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Introduction

You’re probably already pretty impressed by what your smart phone can do, but have you thought of it as a wealth builder?
It’s all down to the apps you can install, and there’s an increasing range to help you manage your spending, supercharge savings, complete your tax returns and manage your investments – all at the tip of your fingers.

Introduction

Australians are a nation of animal lovers. According to the Australian Companion Animal Council, we have one of the highest incidences of pet-ownership in the world!

Dogs and cats are our favourites; around 36% of Australian households own a dog, and 23% own a cat. We’re familiar with the companionship pets bring, and the social interaction they foster, but there are other benefits too, such as:

• Lowered blood pressure and cholesterol
• Increased physical activity
• Strengthened immune system and reduced incidence of allergies
• Children learn responsibility, empathy and respect.

When considering a pet, you expect costs like, food, bedding and the annual vet visit, but there are other costs you may not have thought about.

Introduction

We all need something to look forward to and for many people the lure of discount airfares and package deals are irresistible; others have luxury holidays high on the agenda.

And why not? We all love a holiday and what’s more, happiness, apparently, is not just in the holiday itself, but in the planning of it too.

Research conducted by Roy Morgan Research concluded that people with an overseas holiday planned are optimistic about the future. Not surprisingly, there’s a demonstrated link between optimism and health and well-being.

But it’s not just the planning; it’s how you fund your trip that has the biggest impact.

Introduction

While the move is on to become a cashless society, notes and coins are likely to be with us for some time yet. ‘Touch and go’ payments may be increasing, but for many small purchases most of us still rely on good old cash. And because it’s easier to hand over a note for each purchase than to scramble in our pockets or purses for the correct change, by the end of the week we often end up with a hefty pile of low value coins. These coins are such a pain that, according to one survey, 93% of respondents admitted to throwing away five cent pieces, with 29% even ditching ten cent pieces.

Okay, so tossing away a dollar’s worth of small change each week won’t put much of a dent in your future wealth, but at least consider dropping those coins into a donation box. Combined with thousands of other donations your spare change can make a real difference to the people that charities look after.

There are, however, other areas where we effectively throw away money, and in amounts that can really add up:

Introduction

Welcoming a new family member is exciting but with so many aspects of your life changing, when it comes to your finances some forward planning can make the transition so much easier.

Fortunately, babies allow several months to prepare for their arrival and can be easy to get caught up in the excitement. When making preparations it’s important to have all of Bub’s needs ready; but is equally important for Mum and Dad to be financially organised.

 

Introduction

When developing a budget, it’s easy to think that you have no control over costs for essential items such as electricity, particularly when every bill seems to be higher than the last. But if you look closely at your energy usage at home and make a few small changes to reduce your consumption, you will be able to use that extra cash in more enjoyable ways than paying it to an electricity provider. In addition, you are making a valuable contribution to the environment.

Introduction

If there is a good chance you will receive a tax refund this year or through being thrifty you have accumulated some extra cash in your everyday account, try to contain the temptation to splurge or celebrate; instead make it work harder for you. Here are some places you can stash extra cash that will pay off in the long run.

Introduction

Each year in early May, the Treasurer delivers the Federal Budget and many people across Australia listen intently. The Budget tells us how the government plans to spend its revenue in the coming year, whether it can afford to give us tax cuts, and whether it expects to spend more (creating a deficit) or less (creating a surplus) than it receives.

Budgets are also important on a personal level, especially when living costs are rising and uncertainty abounds. So it’s worth having a look at how you can manage your finances in the current economy.

Introduction

The days of the sole breadwinner looking after all the family finances without any involvement of their partner are long gone. With two-income families more often the norm, both parties in a relationship have a say in the financial situation and an understanding of what is going on.

Introduction

The holidays are over and you’ve had a great time. The dreaded credit card statement has arrived and you wonder how you’re going to pay it off. The happy holiday memories vanish into thin air. Unfortunately there are no magic ways to wipe out debts - it just takes discipline.