Saving your first $1,000 can feel like a big goal — especially when everyday costs seem to keep climbing. But you don’t always need a huge change to make progress.

Small, consistent choices can add up over time. A few dollars saved here and there can turn into hundreds (or even thousands) over a year.

The key is to focus on the habits that fit your lifestyle and find simple ways to make your money work harder.

Starting a simple $1,000 plan:

Save $10 a week = $520 a year
Save $20 a week = $1,040 a year
Save $50 a week = $2,600 a year

Add a few one-off wins (selling items, switching bills) and you could reach your goal sooner.

Start with the small, everyday spends

Some of the easiest savings opportunities could be hiding in your daily routines.

Make coffee at home
A daily coffee run might feel like a small treat, but those dollars can add up.
If you buy a coffee every weekday, swapping some (or all) of those coffees for a homemade version could save around $5 a day — that’s about $1,300 over a year.
You don’t have to give up your favourite coffee completely. Even cutting back a few days a week can make a difference.

Pack your lunch

Buying lunch at work is convenient, but it can quickly become an expensive habit.

Bringing lunch from home at least a couple of days a week could save around $15 per day — this could add up to over $1000 a year.

Try planning your lunches when you do your weekly grocery shop, cook extra portions for leftovers, or keep a few easy options ready to go.

Cook more at home

Takeaway or food delivery is tempting when you’re tired or busy,but skipping just one takeaway meal a week could save around $25.

That’s potentially $1,300 a year — which could help make a meaningful difference towards your savings goal. Multiply this across a couple or a family and the savings can really add up.

Try keeping the freezer stocked with handy ingredients to make quick, easy meals- think dumplings, fish fingers, frozen veg. Add some pantry staples like tinned tomatoes, noodles, rice pouches and pasta and you’re less likely to order in.

Find savings hiding in your spending

Small changes aren’t only about food and beverages. Look at the other areas where your money goes.

Sell things you no longer use

Do you have clothes sitting unworn, furniture taking up space or old bikes gathering dust?

Selling unwanted items online helps to clear out your home and can help put a few dollars in your pocket. If you make $50 from one sale and repeat that 5 times, there’s $250 you could put to your savings.

Rethink how you get around

Driving isn’t always the cheapest option. When possible, consider walking, riding a bike or using public transport. Carpooling with friends or neighbours could also be an option.

If you do need to drive, consider cheaper parking spots and be willing to walk a little further — small choices can help reduce costs.

Review your bills and subscriptions

It’s easy for subscriptions to keep rolling along without a second thought.

Take some time to check:

Are you still using every subscription? Consider audio as well as streaming services.
Could you switch phone plans? Switching from a post paid-to a pre-paid mobile plan or monthly to an annual plan are worth investigating.
Are there cheaper options that still meet your needs? You might not need that big mobile data allowance if you’re on wifi most of the time, for example.

A quick review could free up money you can redirect into savings.

Build habits that make saving easier

Saving isn’t just about cutting back — it’s also about creating systems that help you stay on track.

Consider these simple challenges:

Have a weekly no-spend day
Choose one day a week where you avoid unnecessary spending. It’s a great way to become more aware of your habits.

Wait 24 hours before buying non-essential items
A little time can help you decide whether you really want something or if it’s just an impulse purchase. Ask yourself, why am I buying this?

Buy from a physical store, not online
It can be easy to browse online, click and get the dopamine hit as your purchase moves from order confirmed to delivery. If you buy from physical stores, your purchases may be more considered and there’s less risk of needing to return items (as an added bonus, you’re more likely to be supporting a local business).

Transfer savings automatically
Set up an automatic transfer of $20–$50 every payday. Small amounts are easier to stick with and can build up faster than you think.

Cut back on extras
Soft drinks, snacks and small treats can quietly add up. Try swapping some purchases for cheaper alternatives or bringing your own from home.

Make your progress visible

One of the best ways to stay motivated is to track your progress.

Create a savings goal, watch the balance grow and celebrate each milestone along the way.

You could put the money from one coffee, lunch or treat you skip into a separate account so you can see exactly how your small changes are adding up. Check out our range of savings accounts to see what might work for you.

Saving your first $1,000 doesn’t have to happen overnight, it can start with one small change. Try making a few small decisions consistently.

Once you reach that first goal, you may find saving becomes easier — because you’ve built the habits and confidence to keep going.

The hardest part is getting started. Pick one idea from this list and start today. Over time, those small choices can become habits — and those habits can help you reach bigger goals.

This is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances.