Winter Energy Payment 2025: What You Need to Know

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

The 5-Step Hack I Use to Curb Impulse Buying

the green ceiling of a luminarium

Ever looked at your bank account and thought… where the heck did all my money go? 🙋‍♀️ Same. That’s exactly why I started giving myself a set of simple rules before spending. These 5 questions have saved me from countless impulse buys and that awful ‘what did I even buy?’ feeling. I first wrote this … Read more

10 Reasons to Stay Put in Your Starter Home

Reasons Staying in Your Starter Home Is a Smart Mov

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

8 Practical Tips For Growing Vegetables on a Budget

Practical Tips For Growing Vegetables on a Budget Featured Image

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 Swear Jar Rules That’ll Help You Stop Cursing (maybe)

A boy with white shirt covering his ears_The Swear Jar Rules

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

Is It Bad Luck to Put Your Purse on the Floor?

Photo showing a purple bag on the floor

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

How to Get a Month Ahead on Bills

a pair of hands holding a phone and calculator with papers, notebook, a calendar and laptop on table

Getting a month ahead on your bills can seem daunting, 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 to cover your … Read more

How We Budget with Variable Income So We Always Have Enough

Colored uneven graph on white paper with word Income_How to Budget with Irregular Income

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. Super important 2025 update: I wrote this article in 2016, when our costs were lower – approx … Read more

10 Habits of Debt-Free People You Can Start Right Now

Handing money to bank_10 Habits of Debt-Free People You Should Start Right Now

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