Consumer Corner: Save hundreds on power bills, know your 'cash only' rights and snag a property bargain

Each week the Nine network publishes dozens of articles about how to be better with your money - but they can so easily get lost in the news cycle. So every Sunday the consumer wrap will compile the best and brightest tips to help you stretch your dollars further.

Nine.com.au's money experts have been on the boil for the past week collating all the money hacks you need to cut back on impulse spending and start setting yourself up for life.

In case you missed them, here's how take control of your money:

SAVE HUNDREDS ON POWER BILLS

Electricity bills around the nation are set to jump by hundreds of dollars from July 1, following a decision by the market regulator to raise the maximum cost price of power.

That means on top of your yearly heating bill, you're facing a jump in general costs along with everything else piling onto the cost of living.

Have no fear - because Joel Gibson for 9Honey has laid out ways you can save hundreds of dollars this winter.

TOTAL SAVINGS OR GAIN: $200 a year.

KNOW YOUR 'CASH RIGHTS'

Ever seen a business that asks customers to pay with "cash only" or "card only"?

A lot of Australians think this is illegal, but as Stuart Marsh for 9News explains, it's totally acceptable for a business to choose how they want to be paid.

That might be a pain in the backside for some, but it's the law.

TOTAL SAVINGS OR GAIN: Gained knowing your consumer rights.

TRAVEL A EUROPEAN COUNTRY FOR $13.50

Okay, this one is niche but it just might save someone a fortune.

To revive its economy after COVID-19 lockdowns, Germany is offering tourists an entire month of travel on its public transport system for just $13.50.

TOTAL SAVINGS OR GAIN: Hundreds for euro-trippers.

SNAG A PROPERTY BARGAIN IN A PLACE YOU ACTUALLY WANT TO LIVE

We know, we know - there's really no such thing as a "bargain" property deal in Australia.

Cheap places are either in the middle of nowhere, or require so much work that you'd be better off becoming a tradie yourself.

But as Elizabeth Redman for Domain explains, there is an intersection point where first homebuyers can save on property prices while still buying in a "liveable" area.

TOTAL SAVINGS OR GAIN: Gain a lifestyle, save hundreds of thousands.

CLEAN YOUR OVEN WITHOUT CHEMICALS

Oven cleaner works great, but can be pretty harsh stuff and is just another expense on your grocery bill.

Turns out there's an old-fashioned way to clean your oven without any chemicals, and likely without any cost too.

As Rachael Gavin explains for The Block, simply popping a bowl of lemons and water in the oven could be the perfect way to freshen up your oven.

TOTAL SAVINGS OR GAIN: That $18 can of oven cleaner.