Money tips and tricks that will leave you feeling a little Brighter

The Brighter Side of Banking Magazine – September/ October

Bright ideas to help you reach your money goals. Grab a copy in branch or read the latest issue online. 

Download the latest issue

Explore prior issues

The Brighter Side – Catch up on our TV series

Watch all episodes of The Brighter Side on 10 Play and YouTube, for money saving tips, cooking hacks, inspiring stories and great ideas. 

Catch up on the Brighter Side

Tips, stories & inspiration

Save

Finance skills for children with money app

[Sponsored] Kit is the CommBank pocket-money-app and card giving kids a fun way to build on their financial education.
Save

How to save on car costs | Cheat sheet for Australian Drivers

Discover essential tips to save on car expenses in Australia, from fuel efficiency and insurance comparison to maintenance tricks that keep your ca...
Grow

Tips to boost your super savings and retire in comfort

[Sponsored] Essential Super offers helpful features to increase your super balance and invest in your retirement.
Girls That Invest

Meet Simran, from Girls That Invest

Meet Simran, the 27-year-old founder of Girls That Invest, who blends her passion for education with her commitment to financial independence.
Girls That Invest

The journey of women in finance

Explore the journey of women in finance including past milestones, challenges and the road ahead.
Girls That Invest

Get set before you invest

Ready to start investing? Here are four things you should consider before making your first investment.
Girls That Invest

Saving vs investing

Understand the differences between saving and investing your money.
Girls That Invest

8 habits to stay on track with your financial goals

From automating your savings to rewarding yourself, here are eight habits to help you stay on track to achieve your goals.
Girls That Invest

Small habits for big gains: The power of regular investing

Building wealth isn't only about making big investments. Here's how creating small, consistent habits can help you reach your financial goals.
Girls That Invest

4 misconceptions about investing

Uncover the truth around common investing myths and discover how investing is becoming more accessible today.
Girls That Invest

Mastering your money: budgeting & investing 101

Start your investing journey with these simple budgeting and investing tips to help you manage your money.
Grow

Tips on house-flipping as a side hustle

Jess and Simon Boxtel share their tips on how they have made a profitable side hustle out of house flipping
Grow

Busting myths around estate planning

If you thought estate planning is for wealthy people, think again. Here are six myths about estate planning you should know.
Know

8 signs of financial abuse

It can be difficult to identify such a subtle form of abuse. Here are signs of financial abuse to look out for, and how to find help.
Know

What Scott Cam knows about money

Explore Scott Cam’s money journey over the years including memorable moments, lessons learned and tips for maintaining a good relationship with mon...
Know

SXSW Sydney 2024: What to Expect, Key Events, and Insider Tips

Get ready for the return of SXSW to Sydney, Australia! Futurist Dr Catherine Ball discusses the top trends in tech and futurism that will dominate ...
Grow

Fair Shares: Best in show

A recap of the top five Aussie and US best performing stocks during the 2024 financial year.
Dream

Bucket List: Travel Japan

Start planning your dream trip to Japan. Explore the best places to visit, must-try experiences, and essential tips for first-time travellers. Unco...
Know

Why Orange NSW is attracting new residents

Popular for those looking to make a tree change, this charming regional NSW town offers festivals, great food and some vineyards to wander down, too.
Travel Booking

5 benefits of using Travel Booking

CommBank rolled out the Travel Booking service by Hopper, accessible via CommBank app. Find out how you can benefit from planning your travel with ...
Travel Booking

Travel Booking: benefits, features and more

CommBank rolled out the Travel Booking service in July 2024 to allow more than 6 million eligible customers to search, book and pay for flights and...
Grow

Money-saving tips from three successful SME owners

Many businesses are feeling the pinch right now, so we asked three SME owners for tips on reducing operating costs while keeping the doors open.
Save

Stay Safe: Cybersecurity essentials for small businesses

Learn simple and cost-free cybersecurity steps to protect your small business from online threats. Discover key strategies to enhance your business...
Brighter Magazine

10 ways to boost your financial wellbeing

Is your budget feeling tight but you’re not sure what to change? Breaking it down into bite-sized steps can help you take charge.
Save

Big money hacks

Saving for big goals, paying off debts and improving finances during tough times all require patience. Here are some strategies to ease financial s...
Know

What Lydia knows about money

You can’t approach a business and sports the same way, says Olympian Lydia Lassila. Here’s what she’s learnt from being a small business owner.
Save

Keep warm for less this winter

Staying toasty is not just about comfort, it’s also important for your wellbeing. Here are some smart ways to stay snug without blowing the budget.
Dream

Cosy winter escapes

With the chill settling in, it’s the perfect time to head to a snug winter retreat. Here are some of our top cold-weather sanctuaries.
Grow

The psychology of investing

Understanding your behaviour can help you master your mind – and grow your money.
Save

How Grocerize is Helping Aussies Save on Groceries

Discover how Blake Bennett's Grocerize is revolutionising grocery shopping for Australians by providing real-time price comparisons between Coles a...
Grow

How to earn interest on savings

When it comes to growing your nest egg, saving for an overseas holiday or squirrelling away money for a deposit, choosing the right savings account...
My Two Cents

Georgie Tunny and Rob Mills share their top money tips

They may not have started their relationship with the same views on money, but Georgie Tunny and Rob Mills have found their different savings style...
House Proud

How to save money with a vegetable garden

Connie Cao’s family eats garden-to-table, skipping the supermarket checkouts for the abundance of fresh produce she grows at home.
Taste Test

A low-cost dinner party menu by Adam Liaw

Yes, you can have friends over for dinner without breaking the bank. Adam Liaw shows you how with his budget-friendly, three-course dinner party menu.
Money Talks

Couple goals: getting ahead with different spending styles

It’s normal for couples to have different money styles – often one person is a spender and the other more of a saver. The key is aligning on your f...
Grow

Boost your financial health: expert tips from Evan Lucas

Behavioural economist Evan Lucas outlines behaviours that can prevent us from growing wealth – and how to shift our mindset for healthier finances.
Quick Wins

Make life more affordable with these simple money hacks

Practical tips to save money and maximise your resources: From selling unused items to lowering your bills.
Side Hustle

Practical tips on how to build your own brand

Jen Nguyen started personalised-robe company MyCloudy during the pandemic lockdowns. Learn how she pivoted to customer demand and built a loyal com...
Save

Maximizing Savings with Credit Cards

Discover smart credit strategies with CommBank expert Jess Irvine. Learn how to maximise savings, earn rewards, and balance your credit needs effec...
Money Talks

Is it better to buy a home or an investment property?

Struggling with property decisions? CommBank’s personal finance expert Jess Irvine provides some strategies for finding your way forward.
Taste Test

Try this budget-friendly, plant-based meal by Adam Liaw

Adam Liaw makes veggies the star of this weeknight meal for a dish that’s easy on your budget and tastes great, too.
My Two Cents

Professional surfer Joel Parkinson shares his journey

Explore world champion surfer Joel Parkinson’s remarkable journey and how his passion for the waves shaped his life and career.
Know

The beautiful game

CommBank and Football Australia launch the Growing Football Fund community grants to support girls and women to play football and follow in the Com...
Taste Test

French onion meatloaf recipe: cheap, easy and flavour-packed

Add even more flavour to a classic dinner favourite with Adam Liaw’s French onion meatloaf recipe – it’s cheap, quick, easy and tastes delicious.
House Proud

How to live on the road and earn remotely

Annette and Kevin Jones travel Australia in a caravan, generating income from a travel website, rental property and remote work.
Money Talks

Turning a side hustle into a full-time small business

Hear from a weekend event planner who is getting ready to go all in on her dream, plus get expert tips on how to take your side-hustle full-time.
Save

You can save with solar panels and boost your home’s energy efficiency

Your key questions about solar panels answered, plus tips for improving your home’s energy efficiency from a personal finance expert.
Mind Over Money

How to stop spending money

Get expert tips from a behavioural economist on how to resist sales and discounts, and stay focused on your long-term savings goals.
Taste Test

Chicken cacciatore recipe on a budget for your next dinner party

Adam Liaw’s chicken cacciatore recipe uses a cheaper – but just as tasty – cut of meat and offers easy ways to pack in loads of flavour on a budget.
Side Hustle

Tips on how to start your own business

Lawyer-turned-perfumer Craig Andrade shares practical advice on how to start a business and grow it into a brand.
My Two Cents

Daniel Campbell of the CommBank Pararoos talks money

Daniel Campbell, a CommBank Pararoos star, shares his journey of financial discipline and how his determination and adaptability have shaped his ca...
Girls That Invest

How often should you invest?

Learn why consistency is key in investing, common intervals for investing in the share market and the benefits of dollar-cost averaging.
My Two Cents

How Thread Together gets unwanted new clothes to vulnerable Australians

A former management consultant transformed his career into helping vulnerable Australians access much needed new clothing.
House Proud

How to save money and live sustainably and save money at the same time

Discover how Kirsten Junor, CEO of Reverse Garbage, saved big on her Sydney renovation by making smart, energy-efficient home design choices and re...
Money Talks

Tips for avoiding online scams

This couple was scammed online and lost 12 months of savings in a rental scam. Here's what they wish they'd known to avoid getting scammed.
Taste Test

Cheesy Tuna Bake recipe

A quick, delicious, and easy Tuna Bake recipe by Adam Liaw that uses budget ingredients from his pantry. Plus, a secret ingredient that you can’t g...
The Brighter Side

How to spot red flags to help stop impulse buying

Behavioural economist Evan Lucas shares tips on how to spot red flags that may drive you to impulse buy and spend more money.
Money Talks

How to boost your kids’ financial literacy

How to talk about saving, budgeting, pocket money and other foundational financial literacy topics with your kids. Plus, four tips from CommBank’s ...
Side Hustle

Transforming a passion for ice baths into business success

A search for treatments to help his own medical issues sparked Jono James’ interest in ice baths – a passion project that’s transformed into a succ...
My Two Cents

3 money tips Meg Lanning wishes she’d known sooner

Discover three invaluable money tips Meg Lanning wishes she’d known sooner as she shares her post-cricket insights on life, finance, and career les...
Know

Meet the Clown Doctors: Spreading laughter and joy

Discover how Clown Doctors with Lou Pollard and Jimmy Rees bring laughter to sick children in hospitals. Learn about Humour Foundation’s mission to...
Money Talks

Smart ways to spend and save your first full-time salary

Transitioning from student life to a full-time salary can be daunting. Gain insights from a new full time worker's money mantras and expert budgeti...
My Two Cents

Neil Perry’s tips for how to handle business challenges

Chef Neil Perry shares his insights on tackling business challenges, financial planning and diversifying income streams. Learn from his experiences...
Quick Wins

6 easy ways to save money right now

If you’re looking for easy ways to save money for a big goal or looking to pay off debts while money is tight, here are some simple steps you can t...
House Proud

Your guide to granny flats

Granny flats are gaining popularity as affordable housing or passive income. If you’re thinking of building your own – here are questions and consi...
Taste Test

Delicious and easy spaghetti recipe on a budget

Adam Liaw’s three-step sausage and broccoli spaghetti recipe can be on the table in 30 minutes and uses great-value ingredients that tastes good, too.
My Two Cents

Money talk with the CommBank Matildas’ players

We ask the CommBank Matildas' players Tameka Yallop, Amy Sayer and Sophie Harding about the matters of money and living in the moment.
Side Hustle

Miimi & Jiinda: From side hustle to a successful small business

Melissa Greenwood, founder of Miimi & Jiinda, a successful small business, shares six lessons of starting and scaling up a side hustle.
Brighter Magazine

Unlocking business success with Neil Perry and Andrew Griffiths

Unexpected challenges are part of running a business so we asked successful business owners for their top tips on building resilience.
Brighter Magazine

4 ways to maximise small business efficiency

From leveraging insights to embracing sustainability and investing in security tools, learn practical strategies for resilience and growth.
Brighter Magazine

Strategies to generate positive cash flow

The rising cost of doing business makes running one tough. Discover effective strategies to address cash-flow challenges proactively.
Brighter Magazine

How to grow and protect your business

How do you take risks and grow your business while also looking after your financial future? Personal finance expert Jess Irvine shares her top fiv...
Money Talks

How to budget for your family and save more every day

Simple saving tips from CommBank personal finance expert Jess Irvine that have helped this family-of-five budget to help ease cost-of-living pressu...
Taste Test

Go “fakeaway” with this quick and easy butter chicken recipe

It’s easy to save on takeaway when you know how to make “fakeaway” at home. Adam Liaw shows you how with his express butter chicken recipe.
My Two Cents

Georgie Tunny on financial wellbeing

As host of The Brighter Side, a new show with cost-of-living tips from everyday Australians, Georgie Tunny is getting a boost to her own financial ...
Save

How to discuss money with friends

Politics, religion and money used to be the three things good friends never discussed. We’re still skipping the first two but embracing the third.
Grow

10 ways to make your home more energy efficient

Save money and help the planet? Experts share steps you can take to reduce costs and your impact. True story.
Side Hustle

Six Aussies reveal how they’re boosting their budgets with passive income

You don’t need much time or money to start earning passive income. What you do need is a good idea and a lot of passion.
Taste Test

Easy fritters recipe you can make with leftovers

Don’t throw those leftovers in the bin – get creative and transform them with Adam Liaw’s budget-friendly fridge fritters recipe instead.
Taste Test

3 Adam Liaw recipes for a veggie boost

Flavour, health and budget — you can have it all. Here are three healthy veggie recipes from Adam Liaw that will fill you up but won’t make your wa...
Money Talks

Jess Irvine’s five steps to financial empowerment

CommBank personal finance expert Jess Irvine shares the steps you can take now to get in control of your finances.
Girls That Invest

The millennial mindset

Learn the importance of having the right money mindset, understanding your own money psychology and tips to improve your money mindset.
Girls That Invest

Why Tilly invests in more than super

Meet Tilly, a 31-year-old Marketing Director who combines her love for the Queensland outdoor lifestyle with a commitment to financial independence.
Save

Grow your savings with the no-spend challenge

There’s a reason why no-spend challenges are growing in popularity. They can rewire the way you approach spending and bulk up your savings, too.
Grow

Investing 101: How to get started

Buying shares can be overwhelming for a first-timer. Welcome to Investing 101. With a little know-how and as little as $50, you can join the market...
Dream

Europe on a budget: 6 affordable destinations

Travelling on a budget? Skip the crowds and save your pennies with our guide to 6 affordable destinations in Europe that offer a lot more for a lot...
Know

How to avoid the latest tax scams

Scammers ramp up their efforts to exploit people around the end of the financial year. Here’s how they’ll try to slip under your radar this year.
Dream

Driving sustainably: The easy, affordable shift to electric vehicles

Sydney writer, Bek Day dives into the world of electric vehicles – a budget-friendly choice and finds out why transitioning has become easier than ...
Grow

Sustainable living with Erin Brockovich

Erin Brockovich, a renowned environmental activist, insists the most dramatic impact happens when we all make small changes at home.
Know

How to keep your children safe from online scams

Scammers target children and teenagers through online gaming raids and phishing, to steal money. Learn how to protect children from these threats.
Girls That Invest

What even is investing?

Learn the basics about investing including how you could invest to grow your wealth, different types of investments and how compound interest works.

From money-saving tips, small business stories and clever ways to get ahead, discover the brighter side of banking

Know

Protect yourself from scams and fraud, discover digital tools that can help you spend wisely and hit your savings goals faster. Meet inspiring communities and familiar faces (including our branch members) from all over who share their money stories.

Save

Right now, every little bit counts. Boost your money confidence and find new ways to reduce budget pressures, with tips from everyday Australians and insights from personal finance experts. Find spending hacks and learn the money moves that can help you get ahead.

Grow

From side hustle ideas to superannuation boosters and small business inspiration, we share the stories of people who have grown their wealth through hard work, clever innovation and the right support. Plus useful ways to future­ proof even the loftiest goals.

Dream

For many people, it’s the big dreams we save for the hardest. That’s what keeps us going, whether that’s a bucket-list holiday, renovating your home or changing your life with a bold move. Discover the ways people have been able to transform their lives and make their dreams a reality.