Research by Finder, Australia’s most visited comparison site, has revealed that we plan to spend a whopping $4.8 billion this holiday period.
The survey of 1,004 respondents revealed more than half (55%) of Australians – equivalent to 12 million people – plan to celebrate Easter.
The average Aussie plans to spend $1,556 on chocolate, food, eating out and travel. The research found 12% plan on travelling over the long-weekend, forking out $1,005 on average for flights and accommodation.
Almost half of Australians (49%) plan to indulge, spending $68 on Easter chocolates – a national total of $710 million.
“Easter continues to put pressure on our budgets, and it’s prompting many Australians to rethink their Easter plans,” said Sarah Megginson, money expert at Finder.
“The good news is, celebrating Easter doesn’t have to mean overspending. Have a close look at what you’re spending and where the opportunities are to save.
“Compare online, shop the half-price sales and consider buying other things like PJs or homemade baking as gifts, to cut back on costs.”
5 tips to save on Easter:
Ditch the big feast: Focus on quality over quantity. Plan a potluck with friends and family, where everyone brings a dish. This spreads the cost and workload and can be a fun way to share recipes.
Chocolate savvy: Skip the pre-made baskets and overpriced sweets. Buy chocolate in bulk (bars or chips) and assemble your own baskets with creative fillers like popcorn, nuts, or homemade cookies.
Get crafty! Make your own Easter decorations with construction paper, paint, and recycled materials. It can be a fun family activity and save money compared to buying pre-made decorations.
Embrace the free: There are plenty of free Easter activities: egg hunts in parks, church services, or nature walks. You can also enjoy free online resources like colouring pages or Easter-themed movies.
Shop smart: Plan your Easter meal in advance and stick to a grocery list. Utilise weekly specials and consider buying some staples in advance if prices are predicted to rise.