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5 money saving tips to help you meet your long-term financial goals

Discover our top five takeaways from the first episode of The Brighter Side season two.

  • Adam Liaw and Jess Irvine share practical ways to stretch budgets, from cooking creatively with leftovers to using a no-spend challenge as a financial reset.
  • James Roberts offers a clear checklist for spotting and avoiding online scams, while Narelda Jacobs speaks to artist Brandi Salmon, whose career leap turned passion into profit.
  • Host Georgie Tunny uncovers the financial wisdom of comedian Jimmy Rees.

From clever cooking hacks to spotting the signs of scams while shopping online, the first episode of The Brighter Side season two has plenty of smart, surprising and inspiring lessons. 

1. Leftover veggies can make a delicious stir-fry

Adam Liaw reminded us that the key to saving at the supermarket isn’t buying less, it’s using more. He pointed out that while most people toss broccoli stems in the bin, they’re “absolutely delicious—tender, sweet and perfect for a stir-fry.” It’s a small switch that saves waste, stretches your shop and adds flavour to your weeknight dinners.

Adam Liaw and Georgie Tunny on The Brighter Side.

2. A no-spend challenge can reset your habits

Budgeting doesn’t have to mean giving up every little joy. CommBank personal finance expert Jess Irvine explained a short no-spend challenge is less about sacrifice and more about clarity. As she put it, “it’s not about cutting everything out, it’s just about hitting pause and seeing what you actually miss—you might surprise yourself.” A gentle reminder that sometimes the best way to value our spending is to switch up our routines.

3. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is

James Roberts, CommBank’s scams and fraud expert, has a simple rule when it comes to shopping online: trust your gut. He unpacked how scammers reel people in with low prices and urgency tactics, before demanding unsafe payment methods. 

“That online marketplace ad looks convincing,” he said, “but if the price is low, the payment options are dodgy and you can’t see the item in person, walk away. It’s not worth the risk.” A good mantra to remember before clicking “buy”.

Artist Brandi Salmon with Narelda Jacobs.

4. Back yourself and go all in

Narelda Jacobs’ chat with Tasmanian artist and Wiradjuri woman Brandi Salmon was proof that turning passion into profit takes guts. Brandi spoke about giving herself permission to leave financial security behind and fully commit to her art. “I decided to give myself permission to just go all in and really go for it,” she said—and she hasn’t looked back since introducing live wedding portraits as part of her repertoire. Her story is a reminder that bravery often comes before success.

5. Everyone should have a rainy day fund

Finally, Georgie Tunny’s conversation with comedian Jimmy Rees revealed that behind the viral sketches is a practical saver. Reflecting on his very first pay day, he admitted, “I remember saving my first pay cheque—the rainy day fund. You never think it’s raining but it rains all the time.” Proof that even in the world of comedy, smart money habits are no joke.

Watch and stream The Brighter Side, Fridays at 8:30pm.

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Published: 8 September 2025

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