In my experience, the first step in taking control of your money is to have the motive to change. That's a really big one because if we don't have a reason to change, it's pretty easy to stay stuck until it gets too uncomfortable to stay there. But let's not wait that long! Let's take a stand now and find that motivation to change. [...]
In my experience, the first step in taking control of your money is to have the motive to change. That's a really big one because if we don't have a reason to change, it's pretty easy to stay stuck until it gets too uncomfortable to stay there. But let's not wait that long! Let's take a stand now and find that motivation. Really explore [...]
I have found that meal planning saves me so much money (and time) (and brain power) that it's not even funny! The goal is to do your grocery shopping once a week. No more, no less. No urgent trips to buy a litre of milk - that ends up costing you $50 because, let's face it, you never come out with just milk. So [...]
When the Prime Minister announced a moratorium on evictions for tenants affected by COVID-19 there was a collective cheer from tenants, which was matched by a collective groan from landlords. It's important to look at both sides of the picture here because we're always looking for a win-win, right? Usually, our two biggest expenses are our rent or our mortgage repayments. Sometimes landlords have [...]
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 [...]
