As the temperature drops, keeping your home warm becomes crucial, and the cost associated with it can be a concern. That’s where the Winter Energy Payment comes into play—a financial boost to help you manage the cost of heating during the colder months. If you’re eligible, this payment is made to you automatically along with … Read more
I’ve found putting rules in place around how I use money has helped me to not spend so much of it on stuff I don’t need (or remember buying). I wrote this article in 2015 while booking flights back to New Zealand after living in Spain. The context is dated, but the message remains the … Read more
This article was first published in 2015. Last month I wrote about how we live on a fixed budget. In that post, I mentioned that we lived in a starter home. I really should punch myself in the face for typing those words into my blog because I hate the term ‘starter home’. Let me tell … Read more
My name is Sarah, and I’m going to share some tips to save money by easily growing your own veggies. My wake-up call with money came when I added up the debts that we had and then worked out how long and hard we’d be working in order to pay them off. At that point, … Read more
The good ol’ swear jar. Parting the potty-mouthed with their pennies since forever. If colourful language is your swan song, but you have kids and don’t want them to sound feral, you might consider starting a swear jar. Use a swear jar to help you or your partner stop using curse words. These swear jar … Read more
Recent travels in Malaysia and Thailand saw me commit a faux pas completely unawares. This seemed to happen when I was in a cafe working, and would mindlessly place my backpack or purse on the floor. As the waitstaff rushed to lift my purse off the floor and onto a nearby chair, I wondered – … Read more
Wondering what the 50/30/20 budget is all about? If you’re looking for a little more simplicity in your life, or are brand new to the idea of living on a budget, you may want to consider the 50/30/20 budget rule. It will help you control your spending and work toward your financial goals, but it … Read more
Getting a month ahead on your bills can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’ve been living paycheck to paycheck. However, it’s an achievable goal that can offer you a sense of financial security and freedom. By taking control of your finances and implementing some effective strategies, you can work towards having a buffer … Read more
Managing your family budget with a variable income can be a challenge. Irregular paydays can test even the most astute budgeter so it’s important to be vigilant when planning how you’ll manage your money when your income fluctuates. We are currently living with (and thriving on) a variable or irregular income. It wasn’t always easy … Read more
Becoming debt-free is a goal for many of us. And let me tell you, there is no feeling like making that final payment on your credit card, car loan or even your mortgage (that event deserves a party!). 10 Debt-Free Habits to Adopt No matter what level of debt you’re tackling, there are 10 simple … Read more