As the cost of living continues to rise in 2025, people with disabilities—especially in remote areas—are feeling the financial pressure more than ever. While recent government reports addressed general support, they overlooked additional measures for those living with disabilities.

So it’s becoming even more necessary for Australians living with a disability, to keep looking for ways to save money. Welcome to our Money Series!

For our first week, we’re starting out with something fun: saving or earning money by being creative. There might be something that you can do that others would pay money for, even if it’s a small price for a small thing. Your set of skills, experiences and knowledge are completely unique to you, and you may be exactly what others are looking for. You could charge money for your goods or services, or you could choose to barter. There are plenty of Buy, Swap and Sell groups on Facebook that offer both options, and it’s worth spending some time here. 

And if you have a business idea you’d like to explore, consider applying for a grant with the City of Karratha council. 

So we are sharing our top five tips to save or make a little bit of extra money while getting creative, and we’d love to hear your ideas too: make a comment on our Facebook page and we’ll give it some love in return!

1. Cook It

Are you a whizz in the kitchen? Can you whip up a batch of yummy, nutritious meals and whack in a dessert or yummy snack for good measure? Because there are plenty of time-poor people who are ready to pay for a home-cooked meal. Think mothers who have just given birth, elderly people, or families with both parents working full-time. 

You don’t need a commercial kitchen if you are only selling to family and friends, and are not selling “for profit” (check out what this means here). But if you’ve trialled this venture and love it, and you want to go into business, you could hire out a commercial kitchen on a casual basis and scale up your work. Just remember to keep honest with the ATO and with the Australian Business Register, and check with the council about food regulations.

2. Sew It

Perhaps there’s an old sewing machine gathering dust at the back of a cupboard, and it could save money for you, or even earn it. If you already have sewing skills then now’s the time to put them to good use! You can pick up clothes cheaply at second hand shops, and if they don’t quite suit you, there are many ways to make it your own, for example buying a pair of denim trousers and cutting off some length and hemming them to make shorts.

People will pay for their trousers to be hemmed too, or other small fixes to a garment. And then there’s sewing from scratch: maybe there is an item that can’t be found easily in the shops, such as a bowl cozy, a library bag or even a child’s bomber jacket… and selling online is an easy way to start finding customers. Again, you can source cheap fabric from second hand shops. Old doona covers, anyone?

Just remember the same rules apply for selling as a hobby as opposed to a business, and if you need more info just look here.

3. Mr FixIt

Or Mrs FixIt. If you love to get on the tools, this one is for you. We’re thinking on a small scale here: repairing a coffee table leg, servicing a sewing machine, re-carpeting a cat’s scratching pole, repairing a children’s toy, etc. Some people go on “scavenger hunts” at the Seven Mile Waste Facility and fix small appliances, furniture or toys, and sell them on. 

This would be considered a hobby under the ATO’s strict rules and could be a great little money spinner if you enjoy tinkering. Alternatively, you could barter your goods if you’re not interested in the hassle of selling.

An important note: please only fix electrical appliances if you are qualified. There are plenty of other items to repair and sell/barter that don’t require a licence.

4. Grow It

Calling all greenthumbs! As food costs keep rising, people are looking for cheaper ways to source their fresh fruit and veggies, and even though our area is considered a northern arid zone, so long as they have access to water, plenty of things can be planted all year round. A good guide to start with can be found here. Even if you don’t choose to sell your produce, they’ll be delicious to eat yourself, and there may be interesting varieties of fruit and veg that aren’t in the shops.

Or perhaps you know of a few households who need to keep their weeds down, or have their veggies sprayed with your secret blend of insect repellant,  or even just have their plants watered regularly. Kids can earn pocket money for simple garden chores like these, too.

If you have chooks (and they’re laying), now is the time to consider selling or bartering those eggs: there are currently egg shortages in supermarkets due to the avian flu issues from last year, and until supplies are high again, there will be plenty of customers looking to buy at markets, on the roadside, or even through Marketplace. 

5. Teach It

What is your most valuable asset? Your mind. There are so many things you can teach someone else, and your knowledge can be valuable. You may wish to charge a fee for your services, or maybe you’d feel more comfortable bartering, for example, giving homework help to your neighbour’s school-aged child in exchange for a home-cooked meal, a lift to the shops, your mail to be collected for you, your bins brought out and in each week, your lawn to have the sprinkler put over it, odd jobs to be done around the house… the possibilities are endless!

You could also:

• Coach a sport you know and love;
• Or if you can no longer play, coach tactics for that sport;
• Listen to children read, and read books to them;
• Tutor an adult student in a particular software application (maybe you know Photoshop, or you’re a spreadsheet ninja?);
• Give local gardening advice;
• Hold small group lessons for sewing, cooking, makeup, art, vehicle mechanics, an instrument, or dance.  

But really, it’s all about community…

…especially in remote areas where people rely on each other. By sharing skills, services, and support, we can create stronger connections and financial security. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a neighbour, club, or local community group. Your unique skills could make a difference, and you might even save or make some money too. Leave a comment on your best tip for being creative: we can’t wait to read it!

 

A word about our words:

We are not financial planners, nor are we associated with any financial institutions. Our advice is purely for thought-provoking purposes only, and if you have concerns or questions about your financial situation please speak with a financial planner or a Centrelink representative. If you are interested in starting a business, please visit the ATO’s website or use this link as a starter. Earning money for the purposes of a business will attract tax and other responsibilities, so please make sure you’re staying within the bounds of Australian business and tax laws before embarking on any business-like endeavours. And please check with local council regarding any food preparation or setting up a business in a residential area or otherwise.