Office of Fair Trading’s Top consumer tips to beat cost of living pressures

With ongoing cost of living pressures impacting household budgets, the Office of Fair Trading has come up with some tips to help you become an informed and savvy consumer and to save some money along the way. For more information about the Office of Fair Trading, visit their website.

When you shop, think carefully before you buy.

Don’t be rushed to buy.
Budget and spend sensibly.
Shop around.
Carefully read terms and conditions and keep the paperwork.
Look after your receipts.
Be aware of your rights and responsibilities, particularly around consumer guarantees and know when you’re entitled to a refund, repair or replacement.
If something goes wrong with a purchase, talk to the business and describe the problem and explain how you would like them to fix it.

Learn more about consumer guarantees.

Save at the checkout by using unit pricing

Next time you’re grocery shopping use unit pricing to make your dollar go further at the checkout.

Unit pricing at grocery stores shows not just the cost of a product, but what the value of that product is as a cost per standard unit of measurement. This is usually displayed on shelf labels.

Unit pricing allows you to compare the cost of grocery products quickly and accurately, for example between brands, specials, and package sizes, between packaged and unpackaged, or fresh and frozen.

Learn more about unit pricing.

Learn about online dark patterns

Dark patterns are tactics some businesses use to try to nudge, manipulate or trick you into spending more money that you planned or providing personal data that’s not needed.

One example of a dark pattern is a subscription trap. Before you sign up to a subscription service:

read and understand the terms and conditions
be aware of any ongoing fees
check what the process will be to cancel.

Learn more about online dark patterns.

Ease the strain on your wallet by fueling smarter

Doing a little research before you fill up at the service station might help save you money.

While a lot of factors can influence the price you pay for fuel, fuel apps and websites can help you find the best deals in your area and keep your costs down.

Have a look at the list of fuel price reporting apps and websites available.

Learn ways to spot and avoid scams

Scams work because they look or sound like the real thing and reach you when you’re not expecting it or are busy trying to do many things at once.

It can be very hard to spot a scam, but there are some warning signs to watch for:

it’s an amazing opportunity to make or save money
someone you haven’t met needs your help – and money
the message contains links or attachments
you feel pressured to act quickly
they ask you to pay in unusual or specific ways.
they ask you to set up new accounts or PayIDs.

Always stop, think and check before you act.

Learn ways to spot and avoid scams at Scamwatch.

Visit ASIC’s Moneysmart website

ASIC’s Moneysmart website contains tips, tools and resources to help you manage your money, reduce your debt and plan for your future. It also has information on budgeting, reducing living costs and getting help if you need it.

Access support

If you are struggling with debt, it’s important that you don’t ignore it. Free confidential financial counselling services are available through the National Debt Helpline www.ndh.org.au or by phone 1800 007 007.

Seniors Enquiry Line

Not sure where to start or who to reach out to? The Seniors Enquiry Line can help you find the information you need and link you in with the appropriate supports. Contact the Seniors Enquiry Line on 1300 135 500 or sel@uccommunity.org.au

Text size