How to save money using your My NRMA membership

2. Change how you grocery shop:

Managing grocery expenses is crucial to reduce your cost of living. Here are some simple tricks to help slim down your grocery bill:

• Shop online: Avoid the temptations of supermarket aisles and potential impulse buying by doing your shopping online. This can help you stay on track with your spending.
• Buy seasonal products: Buying fruits, vegetables, and other produce when they are in season offers better quality and more affordable options.
• Shop the specials: Keep an eye out for reductions at your local supermarket and consider buying non-perishable items in bulk to save.

Your My NRMA membership benefit

As a My NRMA member, take advantage of benefits such as the 4% off Woolworths eGift cards to further reduce your grocery expenses.

Your potential savings

The average weekly grocery bill in NSW for a family of four is around $200. By pre-purchasing a $200 Woolworths eGift card with your membership discount of 4%, you save $8 which over the course of 6 months equates to $208^#.

Every dollar counts and combined with our other savings tips, will be an added boost to your budget.

3. Earn money back through cashback:

Cashback programs offer consumers a simple way to save money on purchases by providing cash rebates based on spending, unlike traditional points-based rewards systems. Most programs are free so setting one up can lead to big savings in the long run simply by shopping at selected retailers. Here are some tips to finding the right cashback program for you:

• Research: Take the time to explore different cashback programs available, considering factors such as the range of participating retailers, the percentage of cashback offered, and any additional benefits or features.
• Compare: Review cashback programs to find the best fit for your shopping habits and preferences. Look for programs that align with your spending patterns and offer the most competitive rewards.
• Be strategic: Maximise your cashback earnings by using the program consistently for your purchases, but avoid overspending solely for the sake of earning cashback. Be mindful of any terms and conditions, such as minimum spending requirements or expiration dates, to ensure you make the most of the program without any surprises.
  
  

Your My NRMA membership benefit

As a My NRMA member, you can set up My Cashback via the My NRMA app by securely linking your credit or debit card, which means that you can receive a percentage back on eligible purchases made through the My NRMA app or in-store with our growing list of cashback partners like MILKRUN, Adore Beauty, Bonds, Pet Circle, Chemist Warehouse and more. Once you've earned at least $10 in cashback, you can choose to withdraw it to your bank account or donate it to one of our charity partners. 

What's the catch? There is no catch – My cashback is free for My NRMA members. Our cashback partners pay a commission for each transaction made through the My Cashback program, and we pass the majority of this along as cash to our members. The NRMA is a mutual. Any revenue made by the mutual as a result of My Cashback is invested back into products and services to provide more value to all our members.

4. Compare your utility providers

Reducing expenses on utilities and bills can make a significant difference in your monthly budget. Don't stick with the same providers out of convenience – shop around and find better deals:

• Use comparison sites: There are many sites that can help you compare the cost of utilities. Try and use government-recommended comparison sites like Energy Made Easy. These sites are provided by the Australian Government to find cheaper energy plans and reduce your electricity and gas bills and are not biased towards sponsorships or financial partners. Signing up to My NRMA gives you access to exclusive gas and electricity offers with ENGIE.
• Look for new deals: When it comes to credit cards, insurance, telcos and everything in-between, exploring different providers can lead to significant savings thanks to new member deals. 
• Negotiate: Take your new deal back to your current provider, and you may be able to negotiate a retention offer enticing enough to stay. Apply this technique to all your bills and expenses to find the best deals available.

Your My NRMA membership benefit

My NRMA members living in NSW who make the switch to ENGIE will receive a member-only discount off gas and electricity usage and supply charges.

Potential savings

My NRMA can offer serious savings for members. Depending on your usage, those who sign up to an ENGIE electricity offer could save $256*^ on electricity bills over 12 months.

5. Consider your entertainment, travel and dining out plans 

Even in difficult economic times, it’s important to try to put aside some budget for travel and entertainment to keep spirits up. If you are planning a trip this year or want a simple treat, here are some ways you can make it more affordable:

• Get a deal: Keep an eye out for travel deals offered by airlines. Sign up for fare watches and airline marketing emails and you could find some incredible deals. 
• Look at your transport options: Consider taking a road trip close to home, which can often be more cost-effective. It also means you'll have access to your own car and can bring necessities along to save buying anything later on the trip. 
• Find cheaper accommodation and look for accommodation options that include a kitchen to save on dining expenses.
• Look for budget friendly experiences the whole family can enjoy. There are plenty of outdoor activities to do with the warmer starting to get warmer.

Your My NRMA membership benefit

We know travel is important to Australians so we have a long list of member exclusive travel and activity deals to help keep cost in check.

Check for exclusive member deals at NRMA Parks and Resorts, with over 40 locations across Australia offering memorable and affordable holiday options. Members also enjoy special perks including guaranteed best price and flexible cancellations.

If you're heading away and looking at car rentals, members also save up to 15% on SIXT daily rates in Australia and select international locations.

My NRMA members can also access takeaway and dining discounts from thousands of restaurants, cafes and takeaways across Australia.

Also, remember you can access nationwide cinema and and attractions discounts with your My NRMA membership

Potential savings

Members can save up to 52% on movie vouchers at Event Cinemas, with prices from $14 for adults and $12.50 for children. Find discounts from 25-48% on movie tickets with regional cinemas across Australia through our partner Choovie. Members can also save up to 78% on a stay at one of our parks and resorts and up to 81% at our variety of dining options across Australia.

6. Reach out for support:

If you find yourself in need of financial support, resources are available to assist you. Visit the Australian Government website to learn about various financial assistance programs. Additionally, you can find helpful resources like MoneySmart, a free government resource offering budgeting tips and financial counselling. 

If you need further assistance, call the free national debt help line on 1800 007 007. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can make a free call to Mob Strong Debt Helpline on 1800 808 488.

_{Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as financial or investment advice and should not be relied upon as such. Before making any financial decisions, consider your personal circumstances and consult with a qualified professional such as a financial advisor or accountant.}

<sub>**Based on an average fuel price of $1.82/L with a 40L fuel tank. With our premium My NRMA member fuel discount of a savings of 5c/L, the spend would be $70.80/week representing a saving of $2 per week equates to a total savings $48 over 6-month period.

*^Based on an annual estimated cost of $1,571 for an average residential customer in the Ausgrid network with a usage of 3,911kWh in the first 12 months on the NRMA Engie energy plan would pay $1,571, based on the rates for DomSingle – Peak Only. Estimate includes GST and discounts. Bills may differ depending on your actual usage and any future price changes. Reference price for your network and tariff is $1,827. Price fact sheet available at engie.com.au.</sub>

_{#Based on an average weekly shop of $200. Using Woolworths Supermarket eGift Cards with a 4% discount, that’s a saving of $8 per shop, over 6-month period, that’s a saving of $208.}