Watch out for tax scams The end of the financial year will likely bring the usual wave of scams. Here’s what to look for. The Federal Budget is behind us, and amid the celebrations over tax cuts (around $500 annually for low to middle income earners if proposals are legislated), now is the time to be mindful of scammers pretending to be from government bodies – especially the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). In some cases, scam victims …
Family activities to do on a budget If your little angels are bleeding you dry, here are some cheap and effortless ways you could have fun at home. If you’ve ever taken the kids for a game of ten pin bowling, you’re probably not alone if the budget you set yourself was quickly squashed on the back of a second game, pizzas, soft drinks, and various arcade games on the way out because you know …
The best money blogs and financial advice for 20-somethings Are you a 20-something, a Millennial, a Gen Y or a Gen Next? Actually, it’s a trick question, as they’re all the same thing. Whether you believe such a label applies to you or not, you may think managing your money better isn’t something you should be doing until you’re 30-something and living in your own home with kids. Here we feature some money blogs to …
The rise of the gig economy and side gigs (thanks to technology) Chances are you either have a side gig (a way to make money on the side of your usual job), want to have one, or you benefit from someone else’s. While the gig economy has been bubbling away in the background for a while now, it continues to be on the rise, and people are finding new ways to make a bit of …
Psych yourself into saving Whether you’re struggling to make ends meet or living comfortably, saving money can be something you’ll be finding hard to do. In her new book “Mind Over Money: The Psychology of Money and How To Use it Better” BBC broadcaster and psychologist Claudia Hammond shares insights into how we can change our ways when it comes to budgeting, spending and saving more for a rainy day. Why should we save? If …
Old and new money lessons for kids One of the most important things you can teach your kids is how to manage their money as this will help them better face the challenges of adulthood. In our world of ever advancing technology, children often don’t see physical money being exchanged. In fact, some Scandinavian countries are even doing away with physical cash altogether. These days, money can be moved with the swipe of plastic card …
5 tips to save money at university Back at uni? Do away with the poor student clichés with these money making and money saving tips. Students aren’t exactly known for rolling in cash, but by following these simple tips to save money at university you can make the most of what you’ve got. 1. Get a part-time job This might seem obvious, but part-time jobs aren’t what they used to be. Sure, you could take on regular …
7 little ways to be better with money Discover these 7 essential ways to change your money mindset and behaviour for good and feel richer for decades to come. 1. Develop your own value One of the most important investments you can make is in yourself. Whether that’s reading up on something that interests you, improving your skills and education, getting expert support from a coach or mentor or looking after your health and well-being, …
Why buying too many items on sale could be costing you a mint Are you rushing out to buy things you need, or could really be going without? We’ve all done it—seen something on sale (particularly over the Christmas/New Year trading period) and without a second thought, jumped to the conclusion—great discount, I must have it straight away. If it’s an item that has been on your list for a while, you might save some …
Personal debt – maybe the mortgage isn’t so bad Household debt in Australia is high but more of us are taking a sensible approach to debt management. Nationally, our household debt ratio is nudging 200%. On paper it means we owe twice as much in debt as we bring home in our pay packets each year. It sounds like an alarming figure but as 74% of all households have some level of debt, the reality …
