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
Getting a month ahead on bills sounds like something that only happens to people who earn a lot. It’s not. By taking control of your finances and implementing some effective strategies, you can work towards having a buffer to cover your upcoming expenses and no longer feel the financial anxiety that comes with living hand … 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
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
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
I’m not naturally frugal – I actually love spending money. But sticking to a budget is what made it possible for me to pay off $30,000 of debt, clear my mortgage in five years, and still travel to 40 countries (20 of those with my kids in tow). Budgeting didn’t shrink my life – it … Read more
Most people know they should have an emergency fund. Hardly anyone actually has one. I get it. Money’s tight, rent or the mortgage comes first, and “start an emergency fund” sits on the to-do list next to “clean out the garage.” But an emergency fund is the one piece of your finances that decides whether … Read more
If you’ve ever wondered ‘Can money buy happiness?’, you’re not alone. That’s not just because you’re reading a blog formerly called Money Can Buy Me Happiness (rebranded to Mumsmoney in 2019). When I started this blog, I had some criticism. One person told me she associates the name of my site with the desire to “accumulate … Read more
Managing your money is easier than ever with these free budgeting printables. When you are ready to create a budget, free printables can be a smart tool to help visualise how your finances look now and how you want them to look in the future. We’ve compiled a list of 16 of the best money … Read more
While many banking services can now be accessed online or through mobile apps, there are still times when visiting a bank branch is necessary. Whether you need to open a new account, apply for a loan, or simply deposit a large sum of cash, having access to a nearby bank branch can be incredibly helpful. … Read more