Emma Healey 
Thailand has long been known as a budget traveller’s paradise – but it’s not as cheap as it used to be. Growing tourism, and a strong baht mean you’ll definitely notice the costs creeping up. That said, it’s still possible to have an incredible Thai holiday without blowing your budget – you just need to be … Read more
When summer hits in New Zealand, it hits hard. Most Kiwi homes weren’t built with scorching temperatures in mind – think single glazing, minimal insulation, and windows that seem to invite the heat in. If you don’t have (or don’t want to pay for) air conditioning, there are still plenty of low-cost tricks to help … Read more
Well, this is a bit of a blow — GrabOne has gone into liquidation. A notice on the website confirms that Global Marketplace New Zealand Ltd, which ran the popular deals site, has officially shut up shop. Liquidators Daniel Stoneman and Neale Jackson from Calibre Partners were appointed on Thursday, saying the business has stopped … Read more
Father’s Day is meant to be about showing appreciation — not maxing out your credit card on fancy gadgets or overpriced gifts. The best Father’s Day memories usually come from thoughtful, simple gestures that don’t cost much at all. Whether you’re celebrating a dad, stepdad, granddad, or another father figure, here are 25 budget-friendly Father’s … Read more
When you read that headline, you probably pictured me dipping my toes in baby oil and snapping saucy shots for strangers online. But nope — I’ve never actually sold a single foot pic in my life. Instead, I did something a little smarter. How It Started It was 2022, and suddenly every corner of the … Read more
White vinegar is a versatile staple that can do more than just add flavour to your meals. You might be surprised to learn that it can help with cleaning, deodorizing, and even personal care. It’s an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on effectiveness, providing a budget-friendly alternative for various tasks around your home. Incorporating white … Read more
You’re having a baby! This is such an exciting time. I created this frugal, minimalist baby must-haves article to help you figure out what you actually need for a new baby, so you don’t overspend or buy things you just won’t use. Now, if you’re anything like me, you might be experiencing slight dread at … Read more
I remember reading the parable of the Mexican fisherman about midway through my quest for financial freedom and having a real epiphany about what truly matters in life. For a long time, I believed that the key to financial freedom was continually acquiring more — more properties, more assets, more investments. I thought we had … Read more
Let’s be honest – being in debt sucks. You try to make progress, but between the credit cards, the car loan, and that random personal loan from ages ago, it can feel like you’re just treading water. Where do you even start? A few years back, we were right there too – juggling multiple debts, … Read more
If you’re a New Zealander planning a longer stay in Thailand and working remotely, you may have heard of the new DTV visa (Destination Thailand Visa) — designed for digital nomads, remote workers, and even families. Our family of four (myself, my husband, and our two kids) applied for the DTV under the Workation category … Read more