Requesting Your Support to Analyse My Monthly Spending

welcomeUniverseWorld on 02/10/2025 - 22:30
Last edited 23/10/2025 - 12:24 by 1 other user

I have posted before. I been trying hard to reduce our household expenses for a year now. Below is where I am so far. Please note the comments as well. Do you think I am overspending anywhere? Please be kind to me.

Fixed Costs Monthly Annual Comments
Energy (Gas + Electricity) $452/month Switched to Engie today.. .so roughly $364 in next months every month
Water (utilities) $48 $576/year
Health Insurance $366.83 $4,402/year I had 7 different surgeries in last 1 year. I likely will have another 3. So, I need top tier Gold cover.
Internet (Uniti) $89.85 $1,078/year I am locked with this unfortunately until early next year.
Mobile – Wife $30 $360/year
Mobile – You (Lebara annual) $18 $219/year
Childcare (fees + etc + swimming + books/education) $1,133 $13,596/year Child going to public school next year. I am expecting this to reduce
My NRMA roadside assist Membership $9 $109/year
NRMA Car Insurance (Comprehensive Plus) $113.79 $1,365/year
NRMA CTP Green Slip $49 $586/year
Driver Licence Renewal $6 $72/year
Car Cleaning $70 $840/year car gets seriously unclean considering I have a toddler. And I really do not get time to clean it myself.
Car Servicing (2×/year) $95 $1,145/year
Pink Slip (estimate) $4 $50/year
Car Registration (estimate) $55 $661/year
Variable Costs Monthly Annual Comments
Groceries ~$955 ~$11,463/year includes cost of basic grocerry and also others like soap, oil, etc etc
Petrol (estimate) $100 $1200/year Possibly gets added to grocerries
Eating Out ~$185 ~$2,216/year

I suppose once my child starts public school a large portion of the spending will be cut. Also, once all my surgeries are over in another 1 year, I can cut down the private insurance to bare minimum as well.

Edit:

I received some very good suggestions from your discussion. Below are a few of them (not an exhaustive list):

Cut costs on car cleaning:
* Do it yourself
* Buy a vacuum and clean regularly
* Use drive-through car washes

  • Switch to a cheaper mobile subscription
  • Change to a more affordable car insurance provider
  • Invest money, inspired by FIRE podcasts such as Strong Money
  • Check whether NRMA membership can be obtained for free
  • Switch electricity/gas

EDIT #2
I just switched to Engie with some welcome credit. I likely stay here for 3 months saving me about $280 in three months

Financial

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  • djones145 on 02/10/2025 - 22:47

    if you cooked on the hot plates in the park you would save a lot of money

    • 45
    • welcomeUniverseWorld on 03/10/2025 - 06:32

      Thank you. I will consider your option

      • 7
      • Cheaplikethebird on 03/10/2025 - 09:02

        You'll need a little trolley cart and an extension cord that's long enough to reach your neighbours outlet.

        • 14
      • Dr Phil on 03/10/2025 - 17:58

        I think only you can decide what you could cut back on.

        But the $840pa of car cleaning is a great place to start.

        Make the time and save some cash!

        Spend it on your todler instead

        Also get an annual mobile plan.
        Check out the Coles or Onepass mobile 365 day plans and wait till they go on special for about $150.

        lastly NRMA is one of the most expensive insurers so you are probably paying way too much.
        Check out: https://www.comparethemarket.com.au/car-insurance/

        The other option is to EARN MORE MONEY!

        • 4
        • BigBucko on 05/10/2025 - 21:52

          Yep 2 that stood out was definitely the car wash. Every one can find an hour or so to wash a car, if you want to save it's an easy choice.

          Secondly was the phone, I'm with Coles on a $150 plan (365 days) forget how much GB but use about half through year. Phones connects to wi-fi and office automatic. Plus when I renew they offer 20% of so $120 year. Ie $10 month.

          Also you have a budget but do you keep close tabs on it. I have a spread sheet…enter my pay, gets divided all up. Helps keeping me on straight and narrow and helps having the money there when bill or something comes up rather than trying to find cash, sort of a buffer in bank. Actually opened some of the hidden tabs and whole spreadsheet goes back 10 years. Glad I did it as financial I'm not well off dollar wise but have control, thus control means peace of mind.

          Anyhow Good Luck

          • 0
    • belongsinforums on 05/10/2025 - 09:17

      I was there…3000 years ago

      • 0
  • SBOB on 02/10/2025 - 23:01

    Car Cleaning: $70 → $840/year -> car gets seriously unclean considering I have a toddler. And I really do not get time to clean it myself.

    Could have vacuumed the car in the time it took to post this.
    Save $840/yr

    • 30
    • solidussnake on 03/10/2025 - 06:58

      I have a 3yo and 10 month old takes me 10 mins tops with a vet dry vac and using baby wipes on the dash for the dust

      • 4
    • welcomeUniverseWorld on 03/10/2025 - 06:33

      Thank you. Quite a good idea. Will consider that

      • 2
      • kerr42 on 04/10/2025 - 07:17

        Maybe just give yourself a 10 minute window. Just say “whatever I can clean in the next 10 minutes gets clean, and everything after that will have to wait.”

        I find if you timebox a task I’m much more likely to do it!

        • 3
        • belongsinforums on 05/10/2025 - 09:18

          This is also my cheat code for motivation

          • 0
    • Excelsior on 03/10/2025 - 17:43

      I have a 3 year old as well and cleaning it isn't that difficult so it's definitely doable. Mostly dry vacuuming for me as we avoid eating in the car as much as possible especially with messy/liquid foods.

      We don't do much day-to-day driving but if the exterior of my car is extremely dirty and we're short on time, we'd just go to the nearest drive thru car wash for $15.

      • 0
      • onetwothreefour on 03/10/2025 - 18:34

        I have a 3 year old as well and cleaning it isn't that difficult

        Just chuck it in the shower?

        • 2
        • Excelsior on 04/10/2025 - 12:04

          😂😂

          Or the bathtub - just get them to sit and scrub!

          • 2
  • Hybroid on 02/10/2025 - 23:01

    Not sure what we can suggest really. Wife's annual mobile cost could be halved but you know that already from your own, so there's probably a reason for it.

    Ultimately, it's the $13,596/year Childcare + associated expenses that's killing you. Everything else is pretty standard with marginal savings if any.

    No rent/mortgage seems like a win.

    • 6
    • welcomeUniverseWorld on 02/10/2025 - 23:04

      Yeah.. I bought a Lebara 1 year sim for her.. But you know.. Once a wife sticks with something, I just at times have to go with it..

      Childcare cost is high. My toddler is going to public school next year. Hence, that cost likely goes down….

      I miss my single unmarried life.

      • 1
      • boomramada on 03/10/2025 - 08:40

        No rent/mortgage

        Where are the council rates/body corporate/rates? Are you still living with your parents?
        Where is the owner/content insurance?

        dual income?
        What is the proportion of income vs expenditure ($35k) ?
        What are you trying to achieve?

        I miss my single unmarried life.

        So you're not happy with the current arrangement? I think you should discuss these with your other half.

        • 5
      • wt860 on 03/10/2025 - 14:13

        The Harvey Norman staff tried to sell me their SIM plan and asked what I spend each year. They couldn’t believe I only paid $45 on Vodafone prepaid and now I’ve switched to Telstra’s $13 six-month prepaid.

        • 3
  • ScroogeMcSpendthrift on 02/10/2025 - 23:14

    got to be missing some spend. What do you do for entertainment? stare at wall?

    • 6
    • welcomeUniverseWorld on 02/10/2025 - 23:17

      Oh man. My life is so boring. I have cut down most of my entertainment spending, like Paramount + etc.
      In most times, I am just doom scrolling or reading about science or outer space news.
      I am getting very very tired and low in energy. Thanks for pointing it out. Me and my family have not taken a vacation travelling anywhere in like many years now.
      We are tired. I try my best to squeeze money. However, it seems like I see little left at the end.

      • 6
      • Nonce on 03/10/2025 - 06:48

        sounds like youre just existing

        • 8
      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 03/10/2025 - 07:26

        tired low energy and kids

        Same so I just abuse pre workout

        • 5
      • turbochris on 03/10/2025 - 14:46

        Next year should be a good year. You will save a lot in childcare expenses. As you child gets older, there will be less mess in the car so you can cut down cleaning expenses.

        Then use some of the savings to go on a holiday - you aren't getting any younger.

        • 4
        • welcomeUniverseWorld on 04/10/2025 - 19:35

          Thanks mate. I have a wish to travel with my son to India , Europe and New Zeland.

          • 0
      • jv on 02/10/2025 - 23:46

        or reading about science or outer space news.

        https://curiositystream.com/

        • 2
      • morse on 03/10/2025 - 08:27

        Maybe take up a free or almost free sport or recreation activity like running, body weight training, bushwalking. The little one could come along on a bike for running. Also take advantage of free streaming services.

        • 1
        • welcomeUniverseWorld on 04/10/2025 - 19:35

          I have started walking as many days a week as possible, and it has been very beneficial for my overall health. I did not fully realize the impact until I began. Some of the benefits include:

          • A clearer mind
          • Improved digestion
          • A great boost in happiness, even if only for a while until the routine of daily 9–5 work sets in. I hate my work.
          • Gradual weight reduction
          • 0
      • ops on 03/10/2025 - 17:48

        Book at least a long weekend away with your family for a change of scenery, it will give you some quality family time, a break and some perspective.

        • 1
      • franz87 on 04/10/2025 - 00:57

        Can I ask your income?

        • 0
      • CocaKoala on 04/10/2025 - 09:30

        It would be better to look at ways to increase your income instead of cutting down expenses. I know it's easier said than done, but that's actually the best thing to do, even if hard. I wish you good luck and hope things get better for you.

        • 0
        • tenpercent on 04/10/2025 - 09:40

          Depends. Saving $1 of expenses can save ~$1.20 pre-tax. Earning $1 of income will only cover ~$0.84 of expenses post-tax. Those numbers are based on median taxable income; the'll look worse the higher your income goes.

          • 2
          • CocaKoala on 04/10/2025 - 12:55

            @tenpercent: Saving and earning more are not mutually exclusive propositions. They could save the $1 and still get an additional 0.84 if it makes it clear.

            • 0
        • welcomeUniverseWorld on 04/10/2025 - 19:37

          I had been thinking of switching job. I am doing some certification exam on the side. I hope to apply for new work mid of next year or early next tear with hope of more salary

          • 0
    • smartazz104 on 03/10/2025 - 14:41

      Probably when they eat out.

      • 0
  • MeesusEff on 03/10/2025 - 00:06

    Ive had 2 toddlers, car doesnt get dirty apart from sand. I dont let them eat in the car except for fruit. What is the mess from?

    • 6
    • Wiadro on 03/10/2025 - 00:20

      Poor discipline

      • 5
  • Benoffie on 02/10/2025 - 23:35

    Most of those seem in the right ballpark.

    I would be culling the car cleans and services.

    Dont recommend dropping the hospital unless needed. If youve had surgeries, recurrence is an issue

    In terms of the kid, I note things like swimming, books, education.

    How much is childcare and how much is extra fluff?

    If a child can swim and meet Senior Swim and Survive, everything else is a waste, unless they are going for gold.

    Stop buying books - use the library, especially free online services such as Sora.

    Download free content from Canva. Teachers pump most stuff on there now state departments give it to us for free.

    Limit child to one thing. Art, dance, sport whatever. Not giving parenting advice. Just acknowledging those things are stupid expensive, dont actually drive significant outcomes and make everyone time poor.

    • 5
  • JimB on 03/10/2025 - 14:46

    That's low IMO.

    Our household expenditure double that + school fees. And I still have to clean my own cars- I don't see why you don't have time to clean your own car.

    Every 2nd service is just oil and filter so if you change your own oil, it will cut it back to 1 paid service per year.

    Are you trying to save for the sake of reducing your expenditure or you can't afford the current expenses?

    Reading your comments "I am getting very very tired and low in energy." Ironically, if you don't exercise or play some sports, it becomes a cycle and you don't have energy for anything else. For both your mental and physical health, force yourself and family to go for walks/exercise/swim etc.

    "Me and my family have not taken a vacation travelling anywhere in like many years now." It doesn't cost much to go on a day trip here and there. Just have to make a plan and follow up.

    Good luck!

    • 5
  • Ashless on 03/10/2025 - 13:08

    Looks like you have squeezed as much as you can on your expenses. You should now focus on increasing your income.

    • 4
    • netjock on 03/10/2025 - 13:52

      Valid but I don't know why you get a -1 for this.

      Everyone should optimise their income for their situation. If you are on $100k and can see not much extra work / responsibility get to $120k then after tax it is around $14k extra a year. Alternatively if one person is making $200k a year and the other person income is less it might be worthwhile to both get a $100k job (total $200k) because the total tax bill is smaller (I don't like how ATO treats couples individually for income tax but centrelink takes family income).

      • 1
      • ssfps on 03/10/2025 - 17:21

        (I don't like how ATO treats couples individually for income tax but centrelink takes family income).

        Yep, we're getting scammed hard compared to most other 'first world' countries that tax on family income.

        • 0
  • nomoneynoproblems on 03/10/2025 - 14:06

    Get rid of car insurance. This is ozbargain, we don’t have car insurance around here.

    • 3
    • brawndo on 04/10/2025 - 14:23

      Get rid of car

      FTFY

      • 0
  • Wiadro on 02/10/2025 - 23:31

    why have a car when you dont buy fuel

    • 2
    • jv on 02/10/2025 - 23:47

      Tesla

      • 0
      • Wiadro on 02/10/2025 - 23:59

        Yeah prob explains the gas/power costs

        • 0
        • jv on 03/10/2025 - 00:02

          Solar

          • 0
          • Wiadro on 03/10/2025 - 00:19

            @jv: Nah the expensive amount.
            I live in a 5 bed house, 2 people plus dog, lots of tech and I pay $61 for power and $62 for gas a month.
            And I have 10kw solar

            • 0
    • welcomeUniverseWorld on 03/10/2025 - 05:45

      Fuel cost usually low about $100 a month. I must have added it with groceries….

      • 0
  • brendanm on 03/10/2025 - 06:49

    I thought you were a multimillionaire from Bitcoin.

    • 2
  • freefall101 on 03/10/2025 - 08:32

    Over half your spending is groceries and childcare, unless you dig into those more there’s not really a whole lot of savings you can do.

    Confused why this is a problem though. With that much childcare spending I assume you’re on dual income?

    You need to look at your life on a whole, if you’re spending money due to being too tired (ie car cleaning) then it’s more than just spending you need to look at. If the financial situation will improve dramatically with the kid going to school, maybe just hold out until then, then set aside a couple of grand from the savings for a holiday.

    • 2
    • ssfps on 03/10/2025 - 17:21

      Over half your spending is groceries and childcare, unless you dig into those more there’s not really a whole lot of savings you can do.

      His grocery bill is less than many single people's for a family of 4. They are already living on potatoes and rice by the looks of things.

      • -2
      • wetsandwich on 03/10/2025 - 17:46

        Hang on, in what world does a single person spend over ~240pw for groceries?

        I can do about $90 and if I go crazy with steaks and stuff then maybe $130.

        • 3
        • ssfps on 03/10/2025 - 19:38

          I agree it's a bit lavish, but there are plenty of people that do. Good meat and veg is expensive, throw in some luxuries like eggs for breakfast each day and olive oil, etc… I'm also including general household consumables in the "grocery" bill. Someone that ate pesticide-free/free-range/biodynamic etc food would probably struggle to eat well on $240 per person.

          $130 for you seems cheap if you're buying nice steaks though? Or do you mean "go crazy" as in buy economy steaks rather than only eat mince?
          As a student I use to spend ~$100 (adjusted to today's money) on food per week, and that was treating myself to an economy porterhouse steak once a fortnight.

          • 0
  • Powershopz on 03/10/2025 - 17:16

    Only thing that stands out as a massive red flag is the car cleaning. $70 a month on that is absolutely bonkers if you're comparing that to the rest of your spending.

    • 2
    • brawndo on 04/10/2025 - 14:26

      He doesn't have time to do it, that outer space news isn't going to read itself

      • 1
    • wetsandwich on 03/10/2025 - 17:42

      Yeah even if that has to be done, just pay the neighbour kid $10 to do it

      • 0
  • wetsandwich on 03/10/2025 - 17:42

    I mean.. the child is the main problem here. Most of the other stuff you can't really go cheaper without taking on a dog tier quality product/service.

    Pay a local kid $10 to clean your car, and either reduce to one car service per year or find a mate who knows about cars to do it. That's a lot of money unless it's actually breaking down and needing repairs.

    But yeah. At this stage you would gain more from earning more instead of spending less.

    • 2
  • cooni on 04/10/2025 - 07:16

    Electricity - I live in a house of 2 adults, 2 kids, no solar.
    In the last 11 months since moving here I've profited $504, not including $150 that's due in a week, and I've also just switched to Engie again for another $250 bill credit and $150 cashback. This is the sum of bills paid and cashback received.

    Also, I've had My NRMA for free for a couple of years at least. I'm sure that can be found for free.

    • 2
  • Map Roy on 04/10/2025 - 09:38

    Unfortunately even though your child will start at a public school next year, I don't think costs wil come down here. There are still a lot of other educational fees that will come eg excursions, extra curricula activities, uniforms.

    • 2
  • Jaduqimon on 02/10/2025 - 22:59

    car servicing 2x a year? if its a non european car… i would just do 1 a year.

    but all in all, a solid budget, not many places I can see that can be cut

    • 1
    • geekcohen on 03/10/2025 - 06:13

      car servicing 2x a year? if its a non european car… i would just do 1 a year.

      Servicing twice a year is most likely that they are driving 30,000kms. For the sake of some servicing at ~$700, it could be cheaper to service then run the risk and develop an issue. My vehicle servicing is twice a year, and that's just 1 car. My wife's car is pretty much serviced annually as we don't drive the kms in her car like we do mine.

      • 2
      • fredz0r on 03/10/2025 - 08:46

        doubt they are doing 30k a year - they are only spending $100 a month on fuel would be more than double that if they are get 6/l per 100km

        • 11
      • gromit on 03/10/2025 - 17:06

        They aren't doing anywhere close to 30k a year, not even close to half that, at least not on $100 a month

        • 2
      • welcomeUniverseWorld on 03/10/2025 - 06:33

        Roughly near that

        • 0
  • oscargamer on 02/10/2025 - 23:20

    Wash car yourself

    Please explain car servicing numbers. They don't math

    • 1
    • welcomeUniverseWorld on 02/10/2025 - 23:21

      Twice a year… Total cost ~1,145/year which is around $95 a month. I try to keep that in savings so that I can pay for the servicing when time comes

      • 0
      • Wiadro on 02/10/2025 - 23:35

        too much in service costs
        how many km do you do if you dont buy fuel

        • 0
        • welcomeUniverseWorld on 03/10/2025 - 05:46

          Fuel cost about $100+ a month. Must have added with groceries. Often use up flybuys points to buy groceries. And fuel cost could roughly be higher or lower as well. I bundled together . Was easier to calculate.

          • 0
      • oscargamer on 03/10/2025 - 07:21

        What car?
        How many km on the car?
        How many km per year?

        • 0
  • Nonce on 03/10/2025 - 06:52

    where is your rent/mortgage expense? you own outright or what?

    • 1
  • joka on 03/10/2025 - 07:00

    That seems quite reasonable. Trying to squeeze those last few dollars will be more work than what it’s worth.

    • 1
    • welcomeUniverseWorld on 03/10/2025 - 07:37

      It is getting challenging trying to squeeze. However, I have to continue doing so. Cost rises exponentially every year.

      • 0
      • MS Paint on 03/10/2025 - 07:51

        Cost rises exponentially every year.

        That's total BS

        • 4
        • welcomeUniverseWorld on 03/10/2025 - 19:02

          A basket of goods and services valued at $ 15000 in calendar year 2005 , would in calendar year 2024 cost $ 25,069.30
          Source: https://www.rba.gov.au/calculator/annualDecimal.html

          Total change in cost is 67.1 per cent.
          However, 67.1%/19 = 3.53% increase every year on average.

          If this is not exponential increase in cost, i do not know what is

          • -1
          • MS Paint on 04/10/2025 - 10:22

            @welcomeUniverseWorld: If the increase was exponential then in 2026 the basket of goods and services would be $50140. That's not going to happen.

            • 0
            • tenpercent on 04/10/2025 - 12:20

              @MS Paint: If the exponential growth factor were 1.026 (i.e. 2.6% increase year on year) then $15k after 20 years would be $25k.

              • 0
              • MS Paint on 04/10/2025 - 13:10

                @tenpercent: Don't get all technical on me now. I'm not a mathematicalmatician.

                • 0
  • narbe on 03/10/2025 - 07:18

    Most people have suggested the obvious.
    41k for 2 adult / 1 kid is pretty good im at double that no kids.

    Regardless few things you could consider:

    Meal Prep Lunches.
    Shop at Aldi for cheaper chemicals ie, dishwasher tablets, laundry etc cetera
    Consider the other spectrum, earnings . You can't save more than you earn.
    You haven't mentioned rent/mortgage often this is the biggest one downgrade lifestyle , compromise now for the future. You are in an apartment so I am going to guess this is low.

    Also how about listening to a few FIRE podcasts, ie Strong Money. - This isn't a push for you invest or anything, but I find a goal orientated mindset is going to help you go from "existing" to living.

    Also you are probably doing pretty well compared to alot of people so keep it up.

    • 1
  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 03/10/2025 - 07:27

    How are your feet?

    • 1
    • welcomeUniverseWorld on 03/10/2025 - 07:38

      My feet is ok. I had surgeries on my hand. It is better now. I needed two surgeries. I was doing regular Pysio. However, stopped it as I do my own exercise at home now.

      • 1
      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 03/10/2025 - 07:47

        Was more implying supplementary income in the way of feet pictures but it’s good to hear your feet are better now.

        • 14
  • wizzy on 03/10/2025 - 08:00

    You might be able to get cheaper comprehensive car insurance. I have personally never found NRMA to be the cheapest and saved hundreds of dollars by switching to Bingle. I had to claim once and they were fine.

    • 1
    • Wiadro on 03/10/2025 - 08:28

      i use greater bank

      • 0
  • backupper1 on 03/10/2025 - 11:08

    Somewhere on Ozb I read that mynrma membership can be had for free so its worth having a look

    • 1
  • IpGem on 03/10/2025 - 20:21

    I had 7 different surgeries in last 1 year. I likely will have another 3

    Hope you're holding up well mate!

    • 1
    • welcomeUniverseWorld on 04/10/2025 - 19:46

      Thanks, mate. It has been tough. My health suddenly turned upside down, and it has taken a heavy toll on me, as well as on my wife. At the same time, our bond has grown stronger because she has stood by me throughout. I also saw how sad my toddler gets when I am in the hospital and how much he cares. Overall, it has been a hard journey, but with some moments of light. We are now close to seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

      • 4
      • Craze on 05/10/2025 - 18:37

        Well done to both you and wife for roughing it out- it is through difficult times where you cherish people closest to you.

        Wishing you all the best on your road to recovery mate- stay strong and you'll get there!

        • 0
  • chiuy on 05/10/2025 - 08:52

    Private health insurance sometimes exposes you to more costs depending on your choices.

    • 1
  • AussieDaddy on 03/10/2025 - 00:47

    About $41,600 for 2 adults and 1 child without rent/mortgage? I'm single and that's about half my annual income before tax so I think I'm too poor to say whether that's high or low.

    • 0
    • welcomeUniverseWorld on 03/10/2025 - 06:38

      U save money when single. I lived at 1/10 the cost when I was single. Married life brings married expenses

      • 0
  • MS Paint on 03/10/2025 - 02:31

    Where are your credit card payments?

    • 0
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