Saving can be tricky, especially when the cost of living is high and your wages aren’t stretching as far as they used to.

However, making some minor changes to your daily, weekly and monthly routines can sometimes result in extra money in the bank for that next holiday, big purchase or long-term goal.

Here are a few tips to try and channel more money into the savings account.

1. Link up pay and savings accounts

If you get paid on a regular day, consider making an immediate, automated transfer from your salary or wages to either a high-interest savings account or term deposit.

The idea here is you don’t have time to think about spending the chosen amount before it’s moved somewhere else.

2. Do a membership and subscription detox

Consider putting aside a morning on your day off to look at regular deductions from your account. If some of them are from streaming platforms, gym memberships or other services you no longer use, think about periodically going through and cancelling them.

3. Reduce spending at the checkout

Apart from the mortgage, rent and maybe bills, the supermarket is likely to be where a lot of your cash is going. Finding ways to lower your spend can result in savings for that next goal.

Consider planning meals around weekly supermarket discounts, buying home brand, eating seasonal produce and creating a strict list to try and lower what you pay at the checkout.

4. Try to lower energy and mobile costs

There are a number of ways you can try to bring down your household electricity and gas prices, including switching off appliances when they’re not in use, limiting or avoiding the dryer, closing blinds to keep the home warmer in winter and only using heating at set times. In some states and territories, you can also shop around for providers.

When it comes to your mobile phone, finding a cheaper deal may help to bring down your bill. You could also consider using an older handset, so that you don’t have to pay off the phone on top of your usage.

5. Use public transport or carpool

Petrol prices are still high across the country, so if you’re in a position to take public transport you may be able to reduce what you pay at the bowser. If you’re not close to train, tram, bus or ferry lines, sharing a ride with a friend could be a way to split the costs.

Like every article on this website, this is not personal financial advice.