Buying new furniture and appliances can certainly improve your enjoyment of your home. However, buying new furniture and whitegoods can really add up, especially if you’re trying to replace multiple items at once.
Saving to make these upgrades can be intimidating — but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve collated some of our favourite tips to help you work towards your next big purchase. These could help you get that couch you’ve had your eye on for a long time or allow you to buy a fridge with more features than you could ever use.
1. Set a budget — and stick to it
When you’re saving for new furniture and appliances, you need to know what you can afford. While buying a $10,000 couch might seem like a good idea in the moment, if it doesn’t suit your budget, then it’s an item that may come with a lot of regret. Setting up a budget could help you work towards your saving goals sooner, allowing you to make that purchase with the confidence that will allow you to enjoy it for years to come.
If you want to supercharge your efforts, then it may be worth setting up a savings account with a high interest rate.
2. Prioritise needs vs. wants
It’s very easy to convince yourself that you can’t live without a new piece of furniture or a swanky new appliance when you really want it — however, it’s quite different to needing it. Budgeting for new purchases based off the most necessary, and acquiring those products first, is one of the best ways to quickly improve your home environment – and alleviate the stress.
3. Create a savings plan
If you’ve got your heart set on a purchase that’s a little more expensive than what you’ve currently got in the bank, then it’s time to set up a savings plan that could help you achieve your goals. Whether you are able to put aside $50, $100 or $200 weekly, putting aside money for this new purchase each week could get you closer to buying that new piece of furniture or appliance sooner than you think. If you want to supercharge your efforts, then it may be worth setting up a savings account, so you can track the progress of your savings efforts.
4. Cut unnecessary expenses
It can be hard to cut out small treats, like takeaway coffees and streaming services — but those small purchases can really add up. If you can look at your spending habits and cut out those non-essential items, you may be able to find room in your weekly budget to save up for new furniture and appliances. When you’re doing this, it’s important to think about the long-term plan. That way, you’re more likely to stay disciplined.
When you’re looking to buy new furniture and appliances, make sure you shop around.
5. Shop smart
It can be tempting to buy things when they’re full price, but having patience can help you save a lot of money in the long run. When you’re looking to buy new furniture and appliances, make sure you shop around and see what sales and promotions are on offer. It may be worth considering purchasing display stock at a discounted price as more frequently than not the items are in excellent condition.
When you’re shopping for new furniture and/or appliances, ask yourself a few simple questions to ensure you’re making a sensible purchase. Consider things like:
- How often will I use this?
- Does this make sense for my current lifestyle?
- How does this improve my current situation?
- Will this fit with my other furniture/appliances?
Asking yourself these questions before a big purchase could make sure that you’re not rushing into buying something — instead, it ensures that you’re thinking logically about a big purchase.
6. Consider savings accounts with incentives
We previously mentioned that you may want to consider setting up a savings account to help with your goals. But what if there was a way to accrue Qantas Points while saving? There is a way, thankfully — our Qantas Points Saver account.
Opening a Qantas Points Saver comes , while having the opportunity to earn Qantas Points* from your first dollar and much more with your complimentary Qantas Frequent Flyer membership. It could be an easy way for you to save for a new piece of furniture or a new appliance, while also accruing Qantas Points for your next adventure.
7. Explore second-hand/DIY options
Finding that the piece of furniture/appliance you want is well outside your budget? It’s time to get creative. Buying something second-hand is good for the environment, as well as your wallet — and places like Facebook Marketplace, eBay and Gumtree are great to explore well-loved items that are still perfect for a new home. Alternatively, if you’re not afraid to get a bit hands-on, then a bit of DIY never hurt as you’ll have control over the creative process when furnishing a pre-loved item.
Consider working towards your financial goals by exploring our savings accounts and see how they can support you when it comes to building funds to help buy the perfect piece of furniture, or the appliance that could make your life that much better.
The information in this article is of a general nature and has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on the advice, consider its appropriateness to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Before opening an account with us, you should read our Terms and Conditions for Savings Accounts and Payment Services and Financial Services Guide.
^Eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, fees and charges apply. Applies to Qantas Points Saver accounts opened between 01/09/2023 - 30/11/2023 with a minimum deposit of $1,000 in the first 30 days, held in the account for at least 30 days. New Qantas Points Saver account customers only. One bonus points allocation per customer. Read the full promotion terms and conditions here.
*Qantas Points accrue in accordance with and subject to the Qantas Points Banking Terms and Conditions. You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn and redeem Qantas Points. A joining fee may apply, however, Qudos Bank has arranged to provide Qantas Frequent Flyer membership with the joining fee waived to Qudos Bank members who are not already a Qantas Frequent Flyer member and who apply at qantas.com/joinffqudos. Membership and the earning and redemption of Qantas Points are subject to the terms and conditions of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program available online at qantas.com/terms. This offer is non transferable and not available in conjunction with any other offer. Qantas Frequent Flyer membership and each application is subject to approval by Qantas. Qudos Bank recommends that you seek independent tax advice in respect of the tax consequences (including fringe benefits tax, and goods and services tax and income tax) arising from the use of this product or from participating in the Qantas Frequent Flyer program or from using any of the rewards or other available program facilities.
Qudos Bank is the issuer, offeror and administrator of the Qantas Points Banking Products and is a credit provider and credit licensee under National Consumer Credit laws.
The Target Market Determination for our Qantas Points Saver can be found at https://www.qudosbank.com.au/support/legal/target-market-determinations/
Qudos Mutual Limited trading as Qudos Bank ABN 53 087 650 557 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 238 305.
Published November 2023
Updated December 2023
