4 in 5 The Brighter Side viewers take action to improve financial wellbeing

Aussies are making every dollar count and improving their money behaviours, with research showing 81 per cent of viewers of The Brighter Side took action and put into practice one learning after watching the show¹. That’s the equivalent of more than 1.5 million people taking one small step towards their financial future.

Now returning for season two, The Brighter Side will deliver even more practical tips, money-saving hacks and inspiring real stories, from families and side-hustlers to small businesses and scam-busters.

A nation of savvy spenders and savers… 

• Australians are actively adjusting their spending habits to manage cost-of-living pressures – from cutting back on dining out to trying no-spend challenges.
• Actions that viewers have taken or plan to take after watching The Brighter Side season one include starting a household budget (87 per cent), reviewing finances and money situation (90 per cent) and trying a recipe from the show (84 per cent).
• Food remains a major focus, with 57 per cent finding ways to reduce their grocery spend through behaviours such as meal prep, buying in bulk, or finding cheaper options, and 36 per cent turning to second-hand items² .
• Most are cutting back – staying home more (67 per cent), buying less takeaway and dining out less (66 per cent), and buying fewer clothes (60 per cent).
• Some are getting creative and 16 per cent have tried a no-spend challenge to reset their habits.
• CommBank data shows shopping one time less per week can save up to 20 per cent of the household budget³ , making food one of the most powerful areas to unlock savings.

… But confidence is still low

• While most Australians (95 per cent) have financial goals, only half regularly set them and feel confident they can achieve them (52 per cent).
• Nearly one in four (23 per cent) say not knowing where to start is the biggest barrier to financial confidence, highlighting the need for simple, practical guidance.

In each episode of The Brighter Side:

• Georgie Tunny chats to some well-known Aussies about their approach to life and money.
• We meet everyday Aussies taking small steps towards their money management and goals, with practical tips from CommBank personal finance expert Jess Irvine.
• Chef Adam Liaw offers affordable and delicious ways to combat the cost of food and groceries with delicious recipes and great grocery hacks.
• Journalist Narelda Jacobs OAM travels across the country to discover the resilience and creativity of Australian small businesses.
• CommBank Scams and Fraud Expert James Roberts uncovers different types of scams to help Aussies Stop, Check and Reject, and opens up the conversation about scams awareness.

Jo Boundy, CommBank Chief Marketing Officer, said:

“We’re excited to launch season two of The Brighter Side in partnership with Paramount Australia. Building on the success of the first season, it’s all about helping Australians take control of their financial future through practical tips and inspiring real stories. 

“For anyone doubting whether they can change their money behaviours, the series shows that it can be simple, accessible and even fun. Feel inspired by a no-spend challenge or a creative side-hustle, while learning how to make the most of your leftovers and spot a social media scam. There is something for everyone and we want The Brighter Side to help you feel more financially confident, one step and one tip at a time.”

Hear from The Brighter Side hosts:

Adam Liaw, Chef

“Food is one of the biggest household expenses, but it’s also where small changes can make a big difference. Whether it’s turning broccoli stems into a stir-fry or transforming leftovers into a protein-packed meal you are excited to eat, The Brighter Side shows how smart cooking can help Australians save without sacrificing flavour.”

Narelda Jacobs OAM, Journalist

“Australians are incredibly resilient and creative, especially in tough times. In The Brighter Side, I’ve met small business owners who are not just surviving but thriving, proving that with the right mindset and support, financial confidence is within reach.”

Georgie Tunny, Journalist

“Talking about money doesn’t have to be daunting. In The Brighter Side, we open up honest conversations with well-known Aussies about how they manage life and finances, showing that everyone’s journey is different, and that’s okay.”

Jess Irvine, CommBank Personal Finance Expert

“Financial wellbeing isn’t about being perfect, it’s about progress. The Brighter Side is packed with practical tips that anyone can try, whether it’s setting a savings goal, boosting your investing know-how or spotting a scam. It’s about helping Australians feel more confident, one small step at a time.”

The Brighter Side is part of CommBank’s content ecosystem, created to deliver helpful and inspirational content for all Australians - no matter where they are on their financial journey. Find out more at commbank.com.au/brighter.

The Brighter Side season two premieres Friday 5 September at 8.30pm on 10. Watch and stream free on 10.

¹CommBank research commissioned August 2024, based on season one The Brighter Side viewership of 2.2m+ people (Broadcast and BVOD).

² CommBank Financial Fitness Research commissioned March 2025, national representative sample of 3,146 respondents.

³ Data based on CommBank personal debit and credit card spending using specific sampling criteria developed for each insight. Grocery data based on 13 weeks ending 1 Oct 2023.