Save money every day with SBS’s Ricardo Gonçalves and Peggy Giakoumelos on new Cost of Living Secrets podcast

What do you need to know when approaching the banks about a loan? What’s in your car boot that could save you money on petrol? And what about finding ways to cut costs when visiting the doctor?

SBS News Presenter and Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves and journalist Peggy Giakoumelos explore one subject per episode with an expert in the field aimed at helping audiences make more informed decisions about their everyday spending.

“With cost of living pressures rising, we’re all looking at ways to make our dollar stretch further and sometimes it’s the simple things that can often make the most difference,” said Gonçalves who presents the finance news on SBS World News and hosts the SBS On The Money podcast.

“On Cost of Living Secrets we go back to basics to find out how we can do more with what we’ve already got.

“What I find fascinating is the psychology of the consumer: why we shop the way we do, what triggers us to buy certain products, and the way retailers try to manipulate our purchasing behaviour.

“On Cost of Living Secrets we go through all of that and a lot more with experts in their chosen fields to help our audience make informed decisions and save money every day, on everyday things.”

The six-part series includes an episode on supermarket shopping with consumer behaviour expert Professor Nitika Garg who explains just what all those colourful price tickets on the shelves really mean and if they are really saving you anything.

“Red or yellow stickers signal a deal in supermarkets, so we end up paying special attention to them. As a result, every time we get a good deal, psychologically, we get a dopamine hit, right? It’s like a pat on the back,” said Professor Garg.

Peggy and Ricardo also sit down with general practitioner Dr Rebekah Hoffman to talk rebates, bulk billing and the different services available for patients in metropolitan and regional areas.

“Many GPs offer online referrals. Which once again, saves us time so you don’t have to take a day off work to go and get your referral. But often this will save you money because the cost of doing an online referral is often less than doing a face-to-face doctor’s visit,” said Dr Hoffman.

For food savings, Daisy Coyle, an accredited practicing Dietitian, sheds light on when it is okay to go for cheaper brands.

“A lot of the time trading down is okay. Nutrition, particularly if you’re switching to a home brand, private label product, people think they’re not going to be as healthy, but they are just as healthy across multiple things,” she said.

Cost of Living Secrets will be available from today on YouTube, the SBS Audio app, LiSTNR and wherever you stream podcasts.

Cost of Living Secrets is general in nature and is not intended as financial advice; you should consult with a licensed professional to make the decisions that are right for you.

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