Australia is known for the hottest summers in the world. Sadly, these summers are not just bound to get even warmer, thanks to climate change – they’re projected to become twice as long as the winter season too.

This year alone, temperatures are expected to break record highs. You’ll need to make the necessary preparations to keep you and your family cool for the summer months. But with electricity costs skyrocketing, how can you stave off the heat without breaking the bank over your electric bill? ... (read more)

A growing number of Australians believe that it’s about time for people to stop feeling pressured about gift-giving. This year, they’re reducing the budget they’re allotting for presents and are opting to celebrate the Christmas season for what it’s truly about. 

You can still have a fun Christmas even if you haven’t saved a lot of money for Christmas shopping. After all, how you spend the holiday with your loved ones can be more memorable than any of the gift they might receive. ... (read more)

It used to be that people bought their phone under contract from their phone company. By signing an agreement with their telco which covered a couple of years, people secured themselves the latest iPhone and enough minutes and data to keep them going. When the contract was up, they upgraded to a new phone and the whole thing began again.

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Surviving on a low income isn’t easy in times when the cost of everything is rising faster than the average wage. Financial obligations can be frustrating and fraught with uncertainty even with proper money management, while saving money can seem almost impossible during lean times. People who want to budget and save money on a low income do have options, but creative thinking is required and diligence is essential.

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There are features unique to both financial saving and investing, and understanding their different attributes is important. Saving preserves and protects money, while also accruing compound interest, whereas investing allows money to grow within share market fluctuations. Both saving and investing are used as short and long-term strategies for financial gain.

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As the cost of living rises, more Australians are teetering close to the financial abyss. Our consumer driven society has generated tremendous financial rewards for a minority of the population at the expense of everyone else, and the gap between rich and poor is wider than ever. We can’t all be rich, but nobody enjoys being poor, and while opting out of capitalist society is a dream worth considering, it isn’t possible for people with ongoing expenses, obligations, or a family to feed.

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“Brick Oven Special Pizza” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Mike Saechang

Enjoying a delicious freshly-cooked takeaway meal at home is one of life’s simple pleasures. It’s a moment in time when you can relax and unwind with family or friends and sample some of your favourite foods without even having to lift a finger in the kitchen yourself. Unfortunately, for people who need to tighten their financial belts to save money for a house deposit or to pay off that loan, takeaways tend to be one of the first things binned from the luxuries list. That’s without even attempting to find other ways of cutting back and keeping enough cash for a couple of takeaway treats each month.

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Breathtaking landscapes and seascapes, vibrant urban life, laidback lifestyle—these are what pull people to Sydney. However, Sydney is not just the biggest city in the country, it is also the priciest. In fact, the UBS ranks Sydney as among the ten most expensive cities to live in. Basic expenses alone already cost around $2,500 for a family with one to two children. Ten years ago, a 2010 survey by the Sydney Business Chamber indicated that half of the survey respondents believe they need $100,000 or more per year to live comfortably. ... (read more)

Living a frugal lifestyle in the era of social media, where everyone flaunts what they have and where they’ve travelled to, can be quite challenging—but there’s nothing great about living paycheque to paycheque either.

If you aren’t conscious about your spending, you might end up accumulating credit card debt. It will only eat away at your limited earnings as well as the money you’ve set aside for emergencies. As a result, it can easily compromise your financial future. ... (read more)

A good timepiece is always a worthwhile investment. It’s a functional accessory that can last for more than one lifetime. Plus, there are so many stunning models that won’t break the bank. These days, watchmaking has progressed to a point that even affordable watches are quite good and built to last. At the end of the day, you need to ask yourself: Do you want a watch that is primarily a luxury item or simply a reliable accessory for keeping the time? ... (read more)