Millions of Australians frequent Coles, Bunnings, Target, and Kmart weekly, but one Western Australian hairdresser has found a way to make her spending work for her, claiming it’s worth “tens of thousands of dollars.” As Christmas approaches, with just 12 weekends left, the financial pressure of the festive season looms large. According to the Australian Securities & Investments Commission, Australians typically spend between $780 and $800 during this period.
However, Melinda Bryenton-Rochard has found a way to ease this burden by leveraging the Flybuys rewards program. “I joined Flybuys about 14 years ago, and honestly, it’s become a big part of how my husband and I manage our everyday spending,” she told Yahoo Lifestyle. “I also love collecting points from partners like Bunnings, Target, and Kmart, using the points for everything from gazebos to plants.”
Maximizing Rewards for Big Savings
Through the strategic use of the Flybuys program, Melinda has redeemed her points for a variety of products and services, including tech items and significantly reduced airfares. “I’ve earned hundreds of thousands of Flybuys points, converting to tens of thousands of dollars,” she explained. “Recently, I used a big chunk of my Flybuys points to contribute towards our return business-class flights to the UK – helping reduce the cost of a trip worth more than $18,000.”
While the large savings are impressive, it’s the small, everyday savings that add up over time. “For example, I’ve gotten brand new iPhones and iPads, a beautiful gazebo for the backyard,” she said. As the most wonderful—and expensive—time of the year approaches, Melinda has found that utilizing her Flybuys points helps her save significantly.
Strategic Use of Flybuys for Holiday Savings
Melinda’s approach to maximizing her Flybuys points is strategic. “By the time December rolls around, I’ve usually earned enough points to cover hundreds of dollars’ worth of groceries for our Christmas lunch,” she noted. “On top of that, I’ve redeemed points for gift cards and presents, so I’d estimate we save several hundred dollars each holiday season, sometimes even more if there’s a big tech gift or extra entertainment to do.”
This strategy allows Melinda and her family to enjoy the holiday season without straining their regular budget. “It means we can go all out for Christmas without dipping into our regular budget, and that makes the season feel a lot more relaxed, festive, and affordable,” she added.
Coles’ New Christmas Range
In line with the festive spirit, Coles has announced its Christmas range, featuring 340 Coles brand products arriving in stores from November 5. Highlights include:
- Coles Finest Boneless Chicken Prosciutto Wrapped Fromager d’Affinois with Honey & Fig Sauce 1kg – priced at $5.60 per serve
- Coles Pulled Ham with Smokey Maple Glaze – priced at $2.50 per 100g
- Coles Finest Duck Fat Potatoes 600g – priced at $5.50
Tips for Maximizing Flybuys Points
Melinda’s top tip for making the most of Flybuys during the holiday season is to use the rewards program “strategically.” “I’ll scan my Flybuys while doing regular grocery shops in the months leading up to Christmas,” she explained. “The more I scan with the card, the more points stack up.”
She also recommends keeping an eye out for promotions that boost earnings. “I earn bonus points for buying gift cards to put towards electronics or homewares,” Melinda said. “I like redeeming points for things I would otherwise buy for Christmas gifts.”
“Flybuys has basically become my secret Christmas fund: it takes the pressure off and lets us spoil our loved ones a little more, all while keeping our finances on track.”
Additional tips include downloading the Flybuys app for bonus or seasonal promotions and member-only offers. “Closer to Christmas, there are sometimes special Flybuys or Coles ‘Christmas instant win’ or bonus point offers. I’ll make sure to take advantage of those,” she advised.
As the holiday season approaches, Melinda’s story is a testament to how strategic spending and rewards programs can significantly ease financial pressure, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable festive period.
