{"id":205200,"date":"2025-10-11T10:27:20","date_gmt":"2025-10-11T10:27:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/205200\/"},"modified":"2025-10-11T10:27:20","modified_gmt":"2025-10-11T10:27:20","slug":"coles-shoppers-bunnings-and-kmart-trick-to-save-thousands-on-business-class-flights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/205200\/","title":{"rendered":"Coles shopper’s Bunnings and Kmart trick to save ‘thousands’ on business class flights"},"content":{"rendered":"

Millions of Australians are shopping at Coles<\/a>, Bunnings<\/a>, Target<\/a> and Kmart<\/a> every week. And one WA hairdresser said she’s managed to leverage her spend to be worth “tens of thousands of dollars”.<\/p>\n

Christmas is nearly here<\/a>, with just 12 weekends to go until the big day. For even the most festive among us, the overwhelm of preparation and cost can definitely bring out the inner Grinch.<\/p>\n

Australians spend between $780 and $800 on the festive season, according to the Australian Securities & Investments Commission<\/a>.<\/p>\n

But, Coles shopper Melinda Bryenton-Rochard<\/a> told Yahoo Lifestyle she has eased the financial pressure by harnessing the power of the rewards program, Flybuys<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cI joined Flybuys about 14 years ago, and honestly, it\u2019s become a big part of how my husband and I manage our everyday spending,\u201d she said. \u201cI also love collecting points from partners like Bunnings<\/a>, Target<\/a> and Kmart<\/a>, using the points for everything from gazebos to plants<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/p>\n

Utilising the reward program has allowed Melinda to redeem her points for a huge range of products and services, including tech items and reduced airfares.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve earned hundreds of thousands of Flybuys points, converting to tens of thousands of dollars,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cRecently, I used a big chunk of my Flybuys points to contribute towards our return business-class flights to the UK \u2013 helping reduce the cost of a trip worth more than $18,000.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Flybuys\"<\/p>\n

Melinda has cashed in points for items like her Smeg kitchen range, but said it also creates an opportunity to reduce Christmas stress. Picture: Melinda Bryenton-Rochard<\/p>\n

But it\u2019s the small everyday savings that really make a difference over time. For example, I\u2019ve gotten brand new iPhones and iPads, a beautiful gazebo for the backyard.\u201d<\/p>\n

And for the most wonderful \u2014 and expensive \u2014 time of the year, Melinda said utilising her Flybuys points has helped her save big time.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy the time December rolls around, I\u2019ve usually earned enough points to cover hundreds of dollars\u2019 worth of groceries for our Christmas lunch,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn top of that, I\u2019ve redeemed points for gift cards and presents, so I\u2019d estimate we save several hundred dollars each holiday season, sometimes even more if there\u2019s a big tech gift or extra entertainment to do.<\/p>\n

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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Coles has also just announced its Christmas range, which includes 340 Coles brand products that will arrive in stores from November 5.<\/p>\n

Highlights include:<\/p>\n

Coles Finest Boneless Chicken Prosciutto Wrapped Fromager d’Affinois with Honey & Fig Sauce 1kg – priced at $5.60 per serve<\/p>\n

Coles Pulled Ham with Smokey Maple Glaze – priced at $2.50 per 100g<\/p>\n

Coles Finest Duck Fat Potatoes 600g – priced at $5.50<\/p>\n

\"Coles<\/p>\n

Coles CEO and chef Curtis Stone have announced the supermarket’s Christmas offerings. Picture: Coles<\/p>\n

How to make the most of Flybuys to save at Christmas<\/p>\n

Melinda said her best tip for making the most of Flybuys to save at Christmas is to use the rewards program \u201cstrategically.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll scan my Flybuys while doing regular grocery shops in the months leading up to Christmas,” she said. “The more I scan with the card, the more points stack up.”<\/p>\n

When it comes to gifts, she will keep an eye out for promotions to boost her earnings.<\/p>\n

“I earn bonus points for buying gift cards to put towards electronics or homewares,” the hairdresser said. “I like redeeming points for things I would otherwise buy for Christmas gifts.\u201d<\/p>\n

Melinda said redeeming has helped her stress less about “last-minute spending.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve redeemed gifts and wine from partner Liquorland, additional homewares for entertaining from Kmart and Target and gift cards from Bunnings,” she said.<\/p>\n

“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.\u201d<\/p>\n

SHOP:<\/p>\n

Some other tips include downloading the Flybuys app, which often offers bonus or seasonal promotions, as well as member-only offers, which can add up.<\/p>\n

\u201cCloser to Christmas, there are sometimes special Flybuys or Coles \u2018Christmas instant win\u201d or bonus point offers. I\u2019ll make sure to take advantage of those,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

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