You know how at work you seem to have meetings over everything, well you need to have money meetings at home if you're serious about saving for a house... At work, some meetings are effective, some aren't so effective. It's your job to make sure your money meeting is effective. If you're saving with your partner, make sure you're both in attendance and fully [...]
Starting your first full-time job is a big deal. It’s your first real step into adulthood and the responsibilities that come with it. It’s a moment to be really proud, but it can be really scary too. There are some things that you need to think about before you start: Money How much are you going to save from each paycheque? It’s hard to [...]
It's 2020 and there's not a Jetson or flying car in sight! (or am I showing my age by that reference?) Seriously, 2020 sounded so far away just 21 years ago when we were wondering what a new century would bring - and now we're into the third decade of that century! How did that happen? It's a great reminder of how fast time [...]
Arrggghhhh! Everything costs so much money! Christmas holidays can be a killer to your budget, so here are some ideas that won't break the bank. Picnic Bushwalk Amazing Race style of treasure hunt Day at the beach or baths Walk around the city centre checking out Christmas decorations Bike ride Botanical gardens visit Walk around your local park Board game marathon Family/Friends sports day [...]
Just like every other time of year, you need to have a budget for Christmas shopping. Probably even more so than every other time of year! It's the number one time for spending blowouts - so go in prepared. Who are you buying for? What's your budget for each gift? If you're watching what you spend, could you suggest a Secret Santa to your [...]
From my experience, you're usually firmly in one of four places when it comes to Christmas decorating: Like you've just stepped out of an American movie where more is more - and even more is even better. You start buying your decorations on Boxing Day and start getting the lights untangled in early November. Your house puts a strain on the power grid but [...]
If you feel like buying a house is similar to climbing Everest - on a snowy day - then you're not alone. But don't give up hope. There are some things you can do that will help you buy that house without giving up your lifestyle completely! Strategy 1: Rein in your spending This is a bit of a no-brainer, but it's also often [...]
Some people think that it’s easier to get a mortgage through their own bank. They know them, that’s where their bank accounts and credit cards are, so it just makes sense and should be easy, right? WRONG! There are some things that your bank will probably never tell you: They have a limited number of home loan options available to offer you and they’re [...]
Owning a home is like Nirvana to some of us. It’s the goal we’ve been working towards, the ideal that we something didn’t think we’d ever achieve. It’s bliss! But is it really? It’s a roof over our head, somewhere to keep our belongings and a place that seems to need constant cleaning… It’s also a place to create memories, build relationships, grow [...]
When we’re buying a new home we’re so focussed on the process of buying it that sometimes we forgot about what we have to do once it’s ours. So here is a list we’ve compiled from our clients’ tips and tricks. #1 Set up your utilities This is a great thing to do during the lead up to settlement. Get your electricity, gas, [...]
