but the savings add up. This is an easy one for those of us in places that are warm (like we are).
- Swap upgrading appliances for power boards and unplugging – stretch their lifespan and reduce phantom power costs.
- Swap brand-new furniture for Facebook Marketplace finds – often better quality, too.
Entertainment
- Swap movie tickets for Netflix + popcorn at home.
- Swap pricey kids’ activities for local council or library programs.
- Swap gym memberships or PT sessions for outdoor walks, runs, or YouTube workouts. One of my favourites is using the Move With Us app. Home and gym workouts for the win!
- Swap shopping trips for op shops or swap meets.
- Swap date nights out for at-home dinner + a board game.
Subscriptions + Tech
- Swap multiple streaming subscriptions for one (rotate monthly).
- Swap premium apps for the free versions unless you actually use the extras.
- Swap upgrading your phone on contract for keeping it longer. Replace the battery if needed.
- Swap endless online shopping for a “wishlist” rule – if it’s still wanted in 30 days, then buy it.
- Swap paid audiobooks for free podcasts or library apps. Some apps/subscriptions like Spotify have audiobooks included in their packages.
Lifestyle + Family
- Swap buying new kids’ clothes for hand-me-downs or buy-swap-sell groups.
- Swap expensive birthday parties for park hangs with cupcakes and BYO snacks.
- Swap driving everywhere for carpooling, public transport, or walking where possible.
- Swap salon nails or hair every month for stretching appointments further (or DIY).
- Swap buying gifts for “experience vouchers” you make yourself – like babysitting, picnics, or movie nights.
Living on one income doesn’t mean missing out. These swaps have kept us steady without stripping life of the fun stuff. It’s about choosing differently, not giving up entirely.
