TO SAVE LOADS

HOUSEHOLDS hammered by back-to-school costs and holiday spending are being urged to take advantage of current clean financial air.

Finance specialists say now is the time to make changes that can easily save a typical household $11,000 a year.

MyBudget founder and director Tammy Barton said most people would soon “feel a little more relief” from a heavy spending summer.

She said small savings by bringing packed lunches to work, having morning coffees at home or skipping after-work drinks could add up hugely.

But if you love your lattes and lunchtime splurges, try these money-saving tricks.

Ms Barton said there were big savings available for people who bought all their non-perishable goods – such as dishwashing tablets, toilet paper, washing power and some foods – only when on special.

“You don’t want to be buying that stuff full price. If you plan, the savings are at least $50 a week and that’s conservative.”

Buying seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables at farmers’ markets and other wholesalers could save $20 a week.

Whether for home and contents cover, cars and other insurance, shopping around could save customers $1000.

Insurers tend to promote their best offers to new cus- tomers: “If you shop around, you’ll probably find a better deal, and you can always go back to your current insurer and they will likely match that rate.”

Health insurance premiums rise on April 1, and comparison website Finder.com.au said paying premiums one year in advance would lock in last year’s price and save an average policy holder a couple of hundred dollars.

Peak periods were expensive for travellers, said Finder spokeswoman Bessie Hassan. “Consider going in the off-season to avoid paying inflated prices,” she said. “Our recent analysis shows that going to Bali for Christmas can cost $6915, However, opting for the off-season will drop the price by $3130. If you halve that for domestic travel, the savings remain impressive.”

Ms Hassan said using fuel