Find Me Money

100 legit ways to find extra money you didn't know you had

Last reviewed October 2026

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Not sure where to start? Do the first two sections — subscriptions and selling what you don't use are where most people find money fastest.

General information only — not financial advice. Details checked October 2026; rules and prices change, so confirm with the official source before acting. Read the full disclaimer.

How to use this guide

Skim each section and tick anything you've already done.
Pick three tips that apply to you and do them this week.
Put every dollar you find or save into a separate account so it doesn't disappear into everyday spending.

Want a step-by-step plan with call scripts and listing templates? Use The First $1,000 Challenge alongside this guide. Looking to earn new income rather than find it? That's in Side Hustle Starter.

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Subscriptions & Sneaky Recurring Charges

16 tips

The easiest money to find is the money already leaving your account every month without you noticing.

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001

Pull every recurring charge into one list

Open the last 3 months of statements for every account and card (yours and your partner's) and write down anything that repeats — monthly, quarterly or yearly. Most people find at least one they'd forgotten about. The Bills tab in the Budget Tracker works well for this.

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002

Check the places subscriptions hide

Many don't show up under the company's name. Check your Apple ID or Google Play subscriptions, PayPal automatic payments, Amazon memberships, and any app you signed up to with a 'Sign in with Apple/Google' button.

$ Mid

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003

Work out what each one costs per year

$15.99 a month doesn't feel like much — $192 a year does. Multiply each monthly charge by 12, then decide: keep, downgrade, rotate or cancel. Only switch to annual billing for the ones you'd genuinely keep all year.

$ Mid

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004

Rotate streaming services instead of stacking them

Keep one or two streaming services at a time. Watch what you want, cancel, and switch to another next month. Most let you cancel anytime and keep access until the end of the billing period.

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Drop to a cheaper tier or a proper family plan

Several services offer cheaper ad-supported or basic plans. Family or duo plans can cut the cost per person — but most limit sharing to one household, so check the rules.

$ Mid

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Pay the company directly, not through the app store

Some subscriptions cost more when you sign up inside an iPhone or Android app than on the company's own website. Compare the price before you renew.

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007

Question the convenience memberships

Delivery and convenience memberships (food delivery passes, Amazon Prime, meal kits, beauty or wine boxes) only save money if you'd use them anyway. Count how many times you actually used it last month.

$ Mid

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008

Use what you're already paying for

Before paying for a service, check whether it's already included somewhere — Prime Video with Amazon Prime, perks bundled with your phone, internet, bank, health fund or employer. Don't pay twice for the same thing.

$ Mid

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Clear out duplicate cloud storage

It's common to pay for iCloud, Google One, OneDrive and Dropbox at the same time. Pick one, move your files across, and cancel the rest.

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Let your library replace a few subscriptions

A free library card can give you ebooks and audiobooks (Libby, BorrowBox), movies (Kanopy) and newspapers and magazines (PressReader). What's available varies by library — check before you renew Audible, Kindle Unlimited or a news subscription.

$ Mid

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Start to cancel and see what they offer

When you go to cancel, many services offer a discount or a free month to keep you. Take it only if you'd keep using it — otherwise finish cancelling.

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Freeze, downgrade or quit the gym

Work out your cost per visit over the last 3 months. Many gyms let you suspend or move to an off-peak membership. Check the notice period in your contract so you're not charged an extra month.

$ Mid

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Check kids' apps, games and in-app purchases

Game passes, app subscriptions and in-app purchases add up fast. Turn on Ask to Buy (Apple) or Family Link approvals (Google) so nothing new is charged without you seeing it.

$ Mid

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014

Set a free-trial rule

When you sign up for a free trial, put a reminder in your phone for two days before it ends — at the moment you sign up. If your bank offers card controls or virtual cards, use them for trials.

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015

Ask your bank to stop a charge you can't cancel

If a business makes it hard to cancel, banks that follow the Banking Code of Practice must act on your request to cancel a direct debit or recurring card payment — you don't have to go to the business first. You may still owe anything due under your contract.

$ Mid

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016

Drop add-ons you're paying for by default

Extended warranties, phone insurance, 'premium' account upgrades and add-on protection plans often double up on rights you already have under the Australian Consumer Law. Check what you're covered for before you keep paying.

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📦

Sell What's Around Your House

16 tips

Most homes have a few hundred dollars sitting in cupboards, garages and kids' rooms. Here's how to turn it into cash without it taking over your weekend.

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017

Do a 20-minute room-by-room sweep

Take a box into each room and add anything you haven't used in 6 months and wouldn't buy again. Don't list yet — just collect. Kids' rooms, the garage, the linen cupboard and under the beds usually hold the most.

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018

Price from sold listings, not asking prices

On eBay, search your item and tick 'Sold items' to see what people actually paid. Price slightly above that to leave room to negotiate, and drop the price about 10% if it hasn't sold in a week.

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019

Write listings that sell

Use natural light and a plain background, and show any marks honestly. Put the brand, model, size and condition in the title, and add measurements for furniture. Clear listings get fewer time-wasting questions.

$ Mid

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020

Match the item to the right platform

Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree suit bulky, local-pickup items. eBay reaches buyers nationally for things you can post (and charges fees). Vinted and Depop suit clothes. Local buy, swap and sell groups are good for kids' gear.

$ Mid

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021

Sell outgrown kids' gear

Prams, carriers, high chairs, bassinets, ride-ons and size bundles of clothes resell well. Check safety first: second-hand cots must meet the mandatory standard, don't sell car seats that are over 10 years old or have been in a crash, and check product recalls on productsafety.gov.au.

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022

Check toys and collectables before donating them

Lego (by set or by the kilo), trading cards, vintage toys and complete board games can be worth more than you'd think. Check sold listings before they go to the op shop.

$ Mid

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023

Sell or trade in old phones, tablets and laptops

Compare a private sale with trade-in offers from manufacturers, phone companies and buyback services. Back up, sign out of your accounts (including Find My / Activation Lock) and do a factory reset before handing it over.

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Sell kitchen gadgets and small appliances

Coffee machines, Thermomixes, stand mixers and air fryers you don't use hold good resale value. Include the manual, accessories and original box if you still have them.

$ Mid

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025

Sell furniture and outdoor settings

Solid timber, designer and good-condition outdoor furniture sell well locally. If you're planning a move or renovation, sell before — it's easier than moving things you'll never use.

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026

Sell fitness equipment, bikes and sports gear

Treadmills, weights, bikes, golf clubs and surfboards often sit unused. Demand tends to peak in January (new year goals) and spring.

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027

Clear out tools and garage gear

Power tools from good brands, ladders, pressure washers and camping gear hold value. Bundle the batteries and chargers with the tools.

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028

Sell clothes, shoes and bags

Brand-name, activewear, workwear and designer pieces sell best. Use Vinted, Depop or eBay for everyday items, and a consignment store for higher-end bags and clothing.

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029

Sell things in the right season

List heaters in autumn, pool and outdoor gear in spring, Christmas decorations in October–November and school items in January. The same item can sell faster and for more at the right time.

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030

Bundle the small stuff into a garage sale

Things that aren't worth listing on their own can go in one garage sale or a bundle listing. Community events like Garage Sale Trail can bring extra buyers.

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031

Cash in scrap metal, e-waste and old cars

Scrap yards pay for copper, brass and aluminium, and car wreckers will often pay cash for an old car that's sitting in the driveway. Call ahead for current prices.

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032

Sell safely and keep it simple

Meet in a public place, take payment before handing anything over, and be wary of buyers who ask you to click a link or 'upgrade' your PayID to receive money — it's a common scam (see scamwatch.gov.au). Selling your own personal items generally isn't taxable; regularly buying things to resell can be.

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State Rebates & Vouchers Worth Checking

16 tips

NSW first, then the standouts in each other state. Most of these aren't paid automatically — you have to claim them. Amounts and rules change, so check the official page before you apply.

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NSW: Start with the Service NSW Savings Finder

The Savings Finder on service.nsw.gov.au brings dozens of NSW rebates and vouchers into one place — energy, transport, kids, seniors and more. You can also book a free appointment with a Savings Finder specialist who'll go through what you can claim.

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NSW: Claim the $60 weekly toll cap

If you spend more than $60 a week on personal tolls, you can claim back the amount over $60 (on up to $400 a week in tolls, with a $5,000 annual limit). The cap is now permanent. Link your toll account to your MyServiceNSW Account and claim each quarter — the average payout in early 2026 was around $300.

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NSW: Register for the M5 South-West Cashback

If you use the M5 South-West in a privately registered NSW car, you may be able to claim back the tolls through Service NSW. Register first, then claim each quarter.

$ Mid

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NSW: Use the Active and Creative Kids vouchers

If you receive Family Tax Benefit, each school-aged child can get a $50 voucher twice a year for sport, music, art and other activities. Check the expiry dates — the two vouchers open in January and July.

$ Mid

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NSW: Check every energy rebate you might qualify for

NSW has several energy rebates — the Low Income Household Rebate, Family Energy Rebate (up to $180 a year), Seniors Energy Rebate, Gas Rebate (up to $110), and Medical Energy Rebate. Some households qualify for more than one. Apply through Service NSW or your retailer.

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NSW: Use the Green Slip Price Check before you renew rego

CTP green slip prices can differ between insurers for the same car and driver. Compare every insurer on the free Green Slip Price Check before you renew — it takes a couple of minutes.

$ Mid

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NSW: Look at discounted energy-saving upgrades

Through Service NSW's household energy saving upgrades, eligible homes can get discounts on things like efficient hot water systems, reverse-cycle air conditioning and lighting. Only worth it for something you'd replace anyway — get more than one quote.

$ Mid

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NSW: Check first home buyer concessions

Eligible NSW first home buyers can pay no stamp duty on homes up to $800,000 (with concessions up to $1 million), and the $10,000 First Home Owner Grant applies to eligible new homes. The federal 5% Deposit Scheme and First Home Super Saver Scheme may also help. Thresholds change — check Revenue NSW and the ATO.

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041

All states: Check solar, battery and water rebates

Eligible solar systems get an upfront discount through small-scale technology certificates, and the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program discounts eligible batteries. Many water utilities and councils offer rebates on water-efficient products or tanks. Get quotes from accredited installers.

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042

All states: Cash in your cans and bottles

Every state and territory now has a container deposit scheme paying 10c per eligible container (Return and Earn in NSW, Containers for Change in QLD and WA, CDS Vic, Recycle Rewards in TAS). Keep a bag in the garage — it adds up, and it's a good job for the kids.

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043

All states: Use your council's free services

Many councils offer free bulky waste pickups, free tip vouchers, tool libraries and free events — a free pickup can save you a skip bin. Check your council's website before paying for something they already provide.

$ Mid

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044

VIC: Make the most of free kids' travel and the Get Active Kids voucher

Since January 2026, Victorians under 18 travel free on public transport. Families with a Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card can also apply for the Get Active Kids Voucher (up to $200 per child) when rounds open.

$ Mid

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045

QLD: 50c fares, Play On! vouchers and the Back to School Boost

Queensland's 50c public transport fares are now permanent. Play On! Sports Vouchers give up to $200 per child aged 5–17 (no income test), and primary students get a Back to School Boost credit through their school ($100 in 2026, $150 from 2027).

$ Mid

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046

SA: Claim Sports Vouchers Plus

South Australian children from Reception to Year 9 can get two $100 vouchers a year towards sport, music or activities — no income test. The provider claims it for you, so just ask at sign-up.

$ Mid

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047

WA & TAS: KidSport and Ticket to Play

WA's KidSport covers up to $300 a year towards kids' sport for eligible families. Tasmania's Ticket to Play gives eligible kids two vouchers of up to $100 each. Both are mainly for concession card holders — check the eligibility page.

$ Mid

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048

NT & ACT: Sport vouchers and school cost help

In the NT, school students can get two $100 Sport Vouchers a year with no means test. In the ACT, the Future of Education Equity Fund helps eligible low-income families with school costs.

$ Mid

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Money You're Owed

12 tips

Money that's already yours — it just hasn't found its way back to you yet.

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049

Search for unclaimed money on ASIC's Moneysmart

Lost bank accounts, shares and life insurance policies end up with ASIC. Search moneysmart.gov.au with your full legal name and any former names. It's free — never pay a 'finder' service to do this.

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050

Check every state's unclaimed money register

Each state and territory has its own unclaimed money register (e.g. Revenue NSW), separate from ASIC. Search every state where you've lived or worked.

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Find lost super

There's over $21 billion in lost and ATO-held super (ATO, June 2026). Link the ATO to myGov and check the Super section — especially if you've changed jobs, names or addresses.

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052

Check your super is being paid

The Super Guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. Since 1 July 2026 (Payday Super), it should be paid with your wages and reach your fund within 7 business days. Compare your payslips with your fund's transactions.

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053

Check your pay against your award

Underpayment is more common in some industries, such as hospitality and retail. Check your rate with the Fair Work Ombudsman's free Pay and Conditions Tool.

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Lodge any outstanding tax returns

If you haven't lodged for past years, you may be owed a refund (and may still need to lodge). Use myTax in myGov or a registered tax agent for older or complex years.

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Claim your work-from-home deductions properly

Use the ATO's fixed rate method (currently 70c per hour) or actual costs. Both need records — like a log of the hours you work from home — so start keeping them from 1 July.

$ Mid

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Recover an old rental bond

If a bond was never claimed, contact the bond authority in the state where you rented (e.g. NSW Fair Trading, RTBA in VIC). Very old bonds may have moved to unclaimed money.

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Ask your bank to refund fees

Call your bank and ask for a fee review. Dishonour, overdrawn and account-keeping fees can sometimes be refunded on request — it costs nothing to ask.

$ Mid

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Get a refund on cancelled insurance

If you cancelled a policy part-way through (e.g. after selling a car or switching insurers), you may be owed a pro-rata refund of unused premium. Ask your old insurer.

$ Mid

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Chase credit left on closed accounts

Utilities, telcos and payment apps (like old PayPal accounts) can hold credit after you close or stop using them. Check final bills and old logins, and ask for a refund.

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060

Use forgotten gift cards and travel credits

Search your inbox for 'gift card', 'voucher', 'credit' and 'e-gift'. Most gift cards sold since November 2019 must have at least a 3-year expiry, and airlines and hotels sometimes issue credits instead of refunds — note the expiry dates.

$ Mid

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Bills You're Probably Overpaying

14 tips

One phone call or comparison can cut a bill for the whole year.

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061

Compare your energy plan

Use the free government comparison site Energy Made Easy (or Victorian Energy Compare in VIC). Switch, or ask your current retailer to match a better offer.

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Ask your internet provider for a better deal

Retention teams can sometimes offer a discount. Quote a competitor's price — and check contract and modem fees before switching.

$ Mid

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Move to a cheaper prepaid mobile plan

Low-data prepaid plans can cost much less than a $70+ monthly plan. Check your actual data use and coverage where you live and work first.

$ Mid

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064

Ask your lender for a rate review

Call your lender and ask for a better rate. Lenders sometimes reduce rates for existing customers, especially if you can show a competing offer.

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065

Look at refinancing your home loan

As a rough example, a rate 0.5% lower on a $500,000 loan is about $2,500 less interest in the first year. Factor in switching costs and talk to a lender or broker.

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Make your offset account work harder

Money in an offset reduces the interest on your home loan. Having your pay land there and keeping money in it as long as possible maximises the daily balance.

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Get fresh car and home insurance quotes at renewal

Renewal prices often creep up. Get new quotes every year and ask your insurer to match — but check the cover is the same (excess, agreed vs market value) before switching.

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Ask if paying annually is cheaper

Some insurers charge more for monthly instalments than one annual payment. Ask for both prices at renewal.

$ Mid

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Review your health insurance extras

Compare what you pay for extras with what you actually claimed last year. A lower tier may suit you better — check waiting periods before downgrading.

$ Mid

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Check your private health rebate tier

The government rebate on private health premiums is income-tested. Make sure your tier is right each year so you're not under-claiming at tax time.

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Individuals are registered automatically, but couples and families need to register so costs are combined. Once you reach the threshold, you may get more back on out-of-hospital costs.

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Check for duplicate insurance inside super

With more than one super fund, you may be paying insurance in each. Before you consolidate, check what cover you'd lose.

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Switch to a no-fee bank account

If you're paying $5–10 a month in account fees, that's $60–120 a year. Plenty of banks offer no-monthly-fee accounts — check the conditions.

$ Mid

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074

Ask for a lower credit card rate or fee

Call your card provider and ask for a lower rate or for the annual fee to be waived. Low-rate cards and balance transfers are options — watch the revert rate.

$ Mid

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Everyday Savings at Home

12 tips

Small changes that keep saving you money every week.

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075

Meal plan around what's already in the fridge

Australian households are estimated to throw out around $2,000–2,500 of food a year. A 20-minute weekly plan built around what you already have helps cut this.

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Compare by unit price

Check the unit price (per 100g, kg or litre) on shelf labels and online, and compare Coles, Woolworths and ALDI before a big shop.

$ Mid

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077

Buy marked-down meat and freeze it

Freeze it the day you buy it (before the use-by date) and thaw it in the fridge.

$ Mid

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Check fuel prices before you fill up

Prices can vary a lot between nearby servos and across the week. Use a fuel app (e.g. FuelCheck in NSW) and your supermarket docket at participating stations.

$ Mid

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079

Set heating and cooling efficiently

Each degree warmer in winter or cooler in summer can add around 5–10% to running costs. Aim for 18–20°C in winter and 25–27°C in summer.

$ Mid

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080

Cut standby power

Switch off at the wall, or use a smart power board for the TV, consoles and chargers.

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081

Wash in cold water

Most of a washing machine's energy goes into heating water. Switching most loads to cold is an easy, ongoing saving.

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Switch to LED lighting

LEDs use around 75% less energy than halogen bulbs and last much longer. Start with the lights you use most.

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Stop draughts

Draught stoppers and seals around doors and windows are cheap and quick to fit.

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084

Grow a few herbs and easy veg

Herbs, lettuce and tomatoes are easy starters — herbs alone can replace a lot of supermarket bunches.

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Borrow instead of buying

Libraries, toy libraries and council tool libraries lend things you'll only use once or twice.

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Get three quotes from tradies

Get at least three written quotes for bigger jobs and compare like-for-like — and check licences and insurance.

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Cashback, Rewards & Discounts

14 tips

Get a little back on money you were going to spend anyway.

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Activate cashback before you shop online

Cashback sites like ShopBack and Cashrewards pay a percentage back from hundreds of retailers. Rates change often — compare both before a bigger purchase, and count it once it's confirmed.

$ Mid

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088

Check your bank app for cashback offers

Some banks offer targeted cashback when you activate an offer in the app and pay with your card. It takes seconds to check.

$ Mid

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Scan Flybuys and Everyday Rewards

Scan every shop and activate the bonus offers in each app. Points can come off your shop or convert to frequent flyer points.

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Buy discounted gift cards during promotions

Supermarkets regularly run gift card promotions. Only buy for brands you'd use anyway, and check expiry dates.

$ Mid

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Stack discounts on bigger purchases

Buy a discounted gift card, activate cashback, and use a promo code. Check the fine print — some cashback excludes gift card purchases.

$ Mid

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Search for a promo code before you pay

Search '[retailer] promo code' at checkout. Stick to reputable sites — some coupon extensions track your shopping.

$ Mid

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Set OzBargain alerts for your wishlist

Set alerts on ozbargain.com.au for things you actually need, and buy when a genuine low price appears.

$ Mid

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Check price history and time big purchases

Price-tracking sites show past prices. EOFY, Black Friday and Boxing Day sales are often good for electronics, furniture and whitegoods.

$ Mid

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Ask for a better price

'Is that your best price?' costs nothing — especially with services, trades and local businesses.

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Check your workplace benefits platform

Many employers offer perks platforms (often through a salary packaging provider) with discounts on retail, travel and more. Log in and look.

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Use your motoring club discounts

Roadside memberships (NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAA, RAC, RACT, AANT) often include discounts on travel, attractions and fuel.

$ Mid

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Buy refurbished tech

Official refurbished programs sell tested devices with a warranty for less than new — and your consumer law rights still apply.

$ Mid

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Use a low-fee card overseas

Many cards charge around 3% on overseas transactions — about $150 on a $5,000 trip. Low or no-fee options can save most of that.

$ Mid

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Only use a rewards card if you clear it monthly

Annual fees and interest can easily wipe out the value of points. They're only worth it if you pay the full balance every month.

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Important information — please read

General information only: This guide shares general information and personal experience only. It doesn't take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs, and it is not financial, tax, legal or credit advice. Living Invested is not a financial adviser, tax agent, lawyer or credit provider. Before acting, consider whether the information suits your circumstances and speak with an appropriately licensed or registered professional.
Figures are estimates: Dollar amounts and value labels (High / Mid / Low) are rough, illustrative estimates, not guarantees. What you save or recover depends on your circumstances.
Financial products: Tips mentioning insurance, super, credit cards, loans or bank accounts are general information only. Switching or cancelling a financial product can have costs or consequences (such as losing insurance cover), so read the PDS and get advice if you're unsure.
Check it's still current: Details were checked in October 2026. Government payments, thresholds, tax rules, platform terms, fees and prices change often. Always confirm with the official source (e.g. ato.gov.au, servicesaustralia.gov.au, moneysmart.gov.au, fairwork.gov.au) before acting.
Brands are examples, not recommendations: Companies, products, apps and platforms are mentioned as examples only — not as recommendations or endorsements. Read the terms, fees and any Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before you sign up for anything.
Your responsibility: To the extent permitted by law, Living Invested accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of or reliance on this guide. Watch out for scams: legitimate opportunities won't ask you to pay upfront to earn money, and government agencies won't cold-call asking for payment.