Five Practical Ways to Save Money in 2025

As the cost of living continues to rise in New Zealand, saving money has become a priority for many.

With some simple changes to how you manage your expenses, you could save thousands of dollars in 2025.

Here are five straightforward tips to help you keep more money in your bank account:

1. Save Up to $670 by Switching Your Car Insurance

Changing your car insurance provider could save you as much as $670 a year.

A recent survey by Consumer NZ revealed that the difference between the highest and lowest premiums for the same coverage was $56 a month—or $670 annually.

“Car insurance premiums can vary greatly for the same level of coverage, so it’s worth taking the time to shop around,” said Sahar Lone, Consumer NZ’s communications and campaigns manager.

Make sure to look for the same or better coverage at a lower cost. You can also reduce your premiums by increasing your excess or paying annually instead of monthly.

2. Save Up to $825 by Shopping Smarter for Groceries

The price of the same groceries can vary significantly between supermarkets. By shopping around, you could save hundreds each year.

Consumer NZ compared prices on 22 grocery items over two months and found that shopping at Pak’nSave instead of New World could save an average of $14 per week—that’s $700 a year. Shopping at Woolworths cost $825 more per year than Pak’nSave for the same items, even with an Everyday Rewards card.

“Shopping around can make a big difference,” said Lone. “If you have the time and it doesn’t cost much in petrol, consider splitting your list between stores offering the best deals. You can check prices online or use the Grocer app to plan before heading out.”

3. Save Up to $870 by Adjusting Your Power Use

Small changes to your energy habits can lead to big savings.

Simple adjustments like using your heat pump efficiently, turning off appliances at the wall, and cutting down shower times can save hundreds of dollars each year.

“For instance, setting your heat pump between 19°C and 21°C instead of higher can save $320 annually,” said Lone. “Using cold water for laundry could save $50 a year, and reducing your shower time from 15 minutes to 5 minutes could save up to $260 per person annually.”

These small changes can add up over time.

4. Save $240 by Canceling a Streaming Service

If you’re subscribed to multiple streaming platforms, it might be time to review what you actually use.

Canceling a service that costs $20 a month but isn’t used much could save you $240 a year.

“Streaming services add up quickly, but you don’t have to miss out on your favorite shows,” said Lone. “You can switch between services month to month to stay up to date with new content without paying for all of them at the same time.”

5. Save Up to $494 by Changing Your Power Plan

Switching to a cheaper power plan could save you hundreds of dollars each year.

Consumer NZ’s free Powerswitch tool can help you compare power plans and find the best deal for your household.

“On average, households can save $494 annually by using Powerswitch,” said Lone. “It’s a quick and easy way to ensure you’re not paying more than you need to for electricity.”

Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference

With just a few simple adjustments to your spending habits, you could save thousands of dollars over the next year. These tips can help you reduce costs without sacrificing quality or convenience.

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