This Australian mum’s clever petrol hack could save you $25 at the pump

In a world where the cost of living seems to be perpetually on the rise, finding ways to save money has become a necessity for many Australian families. One Australian mum has taken to social media to share her ingenious hack that could save you a significant amount on your next petrol fill-up—up to $25 on a tank, to be precise.

Christina, known as The Stingy Mama on social media, is a savvy spender who has become quite the expert at cutting costs without cutting corners. Her secret weapon? The 7-Eleven app, which allows users to lock in the lowest petrol price of the week. This means that even if you don’t need to fill up your tank right away, or if you can’t make it to the station on the day when prices are at their lowest, you can still secure that price for a future fill-up. 

‘I would use that one religiously because that one really does save you, like sometimes I’ll save $25 on a tank of petrol,’ Christina explains. It’s a simple yet effective strategy that takes advantage of fluctuating fuel prices, ensuring you’re always getting the best deal possible.

But Christina’s cost-cutting measures don’t stop at the petrol pump. She’s also a proponent of other frugal hacks that can make a big difference over time. For instance, she cuts her sponges in half to double their lifespan, a trick that she was surprised to learn is more common than she thought. According to a survey by TopCashback, which included responses from 1001 people, 7.5 per cent of Australians also practice this sponge-saving technique.

Some of the other money-saving tactics Australians are using may raise eyebrows, such as reusing teabags—a habit 13.9 per cent of survey respondents admitted to. While Christina isn’t a fan of this particular hack, she does understand the appeal of being frugal in other areas, such as social obligations. She relates to the 15.5 per cent of Australians who have pretended to be sick to avoid the expense of attending costly dinners or birthday celebrations.

Christina’s frugality was instilled in her from a young age, but it became even more crucial after she had her first child and her husband underwent a career change, leaving them to live on a minimum wage. This life shift prompted her to become even more resourceful with money, finding ways to save through cashback apps and side hustles like filling out surveys for extra cash.

In addition to these personal hacks, Christina and other Australians are finding creative ways to stretch their dollars further. Some of these include regifting presents, adding water to soap and shampoo to get every last drop, checking stores for end-of-day sales, borrowing items instead of buying, and even scavenging for treasures during council pick-up times.

Finding ways to save money can make a real difference, especially with the rising cost of living. Whether it’s through small everyday habits or using smart tools like the 7-Eleven app, there are plenty of creative ways to stretch your budget.

Have you tried any of these savings tips before? What are your go-to strategies for cutting costs on everyday expenses? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!

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