Save money on groceries in Melbourne by shopping at budget retailers like ALDI, NQR, or Cheaper Buy Miles. Utilize local markets such as Queen Victoria Market or Dandenong Market for cheaper, seasonal produce, especially near closing time. Key strategies include comparing unit prices, buying generic brands, meal planning to reduce waste, and leveraging apps like Half Price for Coles/Woolworths specials.
The "3-3-3 rule" for groceries isn't a single standard, but often refers to simple meal planning methods like choosing 3 protein sources, 3 carb sources, and 3 fat sources, or a shopping strategy like 3 veggies, 3 proteins, 2 grains, 2 fruits, and 1 dip (3-3-2-2-1), all designed to create balanced meals easily without strict calorie counting, focusing on whole foods for health. It's a framework to build diverse meals with simple categories for nutrition and simplicity.
Coles vs Woolworths vs Aldi: Which has the cheapest home-brand range? Aldi has consistently been named as Australia's most affordable supermarket, with a 2025 Canstar survey showing shoppers spend $174 on average per week on groceries at Aldi, compared to $178 per week at Coles and Woolies.
Aldi has been named the cheapest supermarket for Aussies to shop for groceries and home-branded products. The German retailer has once again beaten out Woolworths, Coles and IGA in CHOICE's quarterly government-funded supermarket price report.
The Aldi £13 rule refers to its significant pay increases for UK store assistants, making it the first supermarket to pay above £13 per hour, with rates rising to £13.35 nationally and £14.71 within the M25 from March 2026, with even higher rates for experience, all part of its pledge to lead on pay and offer paid breaks.
The 50-30-20 rule is one of the easiest budgeting tools around and divides your income as follows: 50% for needs: essentials like housing, bills, transport, and groceries. 30% for wants: things you enjoy but could cut back on if needed. 20% for savings and debt: including emergency savings, super, or extra repayments.
You can make your own calorie-saving choices to add up to your goal deficit. Aim to cut back on calories and/or burn more to the tune of: 250 calories per day for a half-pound loss per week, 500 calories for a goal of losing a pound a week, or 1,000 daily calories to lose about 2 pounds per week.
While the NHS recommends that everyone should do at least 20 minutes of moderate activity every day, we all have different fitness levels. Generally, the average healthy adult accumulates around 4,000-18,000 steps per day, which is why 10,000 steps per day is usually the recommended amount for healthy adults.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Melbourne?
According to Payscale, the annual average salary in Melbourne is AUD 79,000. Most individuals earning between AUD 60,000 to AUD 79,000 can live comfortably in the city.
The 70/30 diet (or rule) offers two main approaches: one emphasizes eating healthy, whole foods 70% of the time and allowing indulgences for 30% to promote sustainability. The other interpretation suggests that 70% of weight loss success comes from diet (nutrition) and 30% from exercise, highlighting the importance of food choices for body composition. Both emphasize balance and long-term healthy eating habits, focusing on nutrient-rich foods for the majority of intake while allowing flexibility for treats or occasional indulgences.
Just try to think of your meals in terms of balance. 80% healthy, whole foods, and 20% for fun, less-nutritious treats. The key is consistency over time, not perfection at every meal. So, if one day you have a pizza, no big deal—just aim to get back on track with your next meal.
For many Australians, the answer is yes, especially if they own their home and plan their retirement income carefully. The key is understanding how long $600K can last, how the Age Pension fits in, and what kind of lifestyle this level of super realistically supports.
How much should you have saved by 40? Financial experts often use retirement savings benchmarks to determine whether someone is on track. A common guideline is to have two to three times your salary saved by age 40. That means if you earn $50,000 per year, a $100,000 401(k) balance is on the low end of the target.
General comparisons: Median Income: The median Australian income is around $72,000 annually. Decent Wage: A decent benchmark for a good salary is generally considered to be between $90,000 and $108,000.
Customers do not need to bring their own bags to shop at ALDI. However, we ask people to bring their own reusable grocery bags or buy a few of ours at checkout. This saves money by avoiding the cost of the bag and it cuts down on waste to help the environment.
