Why it’s time to ditch the YOLO mindset and reign in spending

By Gabriella Margerison · · 2 min read
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Living in the moment is great - until it leaves your bank account on empty! Here at Mozo we agree that it could be time for us Aussies to take a step back from the YOLO economy and rethink our “you only live once” spending habits.

Mozo Expert, Rachel Wastell says, “while it’s tempting to say “yes” to every spontaneous brunch, mini-break, or retail sale, bringing a bit of balance to your finances can go a long way”.

So to help you get there, we’ve put together some strategies to keep your spending in check, so you can still enjoy life while making your money go further.

Swap “impulse” with “purpose” spending

Instead of jumping on every opportunity that comes your way, ask yourself: Is this purchase adding real value to my life? If it’s not a yes, consider redirecting that money toward goals that align with your priorities, like a big holiday fund or make extra super contributions.

Set small financial challenges

Set yourself a fun challenge in an effort to curb overspending. Try something simple like a weekly “no-spend day” or challenge yourself to save every $10 or $20 note you get. These mini-goals might seem small, but they add up to big wins over time. Plus, they help rewire spending habits in a way that feels rewarding, not restrictive.

Commit to conscious socialising

We all love a night out with friends, but it’s no secret that socialising can quickly drain your budget. Try trading the occasional dinner or drink date for budget-friendly alternatives, like a picnic in the park, a BYO game night, or cooking a meal together at home. That way, you’re still catching up with mates without the risk of blowing your weekly budget on one night out.

Save on autopilot

Setting up automated transfers to your savings account can help you put away cash before you even have a chance to spend it. You can schedule these right after payday, and then relax knowing your savings are growing in the background. Aim for even a modest amount like $50 or $100, whatever you can manage consistently, until it becomes a habit.

Practise “wait and see” shopping

Impulse buying is a fast track to YOLO overspending. A good rule of thumb? Wait 48 hours before making any unplanned purchase, especially if it’s over a certain amount. This cooling-off period often helps you see if you really need the item or if the urge to buy fades.

These simple strategies can help keep your finances on track without taking the fun out of spending. So next time you feel the urge to YOLO with your cash, think of it as a chance to make some long-term wins for your future self. To get on track faster, compare savings accounts below to help reach your goals faster.

Mozo may receive payment if you click products on our site. We don’t compare the entire market, but you can search our database of 255 savings accounts using the filters.
Last updated 5 December 2025 Important disclosures
  • Promoted

    Boss Saver

    Maximum rate
    4.65 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $100,001)
    Minimum $500 deposited into linked transaction account, and 5 Visa Card transactions from that account
    Standard rate
    0.20 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Ongoing bonus interest when you meet conditions
    • No minimum balance, ongoing fees or withdrawal penalties
    • Manage your money easily on the BCU Bank app
  • Promoted

    AMP Bank GO Save

    Maximum rate
    4.25 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,001)
    Standard rate
    4.25 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,001)
    Go to site
    • No deposit or withdrawal conditions
    • No minimum balance or monthly account fees
    • All you need is an AMP Bank GO Everyday Account to open a Save account in the AMP Bank GO app.
  • Promoted

    Reward Saver Account

    Maximum rate
    4.50 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $1,000,000)
    Intro bonus rate of 4.50% for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months, reverting to 2.50%. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals.
    Standard rate
    0.00 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Earn bonus rate by depositing $50 a month and making no withdrawals
    • Introductory rate for first 4 months
    • No monthly account fees

  • High Interest Savings Account

    Maximum rate
    5.00 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,001)
    Bonus rate for the first 4 months from account opening
    Standard rate
    3.45 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,001)
    Go to site
    • Easy set up, online and mobile banking app
    • No fees, no minimum balance, no minimum monthly deposit and no minimum term
    • Kick start your savings with the 4 month introductory variable rate

  • Reward Saver Kick Start Account - Up to 30 years old

    Maximum rate
    4.75 % p.a.
    (for $5,000 to $100,000)
    Minimum deposit of $20 and no withdrawals in the month.
    Standard rate
    0.00 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Earn bonus rates by depositing $20 a month and making no withdrawals
    • Mozo Experts Choice Awards winner for Teen High Interest Savings in 2025
    • No monthly account fees

  • Boss Saver

    Maximum rate
    4.65 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $100,001)
    Minimum $500 deposited into linked transaction account, and 5 Visa Card transactions from that account
    Standard rate
    0.20 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Ongoing bonus interest when you meet conditions
    • No minimum balance, ongoing fees or withdrawal penalties
    • Manage your money easily on the BCU Bank app

  • Savvy Saver Account

    Maximum rate
    4.65 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $100,001)
    Minimum $500 deposited into linked transaction account, and 5 Visa Card transactions from that account
    Standard rate
    0.20 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • No minimum balance required
    • Move money in and out and still earn interest
    • Transfer or make payments using the mobile app

  • Reward Saver Account

    Maximum rate
    4.50 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $1,000,000)
    Intro bonus rate of 4.50% for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months, reverting to 2.50%. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals.
    Standard rate
    0.00 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Earn bonus rate by depositing $50 a month and making no withdrawals
    • Introductory rate for first 4 months
    • No monthly account fees

  • Smart Saver Account

    Maximum rate
    4.45 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,000)
    Minimum deposit of $100 and no withdrawals in the month
    Standard rate
    0.50 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Earn bonus interest each month (T&Cs apply)
    • Open up to five accounts
    • No monthly fees or minimum balance

  • Power Saver

    Maximum rate
    4.35 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,000)
    Minimum of $100 deposited into account, and no withdrawals made.
    Standard rate
    0.50 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Bonus interest for the first four months
    • No minimum balance, ongoing fees or withdrawal penalties
    • Manage your money easily on the BCU Bank app

  • AMP Bank GO Save

    Maximum rate
    4.25 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,001)
    Standard rate
    4.25 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,001)
    Go to site
    • No deposit or withdrawal conditions
    • No minimum balance or monthly account fees
    • All you need is an AMP Bank GO Everyday Account to open a Save account in the AMP Bank GO app.

  • Savings+Bonus

    Maximum rate
    4.25 % p.a.
    (for $1 to $250,000)
    Minimum $100 monthly deposit and no withdrawals to earn bonus interest each month.
    Standard rate
    1.75 % p.a.
    (for $1 to $250,000)
    Go to site
    • Enjoy bonus interest when you meet criteria
    • Access your money at any time via app
    • $250K maximum balance

  • Bonus Saver

    Maximum rate
    4.25 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Standard rate
    0.05 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Bonus interest for the first four months
    • No minimum balance, ongoing fees or withdrawal penalties
    • Manage your money easily on the BCU Bank app

  • Hi Saver

    Maximum rate
    4.25 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Bonus rate for the first 4 months from account opening
    Standard rate
    0.05 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Earn bonus interest for the first four months
    • No Minimum balance required
    • Transfer or make payments using the mobile app
Showing 11 results from 255 savings accounts. Use the filters to see more

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Savings Account Awards

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