A person paying with her phone in a cafe as the Beforepay Cost of Living Index for April 20242 shows a 5% month-on-month increase in daily averages spending

Cost of Living Index

April 2024 Beforepay Cost of Living Index

Consumer spending rebounds as the daily average spend jumps 5% month-on-month to $63.28 in April 2024, according to the Beforepay Cost of Living Index.

5 minute read
Beforepay released the March 2024 Cost of Living Index today,  reveals consumer spending decreased by 0.82% month-on-month in March. The new data shows daily average spending dropped to $60.28 in March, down from $60.78 in February.

Cost of Living Index

March 2024 Beforepay Cost of Living Index

Beforepay released the March 2024 Cost of Living Index today, reveals consumer spending decreased by 0.82% month-on-month in March.

5 minute read

Cost of Living Index

February 2024 Beforepay Cost of Living Index

February sees 4.6% uplift in spending with a twist in Valentine's day habit, according to the February 2024 Beforepay Cost of Living.

5 minute read
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Cost of Living Index

January 2024 Beforepay Cost of Living Index

Australians tighten their belts after the holidays with 10.2% spending decline in January, according to the January 2024 Beforepay Cost of Living Index.

5 minute read
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Cost of Living Index

December 2023 Beforepay Cost of Living Index

Australians spent $66 on Christmas 2023, fuelled by lower petrol prices, according to the December 2023 Beforepay Cost of Living Index.

5 minute read
A man and woman staring at laptop planning their financial resolutions together

Budgeting and saving

Financial Resolutions A-Z

Dive into our A-Z financial resolutions for easy steps toward confidence and control, from emergency savings to meal prepping.

12 minute read

Cost of Living Index

October 2023 Beforepay Cost of Living Index

Consumer spending declines 1.01% in October 2023 accroding to the Beforepay Cost of Living Index.

5 minute read
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Cost of Living Index

September 2023 Beforepay Cost of Living Index

Daily average spending down 1.3% in September 2023 as petrol prices rise, according to the Beforepay Cost of Living Index.

5 minute read
Man filling up car at petrol station

Budgeting and saving

Popular

7 apps to help you find cheap petrol

Looking for cheap petrol near you? Here are 7 apps that could help you save the next time you plan to fill up.

7 minute read
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Things you need to know about cybersecurity

September 2023 Beforepay Beat highlights: Common signs something might be a scam and tips for staying safe when shopping online.

7 minute read
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Managing my finances

Keeping your information safe online: A Q&A with Beforepay CTO Rajini Carpenter

We sat down with Beforepay’s Chief Technology Officer, Rajini Carpenter, to break down what cybersecurity is and tips for keeping your information safe!

11 minute read
Close up of a fuel pump filing car with petrol.

Cost of Living Index

August 2023 Beforepay Cost of Living Index

Daily average spending declines 4.9% in August 2023, according to the Beforepay Cost of Living Index.

5 minute read
A woman typing on her laptop

Resources

Cybersecurity terms A-Z

From anti-virus protection to zero-day exploits, learn key cybersecurity terms to protect yourself from online scams and threats when using the internet.

11 minute read
The Beforepay Beat newsletter logo

Ways you could make extra money without quitting your job

August 2023 Beforepay Beat highlights: Simple and stress-free ways to make extra cash, and things you could rent out to make some extra money.

7 minute read
A girl with a thumbs up sign with a logo of Beforepay and Finder Award.

Budgeting and saving

Beforepay highly commended in Finder Awards 2023

Beforepay has been highly commended in the Finder Customer Satisfaction Awards 2023, rated by real customers with real experiences.

5 minute read
A girl smiling holding her phone, a laptop and boxes on her desk.

Managing my finances

Ways to earn extra money that work with your schedule

Explore simple and creative ways you could make extra money, from growing your savings to starting a side hustle.

14 minute read
Close up of phone held near EFTPOS machine to process payment

Cost of Living Index

July 2023 Beforepay Cost of Living Index

Daily spending rose by 10.6% from $58.88 in June 2023 to $65.13 in July 2023, according to the Beforepay Cost of Living Index.

5 minute read
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Tips for navigating job loss and changes

July 2023 Beforepay Beat highlights: Chance to win $500 with Beforepay, and tips to help you navigate job loss.

7 minute read
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Managing my finances

4 Tips to help you navigate job loss

Explore strategies, resources and support to overcome the challenges of job loss and navigate career transitions effectively.

11 minute read
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Cost of Living Index

June 2023 Beforepay Cost of Living Index

Daily spending rose by 6.1% from $55.49 in May 2023 to $58.88 in June 2023, according to the Beforepay Cost of Living Index.

5 minute read
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Getting the most out of tax time

June 2023 Beforepay Beat highlights: Unlock early access to your tax refund, and tips to get the most out of your tax return.

7 minute read
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Prepare for the unexpected with an emergency fund

May 2023 Beforepay Beat highlights: The importance of an emergency fund, cost of living in April, and how to send more money overseas with Beforepay and Western Union.

7 minute read
Woman holding a pen smiling as she learns how to maximise her tax return

Tax time tips

How to maximise your tax return

Learn how you could maximise your tax return with these 7 things you can do when you lodge your tax return this year.

7 minute read
Three people smiling about being able to get a tax refund loan advance in Australia

Tax time tips

How to access your tax refund in advance with Beforepay and H&R Block

Why wait weeks for your tax refund? Get your tax refund sooner with a Tax Refund Advance through Beforepay and H&R Block Australia.

9 minute read
Vegetables at the checkout in a grocery store

Cost of Living Index

May 2023 Beforepay Cost of Living Index

Spending fell in May 2023, with the average daily spending for Australians down 5.7% from $58.84 to $55.49, according to the Beforepay Cost of Living Index.

5 minute read
Man with a calculator preparing to lodge his tax return

Tax time tips

How to start preparing to lodge your tax return

Get a head start on your taxes with our guide on preparing for your lodge tax return. This article provides tips to make the process easier.

6 minute read
Trolley with shopping bag

Cost of Living Index

April 2023 Beforepay Cost of Living Index

April saw a 2.9% month-on-month increase in the daily cost of living, up to $58.84 from $57.17 in March, according to the Beforepay Cost of Living Index.

5 minute read
Putting coin in a jar beside a miniature house

Managing my finances

Budgeting and saving

Why you should think about saving money for an emergency fund

Learn why having an emergency fund is crucial and how it can benefit you. Find out tips and strategies to start saving for unexpected events.

6 minute read
Couple looking at phone.

Managing my finances

How do I choose an international money transfer service?

How to send money overseas and find the best international money transfer service, with tips from Western Union.

7 minute read
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Start taking charge of your living expenses

April 2023 Beforepay Beat highlights: Grocery items costing more and how you could save, cost of living drops in March, and tips for managing rising rent.

7 minute read
Shopping basket with grocery items in a supermarket aisle.

Cost of Living Index

March 2023 Beforepay Cost of Living Index

March saw a 1.8% month-on-month decrease in the daily cost of living, down to $57.17 from $58.23 in February, according to the Beforepay Cost of Living Index.

5 minute read
Hand holding a phone with an online grocery on the screen.

Budgeting and saving

Why your grocery bill is costing more

Why grocery shopping has become expensive amid the rising cost of living, and things you can do to save money on your groceries.

6 minute read
Small model of a house with 6 stacks of gold coins in a row to the left.

Managing my finances

8 ways to ease the stress of rising rent prices

Are you feeling the pressure of the rental crisis and rising rent in Australia? Learn 8 practical ways to save money and ease the cost of living stress.

11 minute read
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Get to financial independence with these tips

March 2023 highlights from The Beforepay Beat: How to feel confident about your finances, tips to keep your debt under control, and utilities prices driving up the average daily cost of living.

7 minute read
Man and woman sitting in front of a laptop.

Managing my finances

6 ways you can manage your debt

These 6 simple practices could help you make informed decisions about your financial future and provide ways to get better at managing your debt.

6 minute read
Person holding a mobile phone and a bill

Cost of Living Index

February 2023 Beforepay Cost of Living Index

February saw a 2.5% month-on-month increase in the daily cost of living, up to $58.23 from $56.83 in January, according to the Beforepay Cost of Living Index.

5 minute read

Salary boosting strategies & Popular ways to spend on Valentine’s Day

Highlights from the February 2023 edition of The Beforepay Beat newsletter: Tips to boost your salary, in-demand skills and a snapshot of spending on Valentine's Day!

14 minute read
Apartment building

Cost of Living Index

January 2023 Beforepay Cost of Living Index

The average daily cost of living has fallen by 8% month-on-month from $62.02 in December 2022 to $56.83 in January 2023, a 1.6% increase year on year.

5 minute read
Young man wearing glasses sitting in front of a computer while studying.

Managing my finances

8 questions to ask yourself about HELP loans

Learn how you can access financial support for education, including what you need to know about HELP loans, as well as alternative study loan options.

13 minute read
Young female professional in front of glass meeting room doors in the office.

Managing my finances

4 steps that could help increase your salary

Find out how you might be able to increase your salary, from asking for a pay rise and navigating salary negotiations to upskilling to boost your earning potential.

11 minute read
Get financially fit with a 7 Day Savings Challenge

Managing my finances

Get financially fit with our 7 day savings challenge

Take on our 7 Day Savings Challenge to boost your savings and start positive money management habits that you can take into the year ahead!

8 minute read
Adjusting air conditioner temperature could help with savings on your electricity bill.

Budgeting and saving

How to save on your electricity bill in summer

Rising energy prices could mean higher electricity bills. See how much Aussies spend on their electricity bills and how you could save money on yours.

11 minute read

*NEW* Compare and Save with Beforepay

Highlights from the November/December 2022 edition of The Beforepay Beat newsletter: Introducing Beforepay's new Compare and Save platform + a chance to win $500 with our Christmas Giveaway.

11 minute read
New data shows the daily cost of living for the average Australian in November 2022 increased by only 1% over the month to $60.48.

Cost of Living Index

November 2022 Beforepay Cost of Living Index

New data shows the daily cost of living for the average Australian in November 2022 increased by only 1% over the month to $60.48. This represents an increase from $59.78 in October 2022 and from $60.23 in November 2021.

5 minute read
A lady holding shopping bags

Budgeting and saving

Ideas for doing Christmas and New Year on a budget

Thinking about how to keep your finances in check over Christmas and New Year? Stick to your budget and save with these money tips!

11 minute read

Aussies are spending 9.2% more on utility bills💡 Bank fees to avoid paying 🏦 The accidental invention of the piggy bank 🐷

Highlights from the October/November edition of The Beforepay Beat newsletter: 9.2% increase in utility bills leads jump in daily spending for October 2022, bank fees costing Australia billions (and how to avoid paying them!), and the history of the piggy bank!

12 minute read
Daily spending for the average Australian increased to $61.41 in October 2022, up 4.4% from $58.81 in September 2022, according to the Beforepay Cost of Living Index.

Cost of Living Index

October 2022 Beforepay Cost of Living Index

Rising utility prices and grocery bills are consuming Australian wages as new Beforepay data shows the daily cost of living increased 1.6% to $59.78 in October 2022 from $58.81 in September.

5 minute read
Stack of credit cards on a laptop

Popular

What are bank fees and why should you care?

Bank fees are costing Australians billions of dollars ever year. Here are some common bank fees to be aware of and ways to avoid paying them and save.

3 minute read

Budgeting and saving

5 Steps to manage your financial wellbeing

Try these 5 steps for managing your financial wellbeing to build resilience and gain confidence and control when it comes to your money.

11 minute read

Daily spending drops to $58.81 in September 💡 Win with our Halloween Contest! 🎃

Australia's daily spending drops 29% in September but is up 1.6% annually. Money insights, tips and more in the latest edition of The Beforepay Beat.

10 minute read
Daily spending for the average Australian dropped 29% in September 2022 to $58.81, from $83.27 in August, according to the Beforepay Cost of Living Index.

Cost of Living Index

September 2022 Beforepay Cost of Living Index

Daily spending for the average Australian dropped 29% in September 2022 to $58.81, from $83.27 in August, according to the Beforepay Cost of Living Index.

6 minute read
Save money and free up your budget by reviewing your subscriptions.

Managing my finances

Budgeting and saving

4 Reasons to spring clean your subscriptions and how to do it

If you’re looking for ways to save money amid inflation and rising costs, reviewing your subscriptions might be a good place to start.

9 minute read

Daily spending jumps 25% in August

The rising cost of living sees daily spending jump 25% to $83.27 in August 2022. Money insights, tips and more in the latest edition of The Beforepay Beat.

9 minute read
Petrol and auto spending fluctuates as the cost of living in Australia changes.

Cost of Living Index

August 2022 Beforepay Cost of Living Index

The daily cost of living for the average Australian jumped 18.2% in July, to $66.46 per day. The figure is drawn from the Beforepay Cost of Living Index.

5 minute read
Woman holding a credit card next to her phone

Popular

Why Australians are swapping out their credit cards

A comparison of Pay On Demand™ and credit cards reveals why more people are choosing Pay On Demand™ as the ethical, customer-friendly way to access cash.

11 minute read

Cost of Living Index

July 2022 - Beforepay Cost of Living Index

The daily cost of living for the average Australian jumped 18.2% in July, to $66.46 per day. The figure is drawn from the Beforepay Cost of Living Index.

5 minute read

Introducing The Beforepay Beat

Introducing The Beforepay Beat - our new newsletter and your source for the latest tips and updates to help you stay on track and in control of your finances!

6 minute read
Man wearing a hard hat is smiling while standing in front of heavy machinery.

Tax time tips

6 clever ways to use your tax refund

Make your tax refund go further with these smart and creative ways to spend or save what you get back from your tax return.

8 minute read
A

Tax time tips

6 steps to help you maximise your tax return

Prepare to lodge and maximise your tax return with these tips we’ve pulled together with help from the tax experts, H&R Block.

14 minute read

Budgeting and saving

5 tips to manage the rising cost of living

A look at how the rising cost of living is impacting everyday working Australians, and money management tips to help.

8 minute read

Financial Literacy: What is it and why is it important?

How simple, everyday habits can help you improve your financial literacy, manage your money better, and take back control of your finances.

5 minute read
Saving for the Easter long weekend - Beforepay

Budgeting and saving

Saving for the long weekend

The Easter long weekend is just around the corner. Check out these planning tips to help you make the most of your budget and time this long weekend.

3 minute read

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